UMBWE ROUTE

The Spectacular route to the top of Kilimanjaro

This route is the hardest but most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. It follows a forested ridge to the moor. Lands, and then traverses below the Southern Ice fields to reach the Barafu Route which is followed to the summit. An early start is made on the summit day to reach Stella Point from base camp at Barafu camp 4600Mt and lead you up, on the Crater Rim at dawn. Uhuru Peak lies a further 45 min. along the rim.

Itinerary

Day 1

The day starts by taking a drive to Umbwe Gate at (1,600 m / 5,249 ft). Here a forestry track leads through the natural rain forest to a narrow and steep forested ridge and the first campsite by some rock overhangs (2,940 m / 9,646 ft) for dinner and overnight stay. Elevation: 2,940 m Hiking Distance: 11 Km Hiking Time: 5 – 6 Hrs

Day 2

After breakfast, we will follow the trail to where the forest ends. Here it continues along a spectacular ridge with superb views of the icy Breach Wall above and the Great Barranco gorge below. The campsite for dinner and overnight stay is not far from the Barranco Campsite (3,976 m / 13,044 ft). Elevation: 3,976 m Hiking Distance: 6 Km Hiking Time: 5 – 6 Hrs

Day 3

After breakfast, we will follow a track that involves an easy scramble to the top of the Great Barranco wall. This will bring us to 4200 m at the top of the Barraco wall and then a traverse over screens and ridges to the Karanga Valley campsite (3,937 m / 13,106 ft) beneath the icefalls of the Southern Glaciers for dinner and overnight. Elevation: 3,937 m Hiking Distance: 5 Km Hiking Time: 3 Hrs.

Day 4

The trail for the day ascends a ridge to a campsite by the Barafu Campsite (BASE CAMP); an airy location with little vegetation (4,600 m / 15,331 ft). This is a relatively short climb but by no means easy. Elevation: 4,600 m Hiking Distance: 4 Km Hiking Time: 2 – 3 Hrs

Day 5

Just after midnight, we will start for the ascent of the screens leading to Stella Point (5,739 m). From here a further 45 minutes hike leads us to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft). Elevation: 5,895 m Hiking Distance: 10 Km Hiking Time: 6 – 7 Hrs After a short time at the peak taking photos and enjoying the views, we will descend to the Barafu Camp for a rest and breakfast before continuing down to camp at Mweka Hut (3,100 m / 10,065 ft) (11-12h total walking time). Those with energy on the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic ice pinnacles of the Eastern Ice fields. Elevation: 3,100 m Hiking Distance: 12 Km Hiking Time: 6 – 7 Hrs

Day 6

This is by far the easiest day as it is downhill and the oxygen supply increases as you go down. We will reach Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,380 ft) at about 11:00 am and complete signing out. We will then meet your driver for the transfer to your accommodation in Moshi or Arusha. Hiking Distance: 10 Km Hiking Time: 3 – 4 Hrs.

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