Ubwe Trekk Route
Tour Overview
Ubwe Trekk Route
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.
The route can be climbed as a six or seven day private climb. The seven day variation adds an acclimatization day on day three at Barranco Camp.
Arrival & Briefing
If you have requested for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in a pre-trek briefing, check your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
6 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE ITINERARY
The day begins with a 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed and then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate commence the climb through the rain forest with packed lunch on route.
- Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
- Distance: 11km/7mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, Leave the glades of the forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorland to Barranco Camp.
- Elevation: 2850m/9350ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking Time: 34 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), start hike to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast descend down to the Mweka Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
Umbwe Route – Best Time to Go
The Umbwe Route is the steepest and most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro, so choosing the right season is especially important for safety and success.
Best Time: June to October (Highly Recommended)
- Dry and stable weather
- Better trail conditions on steep sections
- Clear views and safer summit push
- Cooler temperatures at higher altitudes
Best for:Experienced trekkers seeking a serious challenge
Good Time: January to March
- Generally dry with warmer daytime temperatures
- Fewer climbers on the route
- Possible snow near the summit
Best for:Strong, experienced hikers who prefer quieter trails
Inclusions
- Transfers to and from the gate
- Experienced, mountain guides
- Sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Camping / Hut fees (where required)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Park fees
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Hut fees
- Rescue fees
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Exclusions
- Tanzania Visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional)
- Transfers (available as an optional)
- Personal equipment list for Mount Kilimanjaro. Trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for renting)
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Drinks
Umbwe Trekk Route
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