7 DAYS UBWE ROUTE KIMANJARO CLIMBING
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the 6-day Umbwe Route is one of the more challenging and rewarding experiences for trekkers. This route is known for its steep and direct approach, which makes it more physically demanding
Details
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.
- Activities: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, then transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
- Acclimatization: Spend the day resting and preparing for the trek.
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi.
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5 to 7 hours
- Terrain: Forest
- Elevation Gain: 1,210 m
- Description: After breakfast, you will be driven to the Umbwe Gate (1,640 m), the starting point of the climb. From here, you will begin your ascent through a dense rainforest, which provides a lush and shaded environment. The route is steep, so expect a physically demanding day.
- Overnight: Umbwe Camp (2,850 m).
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Trekking Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Terrain: Montane forest, heath zone
- Elevation Gain: 1,100 m
- Description: This is a shorter but still strenuous day. You will continue the climb through the forest and begin to emerge into the moorland zone. The hike gradually becomes steeper and more challenging, but the view of the Barranco Wall (a giant cliff) will greet you as you approach Barranco Camp.
- Overnight: Barranco Camp (3,950 m).
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Terrain: Moorland, rocky
- Elevation Gain: 85 m
- Description: This day includes a climb of the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that you’ll need to scramble up, but it’s not technical climbing. Afterward, the trek continues through the Karanga Valley, where you’ll begin to gain elevation slowly. The day is a relatively short one, allowing for good acclimatization.
- Overnight: Karanga Camp (4,035 m).
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Terrain: Alpine desert
- Elevation Gain: 605 m
- Description: On this day, you’ll traverse the dry, alpine desert landscape as you ascend toward Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. The final push is challenging, with the thinning air and rocky terrain, but you’ll be treated to panoramic views. Once at Barafu Camp, you will rest and prepare for the summit attempt.
- Overnight: Barafu Camp (4,640 m).
- Distance: 13 km (8 miles) up and 12 km (7.5 miles) down
- Trekking Time: 7–9 hours to the summit, then 4–5 hours to Mweka Camp
- Terrain: Alpine desert, scree, summit crater
- Elevation Gain: 1,255 m up, 2,795 m down
- Description: The summit day begins early at midnight or 1 a.m., with a long, steep, and exhausting climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro—Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The trek takes you through a rocky and ice environment with a dramatic sunrise on the horizon. After reaching the summit, you’ll enjoy your moment of triumph before beginning the descent down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
- Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Terrain: Rainforest
- Description: On the final day of the descent, you’ll trek through lush rainforests before reaching the Mweka Gate. After signing out and receiving your summit certificates, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved celebration and rest.
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi or departure.
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