Umbwe route, 6 days

This is the most difficult and demanding of all Kilimanjaro routes. Some experience in climbing mountains is demanded.

 

Day 1: Pre-trek briefing | Umbwe Gate (1800 m / 5,900 ft) – Umbwe Caves Camp (2900 m /9, 500 ft)

 

After an early breakfast we will go through a pre-trek briefing, gear check, an overview of the route and answer any questions regarding your time in Tanzania.

 

After the briefing you will be transferred from your hotel to Umbwe Gate to begin your ascent.

 

The rough trail cuts through a dense rainforest and the 6-7 hours trek through this tropical forest leads you to the wooded campsite at Umbwe Caves.

 

Day 2: Umbwe Caves Camp – Barranco Camp (3960 m / 13,000 ft)

 

An early start this morning for a stimulating walk up the steep trail to Barranco Camp. This part of the trail takes between six and seven hours, ascending through the forest and ending on a thin ridgeline with cliffs that drop away on either side of the trail.

 

Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3990 m / 13,100 ft)

 

From the steep descent into the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley to climb up the almost vertical Barranco Wall, this section is truly an adventure. Walking for approximately four to five hours, climbers on this route are overlooked by Kibo’s shining glaciers and Mawenzi’s proud peak.

 

Day 4: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4630 m / 15,200 ft)

 

This five to six hours hike takes place on a trail which turns steadily uphill. The temperature drops and the landscape grows more barren as you approach Barafu Camp, set on an exposed ridge and acting as a base camp from which you will make your final assault on the summit around midnight.

 

Day 5: Barafu Camp – Summit (5895 m / 19,340 ft) – Mweka Camp (3108 m / 10,200 ft)

 

Starting at midnight with a hard scamble up the scree to reach Gilman’s Point just as the sun rises. We continue for 2 to 3 hours along the lip of the crater to reach Uhuru Peak (the rooftop of Africa and its highest point). Stand proudly among the sparkling glaciers and ice cliffs in the early morning light – you made it! – Enjoy your descent to Mweka Camp; a descent which you will find relatively easy (buoyed up as you are after your successful summit attempt).

 

Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (3048 m / 10,000 ft)

 

Congratulate yourself today on your great achievement! The descent to the gate takes approximately five hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at the gate, you will be rewarded with a certificate attesting your success at conquering the mountain.

 

Continue your dream trip with an amazing safari extension or head for departure. We also provide transfers to the bus station or Kilimanjaro International Airport.