6-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Umbwe Route

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park tents at Kibo_741748669

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park trail to start

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park view from Kenya

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park trail in rainforest

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park glacier and clouds

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park hiking to Kibo

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Overview

Umbwe the shortest route on Kilimanjaro, but it is also the steepest and the most direct that leads to the Southern Glaciers, Western Breach, and the summit, Uhuru Peak. On the bright side, this route happens to be the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. However, it is quite demanding, mostly because of the relatively dramatic and fast ascent to a higher altitude, but it is worth it as the rewards are plenty.

Day 01 :

Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

Morning departure from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park.

At 8am leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places. Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view.

Lunch, Dinner

Public Campsite

Day 02 :

Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps.

After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park, the driving is via Arusha city to attractive high lying farmland of Karatu and up to Ngorongoro gate, after check in you will drive more up and along the Crater rim, you may stop for some nice pictures at the crater view point. More drive around the Crater rim and down to the “Wild rich” The Serengeti National Park with its endless rolling plains.
On the way you may visit one of the Masai village whereby some Masai warrior invites you & give you a brief story of their life around this area (optional). Later they will sing and dance their famous song which involving jumping high. From there drive further with en-route game drive to Naabi Hills Gate for check in before heading to the Central Serengeti Park area called Seronera. Picnic lunch will be served at the kopjes (Rocky outcropping). Afternoon game drive in search of the Wildebeest Migration, later drive to your camp during or before the sunset for dinner & overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Public Campsite

Day 03 :

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Public Campsite

Day 04 :

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave the Karanga camp behind to reach the Mweka descending Trail’s junction. We proceed up to the Barafu Hut from here. You’ve finished the Southern Circuit, which provides views of the peak from a variety of perspectives. We may relax, eat dinner, and prepare for the summit day in camp. From this vantage point, the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo may be easily viewed.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Midrange Lodge

Day 05 :

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point. The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers. At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Public Campsite

Day 06 :

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, we trek down to the Mweka Park Gate, where you will obtain your summit certificates which marks the end of your trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It might be muddy and damp at lower levels. The use of gaiters and trekking poles will be beneficial. T-shirts and shorts will suffice (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Breakfast, Lunch

Cost Include

Porterage
Rescue fee
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities
(Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)

Cost Exclude

Climbing gear
International flights (From/to home)
Roundtrip airport transfer
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Frequently Asked Questions

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Where is Kilimanjaro?

The mountain is in Tanzania, East Africa, about 350km from the equator. The nearest towns are Moshi and Arusha.

How high is it?

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.

What kind of experience do I need?

None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.

What gear do I need?

You don’t need mountain climbing gear. You can rent most of the clothing and equipment you need in Tanzania, but bringing your own clothes, well worn-in boots and a good sleeping bag is best. You will need a small day pack with enough space for wind and rain clothes, some first aid, 3 litres of water and snacks.

Warm clothes (fleece, wind and waterproof layers), good polarised sunglasses, sunscreen and a head lamp should be included in your packing list. You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented from your trekking operator. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from us. If think you do not have the correct clothing and gear, please contact Kilimanjaro-Experience for advice.

There are no bathrooms on Kili. Warm water will be supplied in a bowl and you will be able to wash your face and hands. For the rest you will use wipes. Toilets are simple, hole-in-the-ground types. Portable showers and toilets can be rented at some cost.

How long is the hike?

The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (can be done in five), but Kilimanjaro-Experience use six days for this route.

How much will it cost?

Getting to Tanzania and hiking up Kili is not cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. Luxuries such as portable toilets and glassware will cost more. Land costs should include transport to and from Kili, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.

Where does the water come from?

From the mountain. Porters collect water from the streams and it is boiled before use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You don’t need to use purification tablets, but it is recommended. Some operators offer bottled water – at extra cost as porters have to carry this up the mountain.

Do we sleep in hotels?

No. There are no hotels on the mountain and no cable cars to the top. You will most probably sleep in tents, or in basic huts if you take the Marangu route. Tents and sleeping mats are carried and set up by the porters. You do need to bring a very warm sleeping bag or rent it from Kilimanjaro-Experience.

Do we tip the hiking crew?

Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the amount of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.

How old should I be to make it to the top?

No person younger than 10 years is allowed according to Kilimanjaro National Park authorities’ rules. If 10 or older, they may only proceed as high as Horombo Huts (3700m) or Shira Camp (3900m) if they are accompanied by one of their parents. Kilimanjaro-Experience prefers its climbers to be 14 years and older when they attempt the summit. Climbers older than 70 years are required to show a medical certificate.

The oldest person on the mountain was Richard Byerley (84) of Washington State. He trained by climbing mountains, running and cycling. His tip? ‘Just go.’ Kilimanjaro Experience’s oldest guest was 79 years and 9 months and was from the Czech Republic.

Will I make it to the top of Uhuru peak?

A good level of fitness and a positive, determined attitude will ensure success. Also, you will need good support and the right gear.

You have a 50% chance – to make it or not. Of the 40 000 visitors Kili attracts each year, between 50 and 75% turn back before reaching the summit according a report by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. The main reason for this is cold, dehydration and altitude sickness. You will increase your chances by choosing the right route, allow an extra day for acclimatising to the height, good protection against cold and good guides to help you acclimatise and pace yourself.

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