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).
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).
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.).
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.
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.).
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.
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.
Lets Jump In And Look At The Various Kilimanjaro Routes. Find The Differences And Decide The Best Routes For Summit.
 Best Kilimanjaro Routes |
 Climbing Planning |
 On The Mountain |
 Mountain Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemosho Route | Kilimanjaro Gear Rental | Kilimanjaro Weather | Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness |
| Marangu Route | Physical Training | Daily Schedule | Kilimanjaro Rescue |
| Machame Route | Medical Checkup | Trail Conditions | Mt. Kilimanjaro Map |
| Rongai Route | Visa/Passport | Food/Water | Facilities On Kilimanjaro |
| Umbwe Route | Kilimanjaro Insurance | Kilimanjaro Packing List | Success Rate And Ratings |
Ascend Tanzania LTD is a locally owned & operated Trekking and Safari Outfitter operating from Moshi, established to specialize in adventure holidays in Tanzania and East Africa.. Read More
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