Umbwe Route

The local Chagga people who farm on the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro have always revered the mountain and trekked up and down many times in search for medicine herbs and plants. In 1889, the first Europeans reached the summit with a help from the local guides and porters.
The climb is definitely a physical challenge with many risks involved, but if you are reasonably fit and aware of conditions which may occur, trekking Kilimanjaro will be an experience of your lifetime! In 1976, an 11-year-old made it to the summit, and in 1988, an 88-year-old reached the Uhuru peak!

Here are presented the standard Mt. Kilimanjaro Umbwe Treks, which cover the same route but differ in the number of days.

Umbwe Route is a route suitable for more experienced trekkers so long as they avoid rushing up, which could limit their of success. Altitude-gain on this route is quite rapid. It is a six day trek and more difficult than the Machame-Mweka Route. It is steep, strenuous and direct route to Uhuru Peak, however it is very scenic. Mud and ice can be expected at any time of the year. Descent is along the Mweka Route.

Note:
Accommodation is in tents. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is serious and proper acclimatization is vital. An extra day for acclimatization at Barranco Camp will increase your chances of successfully summiting.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1: Arusha – Umbwe Gate – Forrest Caves (13km, 4-5 hour walk, 950m/3117ft ascent)

Transfer from your hotel to the Umbwe Gate where the trek for Uhuru Peak begins, following a path through the rainforest until the Forrest Caves are reached. Picnic lunch is en route; dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 2: Forrest Caves– Barranco Camp (5km, 4-5 hour walk, 1100m/3609ft ascent)

After breakfast, the trek continues through the forest passing upper caves and glacier streams all the way up to ‘Barranco Camp’ to overnight. Picnic lunch en route; dinner and overnight in Barranco Camp.
DAY 3: Barranco Camp

OPTION: An extra day and night at Barranco Camp will help you acclimatize. Breakfast, lunch, dinner at Barranco Camp. participate in side-trips or simply relax in camp
DAY 3/4: Barranco Camp– Arrow Glacier Camp (5km, 6-7 hour walk, 1150m/3773ft ascent)

The day is spent ascending to Arrow Glacier Camp, for dinner and your overnight stop. Picnic lunch en route.
DAY 4/5: Arrow Glacier Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp (16km, 10-15 hour walk, 800m/2625ft ascent, 2200m/7218ft descent)

After midnight, the final ascent towards the highest point of Africa begins. Passing the Stella Point keep going up to Uhuru Peak (5.895m/19.340ft), where Kilimanjaro is truly conquered. After a photo shoot, descend to ‘Mweka Camp’ for overnight.
DAY 5/6: Mweka Camp– Mweka Gate – Arusha (9km, 3-4 hour walk, 1600m/5249ft descent)

The day is spent descending to ‘Mweka Gate’ where you will be met and transferred back to your overnight hotel in Arusha. Do not forget to collect your certificate if you successfully summited.

End of tour.