6 Days Umbwe Route Climbing Via Most Challenging Kilimanjaro Trail

6 Days Umbwe Route Overview

Ascend Tanzania LTD – Your Premier Local Experts in Kilimanjaro Adventures

This route is the hardest but most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. It follows a forested ridge to the moorlands, then traverses below the Southern Icefields to reach the Barafu Route which is followed to the summit. An early start is made on the summit day to reach Stella Point, on the Crater Rim at dawn. Uhuru Peak lies a further 40 min. along the rim. The Mweka Route is used for the descent. Accommodation on the mountain is in tents which our team will pitch for you.

This is a steep, tough and in places slightly exposed trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. An extra day can be added to our itinerary to explore or relax along the route, (best taken at the Barranco Hut).

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6 Days Umbwe Route Itinerary

Choose your Umbwe Route, and conquer Africa's highest peak confidently.

Distance: 11km

Umbwe Gate (1,600m/ 5,249ft) - Umbwe Cave Camp (2940m/ 9514ft)

Drive to the Umbwe Gate at 1800m. from where a forestry track leads through natural rain forest to a narrow and steep forested ridge and the first campsite by some rock overhangs at 2940m, (5-6h).

Distance: 6km

Umbwe Cave camp (2,940m/ 9,514ft) - Barranco camp (3,976m/ 13,044ft)

Continue until the forest ends and the path continues along a spectacular ridge with superb views of the icy Breach Wall above and the Great Barranco gorge below. The campsite is not far from the Barranco Hut. (5-6h, 3950m.).

Distance: 5km

Barranco Camp(3,976m/ 13,044ft) - Karanga Camp(3,995m/ 13,106ft)

Scramble easily to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over screes and ridges to the Karanga Valley camsite (3h, 3937m.), beneath the icefalls of the Southern Glaciers.

Distance: 4km

Karanga Camp (3,995m/ 13,106ft) - Barafu Camp(4,673m/ 15,331ft)

The trail ascends a ridge to a campsite by the Barafu Hut, an airy location with little vegetation (3h, 4600m.).

Distance: 17km

Barafu camp (4,673m/ 15,331ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m/ 19,341ft) – Mweka Camp(3,068m/ 10,065ft)

Start just after midnight for the ascent of the screes leading to Stella Point (6h, 5732m.). From here a further 40mins. leads to Uhuru Peak. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and brunch before continuing down to camp at Mweka Hut at 3100m, (11-13h total walking time). Those with energy on the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields.

Distance: 10km

Mweka camp (3,068m/ 10,065ft) – Mweka Gate (1,640m/ 5,380ft)

A 3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the Park Gate. This ends the trekking.

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Day 1 :

Umbwe Gate (1,600m/ 5,249ft) - Umbwe Cave Camp (2940m/ 9514ft)

Day 2 :

Umbwe Cave camp (2,940m/ 9,514ft) - Barranco camp (3,976m/ 13,044ft)

Day 3 :

Barranco Camp(3,976m/ 13,044ft) - Karanga Camp(3,995m/ 13,106ft)

Day 4 :

Karanga Camp (3,995m/ 13,106ft) - Barafu Camp(4,673m/ 15,331ft)

Day 5 :

Barafu camp (4,673m/ 15,331ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m/ 19,341ft) – Mweka Camp(3,068m/ 10,065ft)

Day 6 :

Mweka camp (3,068m/ 10,065ft) – Mweka Gate (1,640m/ 5,380ft)

What's Included

Kilimanjaro National Park Permits for the trek
Camping fee and Rescue fee
All camping gears (ex - tent, mess tent, table chairs cooking utensils, etc
High-Quality 4-inch Sleeping Mat & Pillow
Duffle bag for the trek (complimentary)
Oxygen tank for emergrncies
Oxi Miter machine
Mobile Communications (for emergency only)
Transport to/from the mountain gates to your hotel in Moshi
Drinking water (Filtered & Treated)
Chef to prepare and serve food on trek
VAT and Government taxes
Senior Guides (certified with WFR & Emergency Medicine Adult and Child CPR)
First Aid & Injury prevention kits (with guide)
Daily trek and route briefing
15% discount on any gear rental with AT Gears (the discount applies for online shopping only)
Official Summit Certificate stamped and signed by the National Park and your Guide
Ample of hot water every morning & evening during the trek for washing and cleaning purpose

Free storage for excess baggage which is not required on the trek
All 3 time meals hot cooked and served
2 nights Hotel accommodation for the pre and post trek night (At a 3 Star hotel in Moshi)
Walking poles for the trek
Airport pick up & drop off between Moshi and Kilimanjaro International Airport
Stay at Kosovo camp before the summit night (special camp)
Assistant Guides (certified with Wilderness First Responder & Emergency Medicine Adult and Child CPR)
Large & Private dining tent with Table and Chairs with backrest
Private large sleeping tents (4 Season tent big size)
Special hot water bottles for keeping your sleeping bag warm
A sleeping bag that can handle a temperature of -15°
Extra Porter to carry the luggage
Private portable toilet set (portable toilet pot, toilet tent and a porter to carry it)
Crew salaries (Recommended by KIATO & TANAPA)
Dinner Party with the crew after the completion of the trek.

What's Excluded

Tips (Gratuity) to guide and porters
Tanzania Visa
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Personal mountain gear (boots, jackets, batteries, gaiters, clothes,) available as add-on.
Special Language Guide (available for $20 per guide per day) available as add-ons in Private and Luxury trek

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Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with a local, certified guide

Camping

We provide Kailas X3 III alpine tents with vestibules

Meals

All nutritious meals while on the trek.

Transfers & Porterage

To and from the airport and everything in between

Permits

All permit fees and taxes

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by nature, join our small groups

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Why Climb with Ascend Tanzania?

At Ascend Tanzania, we’re a team of adventure enthusiasts with a deep love for everything Kilimanjaro. We believe that when it comes to a bucket-list trek like climbing Kilimanjaro, direct access to your travel operator makes all the difference. Here’s why you should choose us:

We Are Your Local Kilimanjaro Experts

With our own office, experienced team, and a fleet of top-notch safari vehicles, we control every aspect of your Kilimanjaro adventure. From start to finish, we ensure a seamless and memorable journey.

Private and Personalized Climbs

Our customized Kilimanjaro climbs let you explore at your own pace, with a personal guide and private team. Experience the mountain in the style and flexibility you desire.

World-Class Guides & Porters

Our lead guides have a lot of experience across all Kilimanjaro routes. All are certified as Wilderness First Responders. They are a great company to climb Kilimanjaro with.

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