Umbwe Route – 8 Days
Able to hike 10 km / 6.2 miles at a time
Level 4 of 6 - Slightly hard
Trek ends: Mweka Gate
5.895 m / 19.341 ft
max. 12 people
Kilmanjaro Airport or Hotel in Moshi
- Physical condition required:
- Power required:
- Experience given:
- Charisma of the environment:
Tour description
The Umbwe route is a short, steep, and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low.
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.
DAY 1
Arrival and Airport Kilimanjaro Pickup – Moshi
- Elevation: 950 m / 3.120 ft
- Distance: 42.2 km / 26.2 miles
- Drive Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Habitat: Town / Municipality / County
You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to Moshi, where you will check in into one of the best hotels in the region.
After lunch you will sort your trekking equipment to avoid any inconvenience. Dinner and breakfast at the hotel.
DAY 2
Moshi – Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Camp
- Elevation: 950 m / 3.120 ft – 1.600 m / 5.249 ft – 2.900 m / 9.514 ft
- Driving: 25 km / 16 miles (1 hour drive)
- Hike Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
- Trekking Time: 5 – 7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
The day begins with a 50-minute drive to Machame Gate where registration and introductions will be completed. We then transfer through villages of coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.
DAY 3
Umbwe Camp – Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 2.900 m / 9.514 ft – 3.976 m / 13.044 ft
- Distance: 6 km / 3.72 miles
- Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.
DAY 4
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3.976 m / 13.044 ft – 3.995 m / 13.106 ft
- Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine at the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
DAY 5
Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 3.995 m / 13.106 ft – 4.673 m / 15.331 ft
- Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
- Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and come to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
DAY 6
Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4.673 m / 15.331 ft – 5.895 m / 19.341 ft – 3.068 m / 10.065 ft
- Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
- Trekking Time: 10 – 12 hours
- Habitat: Arctic and Rainforest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18.900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 7
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
- Elevation: 3.068 m / 10.065 ft – 1.640 m / 5.380 ft – 950 m / 3.120 ft
- Hike Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Trekking Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Drive Time: 25 km / 16 miles (1 hour drive)
- Habitat: Rainforest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
DAY 8
Exiting Moshi hotel to Mt Kilimanjaro Airport or for further safari
- Elevation: 950 m / 3.120 ft
- Distance: 42.2 km / 26.2 miles
- Drive Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Habitat: Town / Municipality / County
Check and make sure as you leave the hotel that everything is in good condition and intact. Get ready to go back home or embark on an unforgettable safari experience with us.
Important Details
Gear list
Check list below to reduce chances of inconveniences.
Bags
- 65-75 litre rucksack (for a porter to carry your main gear) with cover
- 35-45 litre day sack (for you to carry each day)
- Dry bags of different sizes for clothes, sleeping bag, etc.
Shell
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Waterproof gaiters
- Umbrella (optional)
Warmth
- Warm jacket – could be fleece or down jacket, potentially ski jacket. Make sure you can put the waterproof shell jacket over the top.
- 2 or 3 fleece tops or hiking shirts/sweatshirts
- 2 or 3 base layers or T-shirts
- Pair of trekking trousers and shorts
- Leggings, thermal bottoms or running tights
- Several sets of underwear – avoid cotton. Sports bras and cycling shorts are good.
Extremities
- Warm hat and a buff or scarf
- Sun hat
- Warm gloves or mittens, and thin liner gloves are also useful
Feet
- Several pairs of good quality trekking socks
- Waterproof trekking boots
- Trainers or flip flops/sandals
Sleeping
- 3-4 season sleeping bag (comfort -5°C or lower)
- Sleeping bag liner cotton/fleece/silk (optional)
- Stuff sack for sleeping bag
- Thick foam mat or self-inflating mat (like a Therm-A-Rest)
Personal
- Sunglasses
- Trekking poles
- Some favourite snack bars
- Headlamp
- Power bank for charging phones, etc.
- Wash kit – no showers on the mountain but you can have a bucket wash
- Papers – passport, money, insurance
- 2 water bottles
- Flask for hot drinks – useful on summit night
- Earplugs
- Wet wipes, tissues
- Anti-bacterial hand gel
First AID suggestions
- Paracetamol – temperature, colds
- Painkiller – headaches, very good for altitude related symptoms
- Antiseptic wipes and a few bandages and tape, antiseptic cream
- Blister bandages
- Oral rehydration sachets
- Sunblock and lipbalm
- Knee/Ankle support
- Personal Medications eg anti-malaria tablets, inhalers, antihistamine
- January through mid-March
- Mid-June through October
- December
- look at our Tour Calender
Request Form
Send us your desired travel dates and we will contact you as soon as possible. We will then send you more information and exact arrival and departure times for this route.
