Tour Overview
The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain. Umbwe is not as scenically varied as Machame, Lemosho and Shira, because the path up and down are nearby.
The Umbwe is ideal for those who want a challenging climb, and are very confident in their ability trek over consistently steep slopes. Also, Umbwe is for those who are experienced at altitude and thus are confident that the punishing schedule of Umbwe will not impede their ability to adjust to altitude. Umbwe is also for those who want a secluded hike.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,400m/4,600ft) to Umbwe Cave Camp (3,000m/9,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,600 metres / 5,200 feet
Your head guide will meet you for the drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate where you will need to register for your climb. After entry formalities are complete begin climbing the winding trail through the forest, looking out for Colobus monkeys as you go! The ascent is steady through this magnificent dense rain forest. Trekking time is approximately 5-6 hours.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp (3,000m/9,800ft) to Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft)
Elevation Gain: 850 metres / 2,850 feet
Soon after leaving camp the forest begins to thin as you climb the narrow ridge with deep valleys either side. The terrain becomes rockier and the surrounding trees are draped with ‘goat’s beard’ moss. You may even have occasional glimpses of Kibo, the imposing summit cone of Kilimanjaro. Closer to camp the trail begins to flatten out finally descending into Barranco Camp where you will spend the night. Trekking time is approximately 4-5 hours.
Day 3: Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,600ft) to Karranga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) via the Barranco Wall (4,200m/13,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 350 metres / 1,150 feet
Elevation Loss: 250 metres / 820 feet
After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and begin our climb up the Barranco Wall. This is an impressive scramble where you will be rewarded with fantastic views back towards camp. The porters climbing the wall are also an impressive sight. From the top, at 4,200m, you will follow an undulating path around the mountain side. On a clear day there are spectacular views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right. After descending into the Karranga Valley your climb takes you up a short steep path to Karranga Camp. Walking time approximately 3-4 hours.
Day 4: Karranga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 650 metres / 2,150 feet
Today you will spend the morning climbing steadily on to Barafu, which is Swahili for ice! This camp is located on the ridge below the summit cone. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. This walk will take around 3 hours meaning that you will arrive at Barafu in time to spend the afternoon resting and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for the summit climb. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,300ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 metres / 4,200 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,785 metres / 9,100 feet
In the early hours of the morning you will begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru Peak. This part of the climb takes approximately 6-8 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day and therefore you will want clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve had enough of climbing in the dark the sun will rise and you will be rewarded with a rich red sky framing Mawenzi. At Stella Point (5,750m) you join the crater rim. From here, climb gently to Uhuru Peak which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit the descent will take you straight down to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way. This part of the descent takes about 6 hours. Later in the evening enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,280 metres / 4,220 feet
Descend straight to the gate through lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. Return to Moshi from Mweka Village.
Prices Include:
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, head guide, assistant guides, cook, & porters salaries, all food, drinking water, tents, transport to/from park entry gate.
Additional Costs:
* Hiring of clothing, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, walking poles etc.
* Tipping to your guides, cook and porters. The standard recommendation for this is USD$20 per day to the head guide, $12 per day to the assistant guide, $12 per day to the cook and $5 per day per porter. These costs are split between everyone doing the climb.