Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro: A Comprehensive Guide
Kilimanjaro’s Umbwe Route is steep, short, and direct, presenting a formidable challenge on the journey to Uhuru Peak.
Initially, it took climbers up the Kilimanjaro Western Breach route, but after a tragic rock-fall incident in 2006, it was temporarily closed. Today, the Umbwe merges with the Machame Route on the second day, following the southern circuit to the summit and descending via the Mweka gate.
Here are some important points to know before climbing Kilimanjaro on this route.
Facts About the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is the shortest to Uhuru Peak, covering approximately 53 kilometres. The shorter distance, however, means a quicker ascent, potentially leading to issues with acclimatisation for some hikers.
Compared to other routes, the Umbwe Route is less crowded and one of the quieter routes. But, this is probably due to its reputation as the most challenging trail up the mountain.
This route is particularly suited for those with prior high-altitude trekking experience. It usually popular with trekkers who are confident in their abilities and wish to push their limits.
Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Map
Note that Skyhook doesn’t offer a trek on the Umbwe Route. But here’s an overview of what a typical itinerary looks like:
Day 1 - Umbwe Gate - Umbwe Cave Camp (2,900m)
You begin your journey at the Umbwe Gate, where you complete park formalities and meet the rest of your trekking team.
The trail ascends steeply through the rainforest, offering glimpses of Kilimanjaro's diverse flora and fauna. By the end of the day, you'll have covered a distance of 11 km and hiked for 5-7 hours.
The first Kilimanjaro camp is at Umbwe Cave, nestled amid the lush forest.
Day 2 - Umbwe Cave Camp - Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Today's trek takes you through the heather and moorland zone.
You continue ascending steeply until reaching the Barranco Camp, which offers fantastic views of the Kilimanjaro Barranco Wall, a significant challenge for the following day.
The hike covers a distance of 6 km and takes between 5-7 hours to complete.
Day 3 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995m)
You start the day by tackling the Barranco Wall, a challenging climb that requires some scrambling.
After conquering the wall, you descend into the Karanga Valley and ascend to the Karanga Camp.
It's a shorter day of trekking to help with acclimatisation. Today's hike takes 4-5 hours, covering a distance of 5 km.
Day 4 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
The trail leads you through rocky terrain as you reach Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt.
The landscape becomes even more barren as you reach higher altitudes. You’ll have some free time here to rest and prepare for the upcoming summit bid.
Over the day, you hike for 4-5 hours, covering a distance of 4 kilometres.
Get the genuine experience
Day 5 - Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and then to Mweka Camp ( Ascend to 5,895m, Descend to 3,100m)
You begin your Kilimanjaro summit night at midnight to reach the summit around sunrise. The trail is steep and challenging, and you need to persevere through the high altitude and cold temperatures.
Once you reach Uhuru Peak, savour the incredible view from the top of Kilimanjaro, and take a moment to acknowledge your accomplishment.
Before long, you descend to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest. The summit day trek covers an ascent distance of 5km to Uhuru Peak and a descent distance of 12 km to Mweka Camp.
It’s a long day of hiking for nearly 14 hours by the time you reach Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 6 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
The final day involves a descent through the lush rainforest zone, where you witness the gradual return of Kilimanjaro's rich vegetation.
You cover a distance of 10 km, hiking for 3-4 hours. After arriving at Mweka Gate, you'll complete the necessary paperwork and receive your hiking certificates.
From there, it's back to Moshi to your accommodation.
How Hard is Kilimanjaro’s Umbwe Route?
The Umbwe Route on Kilimanjaro is considered one of the most challenging routes due to its steep and direct ascent, rapid altitude gain, and technical difficulties.
Here's a breakdown of the factors that make the Umbwe Route a demanding option:
Steep and direct ascent: You have to contend with long, arduous climbs right from the beginning, which can be physically demanding. This route only provides a few opportunities for gradual acclimatisation.
Rapid altitude gain: The Umbwe Route rapidly gains altitude, which can increase the risk of altitude-related illnesses like acute mountain sickness (AMS). You need to be physically prepared and acclimatise adequately to reduce the chances of altitude sickness.
Technical difficulty: The Umbwe route has sections that require climbing over rocks and navigating challenging terrain. Ensure you have some prior hiking or trekking experience, especially at high altitudes.
Limited camping facilities: The campsites on the Umbwe Route are relatively basic, offering fewer amenities than those on some other routes.
Weather variability: Weather conditions on Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable, and the Umbwe route, with its rapid ascent, may expose you to a broader range of climatic conditions.
Fewer acclimatisation opportunities: Due to its direct nature, this route offers fewer acclimatisation days, which is crucial for adapting to the high altitude.
Key Landmarks on the Umbwe Route
While it is known for its challenging terrain, the route also provides breathtaking scenery. Here are some views and landmarks you can expect to encounter on this route:
Lush Rainforest
The Umbwe Route begins with a dense rainforest that is teeming with life. Here, you can spot various plants and animals on Kilimanjaro, including Colobus monkeys and numerous bird species.
Barranco Wall
On the route, you encounter the Barranco Wall, a prominent and challenging section of the trail.
It's not only a physical obstacle but also a landmark - a critical point on the trail that requires some scrambling. That said, it’s not technically difficult, and anyone can tackle this wall - it’s just a matter of taking it slow and being careful. It's worth every effort - the “Breakfast Wall,” as it’s sometimes dubbed, also offers exhilarating views.
Karanga Valley
As you descend from the Barranco Wall, you enter the scenic Karanga Valley. This lush, high-altitude valley offers a stark contrast to the barren, rocky landscapes higher up the mountain.
Lava Tower
The Lava Tower is a prominent volcanic formation you'll pass on the trail to Barafu Camp. This distinctive landmark offers a unique visual reference point and is often used as an acclimatisation stop for trekkers.
