Umbwe Route

Tour Type

Trip

Kilimanjaro National Park

UMBWE ROUTE

There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mweka route.

Umbwe Route on Mount Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Umbwe Route

This route is the steepest with the shortest and most direct routes to the Southern Glaciers, Western Breach and Uhuru Peak. It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. However it is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude, but the rewards are plentiful. Very steep route best suited to experienced trekkers

Details

Umbwe Route Detailed Description

This route is a lot more direct, steep, and short, approaching the summit from the southern side of the Mountain. The route’s trail turns Eastwards towards Barranco Camp and crosses underneath Mount Kilimanjaro’s Ice Field to the South at Barranco Camp on a path known as the Southern Circuit before reaching your last camp, Barafu, from where you will summit. Coming down the Mountain, the trail takes a different approach, using the Mweka Route for the descent. At Tranquil Kilimanjaro, we offer the Umbwe Route package with two options: the 6-day Umbwe Route and the 7-day Umbwe Route climbing packages. The 7-day Umbwe route itinerary has an extra acclimatisation day on the third day to Barranco Camp. In the past, the Umbwe Route used to hold the title of being the shortest, most direct, and steepest route for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, up until the opening of the Western Breach Route. Difficulty rating: Extremely challenging Height: The distance covered between the beginning of the Umbwe route to Uhuru peak is approximately 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) Duration: The recommended number of days for climbing Kilimanjaro using the Umbwe route is 6 or 7 days, giving you an extra day or so for acclimatisation. Using 5 days is also possible, but not recommended as it excludes the acclimatisation day. Trail conditions: The trail begins well but progresses into a steep slope, whereby sometimes you will have to use trees and roots as support to haul yourself forward as you hike on rocky ground. Going up higher to the alpine zone of Kilimanjaro, you will encounter strong winds carrying elements along.

Where is the Umbwe route located?

The Umbwe route is located on the foot slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, to the South. It is an easily accessible trail that could easily be the most difficult trail on the mountain that begins at the South of Mount Kilimanjaro that leads its way up to the Southern Ice field and finally using Barafu as its summit starting point. Summiting using the Umbwe route, the trail avoids the Crater Camp. The Umbwe route ascends vertically taking a northerly direction to Barranco Wall where it joins in with Mount Kilimanjaro’s Shira, Lemosho, and Machame routes.

Elevation: 1651m/5417ft to 2944m/9659ft

Altitude gained: 1293m Departing from Moshi driving to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys up through the dense montane forest. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.

Elevation: 2944m/9659ft to 3986m/13,077ft Altitude gained: 1042m After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast we emerge from the rain forest and continue on a steep ascending path, along the Umbwe ridge as it descends slightly to Barranco camp situated in the valley. Temperatures begin to drop

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft Altitude gained: 48m After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft Altitude gained: 628m We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft Altitude gain: 1233m Descent to 3106m/10,190ft Altitude lost: 2789m Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft Altitude lost: 1473m After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!