The Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route

The Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route

The Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route

The Umbwe method is the most difficult, straight, and steep method to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also the most difficult route to reach Uhuru Peak.

The Umbwe path is arguably the most picturesque and easy route on Kilimanjaro, as it approaches the summit from the south. The relatively quick ascent to higher altitude makes the journey rather strenuous, but there are plenty of rewards.

The difficult Western Breach and Arrow’s Glacier paths were traditionally used to reach the summit; however, the Western Breach approach was closed in 2006 after a catastrophic rockfall that claimed the lives of three hikers. Although the route reopened in December 2007, it is not typically available as a choice because of its difficulties.

Rather, on the evening of the second day, the Umbwe Route now connects with the Machame Route, ascending via the Mweka Route and tracing the southern circle to the summit.

The Umbwe Route has little traffic for the first two days, but it picks up as soon as the hikers arrive at Barranco Camp and join the Machame climbers. There are occasions when the Umbwe Route is available for 5, 6, or 7 days. The five-day Umbwe Route has poor success rates and no days for acclimatization, so it is not advised.

An extra day of acclimatization at Burranco Camp separates the six- and seven-day Umbwe Routes.

Kilimanjaro’s Umbwe Route itinerary

This plan is for a 6-day trekking trip along the Umbwe Route.

Day 1: From Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850 meters) to Umbwe Gate (1,600 meters)

Approximately 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles)

Time spent trekking: 5-7 hours

Zone: Forested

The majority of trekkers are taken up from Moshi or Arusha and driven to the Machame Gate, where registration is held, as the Umbwe Route starts in the south.

The walk begins at the 1,600-meter Umbwe Gate, from where hikers are transported. Porters and a guide accompany the trekkers on this journey. The path traverses the rainforest on a forestry track before gaining elevation between the Lonzo and Umbwe Rivers. You will be able to see the Kibo in the distance if the weather is clear.

At 2,850 meters, 10.5 kilometers (6 miles) from your starting point, Umbwe Cave Camp is situated amid enormous evergreen trees and dense undergrowth, with Umbwe Cave just a short walk away. Day 1 hiking takes about 5-7 hours to reach.

You will arrive at your tents, which will be set up ahead of time, have dinner in your meal tent, and spend the night there.

Day 2: Barranco Camp (3,900 meters) to Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850 meters)

Approximately 6.5 kilometers (3.5 miles)

Length of trek: 4-6 hours

Zone: Alpine lowland

On Day 2, the route follows the steep Umbwe Route Ridge until it starts to flatten at the Barranco Valley. The scenery quickly shifts from rainforest to moorland, with rocky outcrops and little flora.

Kibo can be seen in the distance from the valley where the 3,900-meter-high Barranco Camp is situated, shaded by the Great Burraco Wall. Since you will be joining hikers from the Machame, Lemosho, and Shira Routes from here, you will see that the camp is rather crowded.

Day 3: Travel from 3,900-meter-high Barranco Camp to 3,960-meter-high Karanga Camp

Distance: 3.5 miles (6 km)

Length of trek: 4-6 hours

Zone: High-altitude / Low-altitude

The third day begins with a strenuous ascent up the 257-meter Burranco wall; little technical expertise is needed, but you will have to struggle up using all four limbs to reach the summit.

From here, take an up-and-down trek via the Karanga Valley and up to Karanga Camp (3,960 meters) along the Southern Circuit.

Unless you are traveling a five-day itinerary, in which case you will continue to Barafu Camp (4,670 meters), you will spend the night at Karanga Camp.

Day 4:  Travel from 3,960-meter-high Karanga Camp to 4,670-meter-high Barafu Camp

Distance: two miles, or 3.5 km

Time spent trekking: 4–5 hours

Zone: High-mountain region

Day 4 involves a relatively short ascent from Karanga Camp to 4,670-meter Baraful Camp. The path passes through an area of high alpine desert that is stony and has little vegetation. The Barafu Camp is heavily exposed to the weather, particularly the strong gusts that are typical for this height.

When you get to the camp, which will be around lunchtime, you will have plenty of time to relax or, if you feel like it, climb a little bit higher.

By this point in the hike, most people have lost their appetite, but it’s still necessary to try to eat something. Also, schedule aside an hour to make sure your equipment is packed and ready for the summit ascent, which starts at around midnight. Remember to include extra batteries for your camera and torch, and make sure your water bottles are well-insulated (a spare pair of warm socks works great for this). Aim to get to bed by 19:00 as well, as you’ll need to wake up at 23:30 to start your summit attempt.

Day5: Start at 4,670 meters at Barafu Camp, ascend to 5,895 meters to Uhuru Peak, and end at 3,100 meters at Mweka Camp

About 4.5 km (3 miles) of elevation gain followed by an 11 km (7 miles) fall

Trekking time: 6–8 hours to reach the top, followed by 5–8 hours to reach Mweka

Zone: The glacial zone and every zone that came before it

Get up early and start your journey up Kibo’s steeply paved slopes with hot tea and biscuits. The ascent to the crater rim is a strenuous one. Your ability to think and act clearly will be put to the test, so keep moving forward, one step at a time, with your goal in mind. You will arrive to Stella Point (5,739 meters) near the top of the crater rim around daybreak.

This is a significant milestone rather than a summit, so celebrate your accomplishment and take a moment to relax. However, avoid lying down, since this can hinder your last push to the top. The terrain flattens out from Stella Point, and walking to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) takes an extra one to two hours. You won’t be able to stay at the top for very long because of the severe cold and oxygen shortage.

After making sure you have all the photos and videos you desire, return to Stella Point. A lot of hikers choose to abseil down Kibo’s slopes to Barafu Camo, where they may stop for a little rest before moving on to Mweka Camp. Use your hiking poles, please, as the 5-8 hour descent from the mountain to Mweka Camo can be quite taxing and unpleasant for your knees.

Day 6: Travel from 3,100-meter-high Mweka Camp to 1,640-meter-high Mweka Gate

9 kilometers or 6 miles

3 to 5 hours for trekking

Zone: Forested

You should be feeling hungry again by the morning of the sixth day, at which point you can eat your final meal above the mountain before descending through the dense vegetation on the lower slopes. As you descend to Mweka Gate, take it gradually and carefully. Your knees can be really uncomfortable.

When you get to the gate, you’ll get your summit certificate and sign out with the officials. You will now receive your summit certificate and be taken back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha after giving the porters and guides a gratuity.



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