Umbwe Route, 6 Days
ITINERARY DESCRIPTION
The Umbwe route is the most difficult and challenging route on Kilimanjaro. It is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach.
The Umbwe Route is ideal for those seeking a true climbing challenge. It’s a quiet, little-traveled path that can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. If you want to test yourself on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro away from the crowds found on the more popular trails, this is the route to take.
While the Umbwe route isn’t technically difficult, it does have some steep ascents and requires trekkers to scramble over rocks and tree roots at times. It is the most difficult and direct ascent of the mountain, with several exposed ridges that are not for the faint of heart. Hikers’ fitness and stamina may be put to the test along the way, so this is best suited to experienced mountain trekkers looking for a challenge.
The success rate on the Umbwe route is lower than some of the other routes due to its steep, direct approach.
Trekkers should be as fit and prepared as possible to get the most out of this climb, as it is a steady march uphill for the first few days, in contrast to some of the other routes, which make slow, steady ascents or wander up and down to aid in acclimatization.
The spectacular views more than compensate for the strenuous nature of the Umbwe Route. As trekkers make their way up the trail, there are some breathtaking vistas to be seen to the left and right.
In fact, the early days of this path have some of the best views of the mountain, with the exception of the summit itself.
Umbwe is also one of the most peaceful routes up Kilimanjaro. Few people walk this trail because of its reputation as a difficult climb, leaving it open and relatively untouched.
This gives hikers the impression that they are alone on the mountain until the route merges with the Machame route near Barranco Camp, a few days into the hike. From Barafu Camp, it follows the familiar Southern Circuit beneath the Southern Ice Field before turning up to the summit. The descent follows the Mweka Route, as it does with most Kilimanjaro climbs.
If you’re looking for the best views on the way up Mount Kilimanjaro and want to put yourself to the test in the wilderness, the Umbwe route will deliver everything you want and more. It’s the closest thing Kilimanjaro has to a true mountaineering expedition.
Umbwe is available as a 6- or 7-day group or private climb on Kilimanjaro. The seven-day variation includes an acclimatization day at Barranco Camp on day three.
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Umbwe Route, 6 Days
Itinerary by Day
Overview of the Rongai Route’s 7-Day Itinerary
Starting at Rongai Gate and ending at Marangu Gate, this hike will take you from Rongai Gate to the peak. Please see this website for a day-by-day itinerary of the Rongai Route: The Rongai Route is a seven-day journey.
The following is a six-night, seven-day plan for climbing Kilimanjaro through the Rongai route. To cut the schedule below down to six days, skip the night in the 3rd Cave and trek directly from the Mawenzi Turn Hut.
Climbing time: 6 nights/7 days
Day 1: Simba Camp – Nale Muru
The journey begins with a drive through towns and coffee farms to Nale Moru, a magnificent wooden settlement. On the mountain’s northeast flank, where you’ll meet the porters. The path begins in a densely forested area and immediately changes to a drier environment on the north side. You’ll soon be at the heather zone. Overnight in a tent at 9,300 feet altitude in the First Cave Camp (Simba Camp). Simba Camp is adjacent to First Cave and offers a spectacular view of Kenya’s plains.
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
9,300′ Overnight Altitude
Simba Camp – Second Cave, Day 2
The day begins with a tough climb up to Second Cave in the morning. The walk passes through a lengthy stretch of heathland with heather, wildflowers, and rocky pathways. Enjoy the vista of Kibo and the east-facing glaciers on the crater rim as you stroll. After lunch, you’ll leave the main track and follow a smaller road towards Mawenzi’s craggy peaks. Finally, you’ll arrive to ‘Second Cave,’ which is nestled in a secluded valley near Kikelewa Caves and surrounded by massive senecio plants.
3–4 hours of hiking
11,300′ Overnight Altitude
Day 3: Second Cave – Third Cave
This day has been set aside for acclimatization in order to increase your chances of reaching the peak and lessen the danger of altitude sickness. Spend the morning unwinding and simply taking in the scenery. It’s time to leave the camp about midday and make your way across the heath, following a small road towards Mawenzi’s craggy peaks and Third Cave.
3–4 hours of hiking
11,811′ Overnight Altitude
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Third Cave
The stage today will take you to Mawenzi Tarn Hut. After a short but hard trek up a grassy slope, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic vista. The heathland gives way to stony hills, which are covered with huge and tiny volcanic stones from a past eruption. After a few more hours on the route, you’ll arrive at your overnight destination, which is nestled in a valley between Mawenzi’s towering spires and boasts a stunning setting.
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
14,160′ Overnight Altitude
Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Huts, Day 5
Now you’ll be going across the nearly lunar scenery called as ‘The Saddle,’ which connects Mawenzi and Kibo. It’s time to get your gear and warm clothes ready for the following day’s walk to the top when you arrive at Kibo Huts, which are located at the base of the Kibo crater wall. To keep your drinking water from freezing solid, keep it in a Thermos. Then relax for the remainder of the day and go to bed early to ensure your ‘human batteries’ are completely charged for the final challenge of Kilimanjaro.
Hiking time: 6 to 8 hours
15,430′ Overnight Altitude
Day 6: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak
You’ll be roused up at midnight, and you’ll only have enough time to have a quick lunch before heading out into the night. The most difficult stretch of the climb, when the route is filled with loose stones, is considered by most to be the challenging terrain. The goal is to get to Gilman’s Point before sunrise so that you may make it to Uhuru Peak, Kibo’s highest point, just after sunrise. Before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru, you’ll stop short at Gilman’s Point to take in the breathtaking views. The final portion of the ascent has a consistent gradient.
Depending on the season, snow may be encountered on the last stretch of the trek to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro and Africa’s highest point. When you reach the summit at 5,895 meters above sea level, give yourself a pat on the back, take in the breathtaking views, and get your photo taken in front of the Uhuru Peak sign as a memento of your success.
After that, it’s time to begin the descent to Kibo Huts, which you’ll discover goes quite fast. You’ll pause for a well-deserved lunch in Kibo Huts before continuing on to Horombo Huts, where you’ll get a much-needed night’s sleep.
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
12,205′ Overnight Altitude
Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Arusha, Day 7
We make the last descent to Marangu Gate via the rain forest. Before departing Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, we’ll have lunch and say our goodbyes to our mountain team. Return to Arusha for a relaxing shower and a celebration meal.
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
1,843′ Overnight Altitude