Skip to content Umbwe the shortest route on Kilimanjaro, but it is also the steepest and the most direct that leads to the Southern Glaciers, Western Breach, and the summit, Uhuru Peak. On the bright side, this route happens to be the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. However, it is quite demanding, mostly because of the relatively dramatic and fast ascent to a higher altitude, but it is worth it as the rewards are plenty.
At 8am leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places. Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view.
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meal Plan: Lunch & dinner
The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps.
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meal Plan: All meals included
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meal Plan: All meals included
We leave the Karanga camp behind to reach the Mweka descending Trail’s junction. We proceed up to the Barafu Hut from here. You’ve finished the Southern Circuit, which provides views of the peak from a variety of perspectives. We may relax, eat dinner, and prepare for the summit day in camp. From this vantage point, the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo may be easily viewed.
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast & lunch
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point. The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers. At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meal Plan: All meals included
After breakfast, we trek down to the Mweka Park Gate, where you will obtain your summit certificates which marks the end of your trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It might be muddy and damp at lower levels. The use of gaiters and trekking poles will be beneficial. T-shirts and shorts will suffice (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy)
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meal Plan: Breakfast & lunch
