Itinerary for 6 days Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe route
Day 1:Umbwe gate-Umbwe camp
We will register at Umbwe Park Gate before starting our trek. The small winding path leads us up through the rainforest and along the Umbwe River. The first night’s camp is at Umbwe Cave Camp, at about 2,900m altitude.
Elevation (m): 1600m to 2900m, Distance: 11km, Time: 6 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.
Day 2: Umbwe camp-Barranco camp
After departing from our camp, we soon leave the lush forests behind. As we continue our ascent, the magnificent sight of the Western Breach's towering wall comes into view, sometimes concealed by the mist that rolls up the Great Barranco. We will spend the night at Barranco Camp, nestled in this awe-inspiring setting.
Elevation (m): 2940m to 3970m, Distance: 6km, Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.
Day 3:Barranco-Karanga camp
The adventure starts with a climb up the Great Barranco Wall, a massive rock formation offering stunning views. reaching the top brings a rewarding feeling. After conquering the wall, we cross the challenging scree slopes to reach the beautiful Karanga Valley, with its rolling hills and scenic vegetation. Further into the valley, we encounter the magnificent icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glacier. We will stay overnight at Karanga campsite.
Elevation (m): 3950m to 3930m, Distance: 7 km, Hiking Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Day 4: Karanga camp-Barafu camp
We leave the Karanga campsite behind to meet the junction connecting with the Mweka descent Trail. From here we continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have now completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. At camp, we can rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Elevation (m): 3930m to 4600m, Distance: 6kms, Hiking Time: 3 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Day 5:Barafu camp-summit-Mweka hut
We start our trek to the summit between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. We will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point (5732m), we will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). At Uhuru Peak (5895m), we will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. From the summit, we descend to the Mweka Hut camp site, via Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles will be needed for the loose gravel going down to Mweka Camp (3100m). Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 6:Mweka camp-Moshi
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we begin our descent towards the Mweka Park Gate, where we will receive our well-deserved summit certificates. As we make our way to lower elevations, it's important to be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions. Gaiters and trekking poles can be useful in navigating these terrains.