7 Days Umbwe Route

Day 1:Umbwe gate (1640m) – Cave Camp (2930m)

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours 8km

Habitat: Montana Forest

The majority of the hike on this first day is through the Montane Forest. Lush vegetation with very old trees and lilts of ferns and mosses mark this as an area that gets reliable rain year round. The forest abounds with wildlife; small bushbuck & duikers as well as monkeys. There is also rich and varied bird life. The first three hours or so is on gently rising land before steepening for the last two hours. The camp for the night is in a small clearing on the trail.

Day 2:Umbwe cave Camp (2930m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

Hiking Time: 6 hours 6km

Habitat: Montane forest, heather & moorland

Shortly after starting the hike the forest gradually gives away to the giant heath. The trail has been following a ridge for some time and as it ascends through the heath land the ridge narrows and sharpens, finally becoming knife edge with steep drops on each side. As the height of the heath reduces there are stunning views of both Kilimanjaro’s southern flank and across the Mount Meru some 50 miles away. Wildlife changes with the vegetation, jackals may be heard barking and the huge Lammergeyer seen circling overhead. The camp is overlooking the Barranco Valley with views up towards Arrow Glacier.

Day 3:Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (4035m)

Hiking Time: 3-5 hours 6km

Habitat: heather, alpine Desert

On the eastern side of the valley, across the stream is the Barranco Wall - a 950 ft. barrier of volcanic rock. Although it is tall and looks steep, it is very easy to climb. This is our first challenge of the day. The views from the wall are nothing less than magnificent. The rest of the day is spent skirting the base of Kibo peak over our left shoulder. We descend down into the Karanga Valley, where we rest up for the night before the tough climb up to Barafu hut.

Day 4:Karanga Camp (3960m) - Barafu Camp (4650m)

Distance: 3-4 hours 4km

Habitat: Alpine desert

From Karanga the tour heads up a moraine ridge taking your time and going slowly. The views here can be spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that zigzag their way down the mountain. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it's taken very slowly. As with the day before you reach camp by around lunch time leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent.

Day 5:Barafu Camp(4650m) - Summit (5895m) - Mweka camp (3080m)

Hiking time13-15 hours – 19km

Habitat: Aline desert, snow, heather & moorland

at midnight you will be awaken by your Guide and after a snack and hot tea, you will begin the final stretch to Uhuru peak where we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwestern direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point 5685m, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting) From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for branch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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 6:Mweka Camp (3080) - Mweka gate (1680m)

Hiking Time: 4 hours 10km

Habitat: montane forest

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Trek down to the gate where you will be met by our driver and be driven to your hotel.

Day 7:

Departure