Description

Possibly the most challenging of the Kilimanjaro routes, Umbwe takes a short and very direct route up the mountain. For this reason it is advised to only attempt this route if you are a very fit and experienced trekker. Steep forest paths give way to heath and moorland and higher up become rocky making the going more demanding as you ascend. You approach to the summit via Barafu Camp and Stella Point and then descend via the Mweka route.

Highlights

• Shortest but most challenging route
• Crossing Barranco Valley and climbing up Barranco Wall
• Sunrise at Stella Point looking up to Uhuru Peak
• Summiting Africa’s highest peak

Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive at your hotel in Moshi in time for an early evening pre-climb briefing on the trek. After dinner make final preparations before getting a comfortable night’s rest.

DAY 2
Transfer to the Umbwe gate at the Kilimanjaro National Park for the start of the trek. The first section of the climb takes you through the lush forest, along a narrow ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe riverse. The first night is spent at Bivouac No 1 Camp which is at an altitude of 2800m. The day’s hike takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.

DAY 3
Leaving the forest the path continues to ascend up the ridge, passing through heather and open moorland to reach Barranco Camp at 3950m. The day’s hikes takes 3 to 4 hours.

DAY 4
Crossing the floor of the Great Barranco Valley, continue up the steep climb up Barranco Wall and on to the Karanga river which is the last high altitude water point on this route. After a short rest hike through two shallow valleys before a steep climb over rocky slabs to reach Barafu Campsite at 4600m. The spectacular views are a just reward after 8 to 9 hours of hard hiking.

DAY 5
A very early start for the summit - Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa lies at an altitude of 5896m. The ascent takes 6 to 7 hours, reaching Stella Point at sunrise and continuing on to Uhuru Peak just after dawn. Descend retracing your steps back to Barafu Campsite and then hike down the steep path to Mweka Campsite located at 3000m on the edge of the forest. The descent takes 5 to 7 hours. Overnight Mweka Camp

DAY 6
The last day takes you on a steep path through the forest to the park gate at Mweka Wildlife College. If it’s been raining the path can be very muddy but normally takes 3 to 4 hours to hike down. At the gate you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Moshi where you will stay overnight.

DAY 7
The tour ends after breakfast.