Overview
The Umbwe Route is renowned for its steep and direct ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro. While it offers breathtaking scenery and a sense of adventure, it is considered more challenging due to its rapid elevation gain. This itinerary allows for proper acclimatization to help mitigate altitude sickness.
Day 01 :
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
- Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,640 m to 2,850 m
- Highlights: Begin your journey at the Umbwe Gate, passing through dense rainforest filled with vibrant flora and potential wildlife sightings. The trail is steep and provides a sense of immersion in the natural surroundings as you hike towards Umbwe Camp.
Day 02 :
Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours
- Elevation Gain: 2,850 m to 3,960 m
- Highlights: This day features a challenging climb as you ascend to Barranco Camp. The trail offers stunning views of the towering Kibo peak and leads you through unique moorland ecosystems. You will encounter the famous Barranco Wall, which you will tackle the next day.
Day 03 :
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 3,960 m to 4,035 m
- Highlights: After breakfast, climb the Barranco Wall, a rewarding ascent with breathtaking panoramic views. Once at the top, enjoy the flatter terrain leading to Karanga Camp, where you can rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 4,035 m to 4,700 m
- Highlights: Trek to Base Camp, the last stop before the summit. This day allows you to rest and prepare for the upcoming summit attempt. The surrounding landscape transforms into a rocky terrain, signaling your proximity to the Kibo crater.
- Distance: 22 km (13.6 miles) round trip
- Duration: 12 to 15 hours
- Elevation Gain: 4,700 m to 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
- Highlights: Begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak early in the morning, typically around midnight. This challenging hike will take you through the final push to the summit. After celebrating at the peak, begin your descent back to Horombo Hut for an overnight stay.
Day 06 :
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours
- Elevation Loss: 3,700 m to 1,800 m
- Highlights: Trek back through lush rainforest to reach the Marangu Gate. Celebrate your successful climb with a summit certificate and reflect on your incredible journey up Mount Kilimanjaro.
Additional Information
- Accommodations: The Umbwe Route offers camping accommodations, with tents set up at each campsite.
- Essential Gear: Proper trekking gear is essential, including warm clothing, good hiking boots, a quality sleeping bag, and trekking poles.
- Guided Trek: It is mandatory to have a licensed guide and support staff for your trek.
- Altitude Awareness: Acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness; ensure you stay hydrated and listen to your body throughout the climb.
