The Umbwe route on Kilimanjaro – a detailed day-by-day description
The Umbwe is the shortest, steepest and hardest Kilimanjaro route. It's not ideal for most trekkers, as it doesn't give your body much time to acclimatise to the increased elevation. We explain the pros and cons of the Umbwe route.
Umbwe route at a glance
The Umbwe route is for those who are seasoned high-altitude trekkers and want a very challenging Kilimanjaro climb.
Detailed route description
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
Elevation: 1,600 m to 2,900 m Distance: 11 km / 7 miles Hiking time: 6-7 hours Habitat: Forest
Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 2,940 m to 3,976 m Distance: 6 km / 4 miles Hiking time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,976 m to 3,995 m Distance: 5 km / 3 miles Hiking time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3,995 m to 4,673 m Distance: 4 km / 2 miles Hiking time: 3 hours Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Part 1 | Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 4,673 m to 5,895 m Distance: 5 km / 3 miles Hiking time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic
Part 2 | Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 5,895 m to 3,068 m Distance: 12 km / 7 miles Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,068 m to 1,640 m Distance: 10 km / 6 miles Hiking time: 3 hours Habitat: Rainforest
Our opinion of the Umbwe
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