Explore Kilimanjaro Trek 2022-2023 via Umbwe route for 6 days itinerary with Kenya Natural Tours. Umbwe hiking route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast gain in elevation to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also low. Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route - one that should only be attempted by strong and experienced hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude. On this route, approaching from the South direction, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco campsite, 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 from summit is made via the Mweka route.
• Rising (ft): 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
• Stretch: 11 km
• Hiking time: 5-7 hours
• Climatic habitat: Rain Forest
Immediately afterarriving at the Umbwe Gate, hiker(s) and the team complete the registration paperwork and prepare the hiking expedition gear and equipment. The trek beings up a gradual inclining 4WD path, which ends with a sign marked “Umbwe Trail.” From here we ascend through a dense forest on a steep and sometimes muddy path until we reach Umbwe campsite for resting.
• Rising (ft): 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
• Stretch: 6 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Climatic habitat: Heath
The trek begins steep as we ascend higher into the heath zone. Here landscape changes rapidly to sparse vegetation, rocky outcrops and giant heathers. The trail leads up a narrow ridge then flattens as it nears Barranco Valley, which offers great views of Moshi and Kibo Peak. Once at camping ground, there will be some extra time to explore the area in depth.
• Rising (ft): 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Stretch: 5 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Climatic habitat: Alpine Desert
Our first challenge is a climb and struggle over the volcanic rock of the 1,200 ft Barranco Wall. On reaching the top, we have a well-earned lunch break and enjoy fantastic views of Barafu and Mount Meru. We continue across the ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley camping ground. This is a short day hike meant for allowing acclimatization.
• Rising (ft): 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Stretch: 4 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Climatic habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, hiker(s) and the whole team leave Karanga camping ground and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to Barafu Hut. At this point, we have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two summits of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks are visible from this site.
• Rising (ft): 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Stretch: 17 km
• Hiking time: 11-14 hours
• Climatic habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (at midnight), hiker(s) and the team put on many layers of clothing and begin the climb to the summit. We head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the Mount Kilimanjaro hiking trip. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), we stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you areand have ever likely seen and witnessed. From Stella Point, hiker(s) have just one more hour before reaching the peak. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the roof of Africa!!! Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camping ground, stopping at Barafu camping ground for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
• Descend (ft): 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Stretch: 10 km
• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Climatic habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast we continue the descent down towards Mweka Park Gate for hiker(s) to receive their 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) Kenya Natural Tours vehicle will be waiting for hiker(s) at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.
During the climb you will be staying in special camps and huts!
During the climb you will be staying in special camps and huts!