6 Days Umbwe Route
The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also low. Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route – one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude.
Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Our 6 days Umbwe Trekking Route includes information such as transportation details, accommodations, and activities for each day. We want to ensure that our clients are able to make the most of their time in this particular destination.
A staff member will greet you at the Kilimanjaro International airport and escort you to your designated lodge, nestled in Kilimanjaro region.
Begin Trek to Umbwe Caves Camp
After lunch at the trailhead, you'll begin your climb. Hike steep trails through lush rainforest on your way to your first mountain camp.
Overnight: Umbwe Caves Camp
Hours trekking: 6-7
Umbwe Caves to Barranco Camp
Trek past waterfalls and giant groundsel trees into the Great Barranco Valley. On clear nights, you may be able to glimpse Uhuru Peak from your camp.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Hours trekking: 6-7
Barranco to Karanga Camp
A steep rock scramble up the Barranco Wall brings you to the rolling ridges of Karanga Valley. Kilimanjaro's famous glaciers loom in the distance.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Hours trekking: 4-5
Karanga to Barafu Camp
Hike at a steady incline over barren, rocky landscapes reminiscent of the surface of the moon.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Hours trekking: 3-4
Barafu to Summit / Mweka Millennium Camp
Wake before midnight to begin your challenging summit bid. Stop on the way to watch the sun rise over Mawenzi. Take time to celebrate your achievement and capture some memorable summit photos before descending to tonight's camp.
Overnight: Mweka Millennium Camp
Hours trekking: 8-10
Complete Trek / Return back home
Hike back through dense rainforest to Mweka Gate where you'll enjoy a farewell lunch with your group. Enjoy a hot shower and rest in a day room in Moshi before your evening flight home.
Overnight: Designated hotel
Hours trekking: 4-6
Travel information provides essential details to help you make informed decisions and enhance your overall travel experience. We have prepared some important travel information including weather, documentation and recommendations to allow you to navigate our destinations with confidence and ease.
It is of course impossible to predict exact weather conditions, and mountains are notorious for creating their own, localized conditions. The highland areas of East Africa, including Northern Tanzania where Kilimanjaro and the parks of Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara are located, have a pleasant, temperate climate throughout the year. There is a long rainy season in April/May and a second, shorter rainy period in November/early December. Temperatures vary greatly with altitude. At the foot of Kilimanjaro it’s usually approximately 25- 28⁰C, dropping to 15⁰C at night. At 3000m, daytime temperatures can be around 15⁰C. Above 4000m, the night-time temperatures will fall below freezing and it is usually no more than 10⁰C in the day.
It is recommended that you do not photograph Tanzanians without their express permission. However, you will find that many people enjoy having their pictures taken especially if they can see the instant results of a digital image. If individuals do refuse to be photographed, please respect this decision
In some cities and towns in Tanzania, expensive-looking clothing, jewelry and electronics could put you at an unnecessary risk for robbery or worse. Individuals with electronic equipment such as laptops, cameras, and music players are asked to use them discreetly.
Tipping is not a common practice in Tanzania, with exception of the tourism industry. It is customary for visitors climbing Kilimanjaro or going on Safari to tip the guides and crew. This is discretionary and should depend on the level of service you received and be a mirror of your satisfaction of the professionalism of the team.
We strongly feel this should not depend on whether or not you reached the top. Whilst discretionary, many of our guests ask us for a guideline so we suggest the following percentages:
Kilimanjaro Expeditions: 10-15% of total sum shared across the crew
Safaris: 5-7% of total sum shared across the crew
Local Excursions: 10% of total sum shared across the crew
Though Tanzania is a rather tolerant country, people tend to dress rather conservatively and it is a sign of respect that you dress the same. Women should never dress in what the local people might interpret as a provocative fashion. We recommend that skirts or shorts at or below the knees or long pants should be worn at all times. Spaghetti strap tops, halter tops, or tank tops are not worn by local women very often, but are definitely seen more now than they used to be. Tight fitting or revealing clothing should be avoided – mainly to avoid stares from local men rather than any other reason.
Men can wear shorts or trousers, although you will find the local men rarely wear shorts. It is also advisable that men avoid wearing sleeveless shirts. It can be rainy between November – April, so we’d suggest bringing a raincoat and a sweatshirt. At other times of the year, light cotton clothing is best for the heat, though you should be prepared and pack a light sweater just in case.
We recommend that you make 3 photocopies of each of the below documents; you should scan them and email them to yourself as well.
We recommend that you make 3 photocopies of each of the above documents; you should scan them and email them to yourself as well. On your journey to Africa, you should keep one copy in your backpack, one in your day-bag and give one set to your parents or a friend back home (in case you need to contact them in case of an emergency). To be extra safe you should also bring with you photocopies of the following:
It is strongly recommended you secure travelers insurance for your upcoming trip and if climbing Kilimanjaro with us, be sure to include this additional coverage. The nearest hospitals of western standards for severe and life-threatening emergencies are located in Nairobi. For a minimal fee we can arrange Emergency Air Evacuation coverage to be transferred via helicopter to accredited facilities. Medical evacuations often cost tens of thousands of US Dollars
There are many options for this, including AMREF Flying Doctors, Air Med, Medjet Assistance, International SOS, Patriot Travel Medical Insurance and Foreignsure. Before your trip, we recommend that you consult with an insurance provider about these and other options to decide what is best for you.
As a developing country, health care costs are considered fairly low for local and basic services, and International travelers usually have to pay cash for any required medical care during travel. Few places will bill your home health insurance direction. And many health insurances plans do not cover medical care outside of your home country
We believe travel is so much more than just getting from one point to another.
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