6 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari – The Umbwe route is short, steep and direct, earning a reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. So it is definitely ideal for those who want a challenging climb, and are very confident in their ability trek over consistently steep slopes. It is also the most spectacular route as you will see all the climate zones of Kilimanajaro.
Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Camp
- Day 2: Umbwe Camp – Barranco Camp
- Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
- Day 4: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
- Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
- Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Camp
Your driver / guide will pick you from your hotel in Arusha / Moshi after breakfast and drive you to Machame gate for briefing and completing the necessary formalities including registration. From Umbwe gate with enough water and a packed lunch, you will begin your ascent into the rainforest, ascending sharply on a path which winds up in the dense forest, narrowing and steepening as you climb the ridge between 2 deep valleys.
Halfway the trek, you will stop for lunch and a very short break after which you will continue reaching Umbwe Camp in the late afternoon. Just settle in and relax. The camp is perched betwwen thick undergrowth and huge trees, so expect a very cold night. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 2: Umbwe Camp – Barranco Camp
Wake up early, have your breakfast and start your trek to Barranco Camp. Today’s trail gets steeper as you exit the forest into the moorland. With spectacular views as you gain more altitude. From Umbwe ridge, the route flattens and then descends to the Barranco Camp. You will notice that this camp is quit crowded as other hikers from the Machame and Lemosho routes also camp here. Settle in have your lunch and enjoy the views with the Barranco wall just beside you. Sleep early to get enough rest. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
After an early morning breakfast, you will embark on your first task on today, climbing the Barranco wall which will take you about an hour or more. No technical experience is needed, but you have to use all fours to climb smoothly and go slow (we recommend you leave the camp early to avoid the crowding from other groups and set your own pace).
On reaching the top of the wall, you will have a short break, enjoy the view and take some photos. From here onwards, your hike is going to be characterized with numerous ascents and descents on your way to Karanga Valley with a sharp descent. One more ascent and you are at Karanga camp. Have a hot lunch and rest for the rest of the day. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 4: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Breakfast at Karanga camp and after breakfast turn left up the ridge and the route ascends towards Barafu “ice” Camp. Prepare for a really cold night at this camp. Since you will be attempting your final ascent to the summit tonight, you will have an early dinner and get to bed early for ample rest. Prepare your equipment, hiking poles and thermal clothing for your final summit attempt. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Early wakeup call between 2300 hrs and 00:00 hrs for the start of the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. You will have a hot cup of tea and some biscuits / snacks, gear up and start the trek. 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 (5,756 m). Reaching this point is a great accomplishment but the once in a lifetime opportunity is reaching Uhuru peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft.).
After a short break at Stella Point, you will continue your hike to the summit making it in an hour’s time or more. Time spent at the summit greatly depends on the current weather conditions. Take a little rest, memorable pictures and prepare to descend to Mweka Camp with a stop at Barafu camp for lunch and some rest. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
After a fresh hot breakfast, you will continue your descent to Mweka Gate. Here you will register and then receive your summit certificates from. Those of you who were able to only make it to Stella point will also get a certificate. That too is a great accomplishment. After a hot lunch, your driver will drive you back to your hotel in Arusha / Moshi for well-deserved showers and a good night sleep. Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.
