The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization.
Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also low. 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.
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.
What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Umbwe Route?
Data for the Umbwe route is lacking. We estimate that the success rate of the 6 day Umbwe route is approximately 50%. The 7 day Umbwe route has a success rate of about 90%.
Best time to visit: June – October—December, January, February, March
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Vicmos tours & safari guide will be there waiting for you to pick you up then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.
Preparation for your climb: You will meet your guide on this day of arrival at 05;00 PM. /17;00 hrs. for your mountain climb briefing, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.
Dinner & Overnight; Lindrin Lodge /Maridadi hotel/Salinero Hotel/ something similar (as per final booking accommodation allocation)
Activities : Trekking
Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
Meals: Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation; Camp
The day begins with a 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and 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.
Activities : Trekking
Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation; Camp
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.
Activities : Trekking
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation; Camping
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to 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.
Activities : Trekking
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation; Camp
We leave Karanga and hit 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.
Activities : Trekking
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation; Camp
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.
Activities : Trekking
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp
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. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Activities : Trekking
Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or Zanzibar. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!
Activities : Trekking
| No of pax | Age Limit | Price per pax (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Above 12 years | $ 2757 / Adult( With Tax ) |
* 20% Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
The VICMOS Tours & Safaris Limited is a trusted Tanzanian tour operator specializing in customized safaris, mountain expeditions, beach escapes, and unique travel experiences across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and beyond. With operational hubs in Kilima Know more..
Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey - Kovalam - Kanyakumari
8 Days / 7 Nights
South India Package- Kerala for 7 nights/8days Tour
Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Kovalam - Alleppey - Kochi
8 Days / 7 Nights
11 Days 10 Nights Ultimate Kilimanjaro & Safari Adventure
Ngorongoro - Moshi - Arusha
11 Days / 10 Nights
