Umbwe Route on Kilimanjaro
Overview of the Umbwe route
The Umbwe Route is considered one of the most stunning trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. This camping route begins in the lush rainforest, ascending through Umbwe Cave (3,000m) and continuing to Barranco Camp (3,950m). From there, it follows the Kibo circuit to Barafu Camp (4,600m) in the alpine desert, unless you choose to summit via the Western Breach.
Known for its steep and direct path, the Umbwe Route is best suited for experienced trekkers who enjoy a demanding climb. With Again Expeditions, this route offers a rewarding combination of scenic forest trails and a challenging yet memorable approach to the summit.
Lemosho Route Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi-Umbwe gate- Umbwe cave
After breakfast drive to the Umbwe gate (1800). There after start the ascend through the heavy rain forest to Umbwe cave for about six to seven hours. Dinner and overnight at Umbwe cave (3000m). Distance covered is 11km and altitude gained is 1200m, The hike is steep but short walk.
Day 2: Umbwe cave- Baranco camp
After breakfast, begin your ascent toward Barranco Camp (3,950m) with your packed lunch. The trail becomes steeper as you climb along ridges and valleys, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s dramatic landscapes. The route passes through lush moorland, showcasing unique vegetation and panoramic scenery that make this part of the trek especially rewarding. Though the hike is challenging, the beauty of the surrounding terrain makes every step worthwhile. Upon arrival at Barranco Camp, you’ll enjoy a warm dinner and rest overnight while taking in the magnificent views of the mountain. The total distance covered is approximately 6 kilometers, with an altitude gain of 950 meters.
Day 3: Baranco camp-karanga camp
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Day 4: Karanga camp-Barafu camp
After breakfast around 8:30 AM, continue the trek toward Barafu Camp (4,600m), a 3–4 hour hike offering spectacular alpine desert scenery. Upon arrival, enjoy a hot lunch, rest, and an early dinner, preparing for the summit attempt. After a short sleep, wake around 11:00 PM, pack your gear, and have hot drinks and snacks before beginning the nighttime ascent to Uhuru Peak. The climb to the summit takes approximately 6–7 hours. The total distance covered for the day is 4.86 km, with an altitude gain of 1,295 meters, making this a challenging yet unforgettable section of the trek.
Day 5: Barafu camp-Uhuru peak-Mweka camp
In the early morning, begin your hike from Barafu Camp toward the summit, passing Stella Point (5,750m) and reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend back to Barafu Camp for rest and a hearty lunch. Following your recovery, continue the descent to Mweka Camp for dinner and an overnight stay. The climb from Barafu to Uhuru takes approximately 6 hours, while the return to Barafu takes about 3 hours. The final descent to Mweka completes the day, covering a total distance of 11.5 km and a cumulative altitude loss of 2,795 meters.
Day 6: Mweka camp- Mweka gate
After breakfast, begin the final descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,700m). The trail passes through lush rainforest and takes approximately 2–3 hours. The distance covered is 9.1 km, with a total altitude loss of 1,400 meters. At the gate, you will meet your vehicle arranged by the office for transfer back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a refreshing shower, a hearty lunch, and some well-deserved rest. This marks the successful completion of your Kilimanjaro climb, concluding an unforgettable adventure with stunning landscapes and a rewarding summit experience.