Umbwe Route - 8 Days
Included
Full organization of Mohakin Travel from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Airport pick-up and drop-off
All transfers, excursions and sightseeing according to the program
Full board during the trekking tour / climbing tour / safari
Boiled water, black tea, coffee and powdered milk for the ascents
Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead
Accommodation in mountain tents (2-man tent, 4-season tent, mess tent, kitchen tent, chairs and tables)
Sleeping mat
Support team (certified guides, porters, and cooks)
All park and camp fees for the tour
Guides, cook and porters and their payment
experienced english speaking kenyan guide
Preparatory talk on the phone (WhatsApp)
Not included
Airfare to and from Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda
Visa
Tips for the support team
Sleeping bags and other personal gear
Rental gear
Lunch and dinner at the hotel
Single-occupancy fee in hotel
Drinks and snacks
You must have your own personal insurance - also in the case of emergency, we can organize an airlift
from 1 to max. 12 Persons
Umbwe Route – 8 Days
Hotel overnight stay
- Book one or more days befor or after the trekking tour
Terms and Conditions
Reservations: A deposit of 35% is required at the time of booking and the balance at least before the tour begins or full payment/part payment before treks or safaris arranged on short notice. Special payment arrangements can be made directly with the office.
Cancellation: Any monies paid will be refunded less 35% of the cost and any cost levied by hotels or any additional food expenses. Rates: Includes all expenses in respect of vehicles or drives as per itinerary/general information. Also includes meals on safari and entrance fees to National parks/game reserves.
Transportation: Cars, minibuses, 4WD’s, coaches or trucks will be provided according to the route and number of clients. The right is reserved to employ the services of sub-contractors as appropriate. English-speaking drivers/guides are provided.
Accommodation: When possible, rooms with a private shower are provided. Single rooms are available at an additional cost but cannot be guaranteed. Hotels/lodges are named as an indication of category and rooms may be reserved at similar hotels and lodges. Accommodation is specific to client’s request of budget class, middle class or luxury class, depending on availability.
Alteration to Tours/Treks: We reserve the right to alter arrangement or cancel the operation of scheduled trek/safari should the circumstance necessitate. We also reserve the right to decline or accept or retain any person as a member of any tour at any time, in which case an equitable amount will be refunded. Prices are based on tariffs and other costs prevailing at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice, but a full explanation will be given.
Liability: We do not accepts responsibility for personal injury, accident, loss while clients are on treks/safari. We advise all clients to take out additional insurance cover. Mohakin Travel acts only as agents when employing the use of sub contractors and acts as only agents of the passenger/client in all matters relating to Hotel/Lodge Accommodation, tours, transport, etc. and shall not be liable for injury, delay, loss or damage in any manner. The company’s liability to passengers carried in its own vehicle is governed by the laws of the country in which the tour takes place and no other country. All claims are subject to jurisdiction of the courts of the country in which the action a rise. The company reserves the rights to employ sub-contractors for all parts and services.
NOTE: All expeditions involve an element of personal risk and times can be hazardous nature, Expedition members must accept this risk. We are not liable for any loss, damage, Injury, expense, delay or inconvenience caused to your baggage as a result, whether directly or indirectly, or any matter or whatever nature which is outside our control. All participants are advised to take out an insurance policy to cover personal accidents and medical expenses. We can arrange this at low cost. The guide reserves the right to withdraw participants from treks, safari due to inclement weather, irresponsible behaviors, poor health or any other sound reason the guide gives.
Quality Guarantee
Mohakin Travel clients can expect the following guarantees to ensure proper service:
- Your guide will introduce himself and your driver, and cover the laid out tour/safari itinerary in advance.
- We will double-check that all gear and supplies are prepared for your custom tour/safari.
- During the tour/safari, we will ensure that your needs are met and you are well cared for.
- We will address any issues that arise out of our control, to give our clients the smoothest and most enjoyable adventure possible.
- We will ensure the drivers/sub-contractors are on time and presentable.
- We will give information about surrounding areas and points of interest.
- Each day, we will set time aside to let our clients know what is happening for that day.
- At the end of your tour/safari, we will ask for your feedback to ensure the quality of our service.
Health and Safety
Mountains in the world can sometimes be dangerous and hazardous – especially in high altitude.
It is therefore important to:
1. Be well equipped.
2. Let your expedition leader know your health history.
3. Have a good communication system.
4. Have a good basic first aid kit and know how to use it.
5. Be able to identify mountain illnesses.
HOW TO RECOGNISE ALTITUDE RELATED ILLNESS
At high altitudes the amount of oxygen decreases dramatically. This can result in medical urgency that must be a concern to every hiker.
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
Signs include: Headache, nausea, fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite and difficulty in sleeping.
Treatment
Slow down, stay in camps, drink water and rest while the body adjusts to the altitude. If symptoms persist after 48 hours, descend.
HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Aedema)
Symptoms include: Shortened breath during exercise progressing to shortened breath while resting, a dry cough deteriorating to a frothy sputum, audible gurgling (rales) from the chest area, increased heart and breathing rate.
Treatment
Descend immediately and seek medical attention. Descending is the treatment. It can progress quickly to a point where the patient cannot walk. It doesn’t improve with rest at the same altitude.
HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Aedema)
Symptoms include:- AMS that progress to severe headaches, loss of coordination, slurred speech, irrational behaviour, coma and death.
Treatment
Descend immediately, Hace can quickly progress to lethal stage.
Prevention of AMS, HAPE and HACE
Allow 2 nights at 10.000ft or at higher altitude at around 14,000ft. Before proceeding higher, increase fluid intake to 4-6 liters per day. Avoid extreme physical exertion and eat a light diet rich in carbohydrates. Take symptoms seriously. Rest and acclimatize if AMS is suspected. Report to ranger’s rescue station and descend immediately if HAPE or HACE is suspected.
However, it is important to drink plenty of water slowly to allow your body to get used to the altitude.