6 Days Umbwe Route
OVERVIEW
For those who only have six days to climb Kilimanjaro, the Umbwe route is an excellent choice for experienced climbers looking for a challenging ascent. Unlike other routes, the Umbwe route is known for its steep and direct approach, which rapidly exposes climbers to higher elevations. This fast ascent helps to kickstart the body’s adaptation to altitude, but it also demands that climbers be in excellent physical condition due to the significant elevation gains and losses each day.
The six-day Umbwe variation is a strenuous and demanding route. In particular, the combination of day four and day five presents a very challenging schedule. Day four involves a rigorous hike from Barranco to Barafu, followed by dinner and a short rest period. The summit attempt begins around midnight, requiring a very long and exhausting day of climbing. The six-day Umbwe route demands 19-24 hours of tough trekking at extremely high elevations, with only 4-6 hours of sleep, making it suitable only for those prepared for a physically intense adventure
- Distance: 9.6 km / 6 mi
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Elevation: 1651m/5417ft to 2944m/9659ft
- Altitude Gained: 1293m
Depart from Moshi and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After obtaining permits, begin the trek through rainforest scenery and windy trails. The trail follows a ridge between two deep valleys, ascending through dense montane forest to reach Umbwe Cave Camp, perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.
- Distance: 4.75 km / 3 mi
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Elevation: 2944m/9659ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude Gained: 1042m
After a good night’s sleep and breakfast, emerge from the rainforest onto a steep ascending path along the Umbwe ridge. Descend slightly to Barranco Camp situated in the valley. Temperatures begin to drop.
- Distance: 5.2 km / 3 mi
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
- Altitude Gained: 48m
Continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
- Distance: 3.3 km / 2 mi
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude Gained: 628m
Continue up toward Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers breathtaking views of the summit from different angles. Rest early in preparation for summit night.
- Distance Up: 4.86 km / 3 mi
- Duration Up: 5-7 hours
- Distance Down: 11.5 km / 7.1 mi
- Duration Down: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
- Elevation Up: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude Gained: 1233m
- Descent to: 3106m/10,190ft
- Altitude Lost: 2789m
Start the ascent between midnight and 2 a.m. Continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and celebrate before descending to Mweka Camp. Rest and overnight at Mweka Camp.
- Distance: 9.1 km / 5.7 mi
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
- Altitude Lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a ceremony of appreciation with your crew, descend to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. Continue to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Enjoy a hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
- Inclusions
- Exclusions
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
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- Unbeatable support
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- Inclusions
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Exclusions
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
Popular questions about 6 Days Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is known for being the shortest and steepest route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It is less crowded than other routes and is considered one of the most challenging because of its rapid altitude gain and steep trails. It is recommended for experienced climbers or those looking for a more physically demanding trek.
The 6-Day Umbwe Route is one of the most difficult routes to the summit due to its steep ascent and limited time for acclimatization. It’s not recommended for beginners or those without prior high-altitude trekking experience. The quick ascent increases the risk of altitude sickness, so it’s best suited for experienced hikers with strong physical fitness and previous trekking experience.
The Umbwe Route offers stunning and varied scenery as you ascend. It starts in the dense tropical rainforest, followed by a steep climb into the moorland zone with beautiful views of Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers. As you approach higher elevations, the landscape becomes more barren and rocky, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Due to its steep ascent and shorter acclimatization period, the Umbwe Route has a lower success rate compared to other longer routes like Lemosho or Machame. Climbers who are well-prepared and accustomed to high-altitude trekking have a higher chance of summiting successfully. The rapid altitude gain increases the risk of altitude sickness, which is the main reason for failed summit attempts.
The Umbwe Route provides less time for acclimatization compared to other routes. The steep and rapid ascent means climbers gain altitude quickly, which can increase the risk of altitude sickness. There are fewer opportunities to “climb high, sleep low,” which is a common technique used on other routes to help with acclimatization. Therefore, this route is best suited for experienced trekkers who are already acclimatized to higher altitudes.
Like other Kilimanjaro routes, the Umbwe Route has a dedicated support crew, including guides, porters, and a cook. The porters carry your gear, tents, and food, while the guides monitor your health and pace, providing assistance and advice along the way. Despite the challenging nature of the route, the support crew plays a vital role in ensuring your safety and comfort during the climb.
