Kilimanjaro UMBWE Route

Service Description

Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1650m) to Umbwe Cave Camp (2850m) Distance: Approximately 11 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Elevation Gain: +1200m Details: The hike begins at Umbwe Gate with a steep ascent through a dense rainforest. The trail is narrow and winding, making it one of the more challenging starts compared to other routes. You camp at Umbwe Cave Camp. Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp (2850m) to Barranco Camp (3950m) Distance: Approximately 6 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Elevation Gain: +1100m Details: The trail continues steeply through the forest before entering the heath and moorland zone. The landscape becomes more open with views of the summit and the surrounding valleys. You reach Barranco Camp, known for its scenic beauty and the imposing Barranco Wall. Day 3: Barranco Camp (3950m) to Karanga Camp (3995m) Distance: Approximately 5 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Elevation Gain: +45m Details: The day begins with the climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable rock scramble. After the wall, the trail has several ascents and descents through the Karanga Valley, leading to Karanga Camp. This day is shorter to aid acclimatization. Day 4: Karanga Camp (3995m) to Barafu Camp (4673m) Distance: Approximately 4 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Elevation Gain: +678m Details: The trail to Barafu Camp crosses an alpine desert with little vegetation. The landscape is stark and rugged. You arrive at Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt, and spend the afternoon resting and preparing. Day 5: Barafu Camp (4673m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) and descent to Mweka Camp (3100m) Distance: Approximately 17 km (6 km ascent and 11 km descent) Hiking Time: 10-14 hours Elevation Gain: +1222m (ascent), -2795m (descent) Details: The summit attempt begins around midnight. The trail is steep and challenging, passing through Stella Point (5739m) before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the peak, you descend back to Barafu Camp for a rest and then continue down to Mweka Camp. Day 6: Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1630m) Distance: Approximately 10 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Elevation Loss: -1470m Details: The final descent takes you through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. At the gate, you will receive your certificate of achievement. The trail offers a scenic and rewarding end to your journey.