Umbwe route
Kilimanjaro Climb: The Umbwe-Mweka Route has a reputation for being the shortest, fastest, least crowded, but most challenging route on Mt. Kilimanjaro. The quick gain in elevation of this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatisation. It basically minimises the chances of a summit-reach success rate. It is therefore a reserve for the strongest hikers who have confidence in their ability to acclimatise quickly to altitude.
Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep, and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro‘s Southern Ice Field. The path is known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. The descent is made via the Mweka route. The route takes a minimum of six days to complete, although seven days is recommended. The descent is down through Mweka, on the southeast side of the mountain. Umbwe is not as scenically varied as Machame, Lemosho, and Shira because the accent route and descent route are close by.
Expectations
The Umbwe route is incredibly beautiful in the lush rainforest as you make your way towards the Umbwe Caves. Giant tree ferns flourish underneath massive tropical trees covered with Oldman’s Beard (Usnea lichen). There are pretty flowers, including a variety of lilies and hibiscus. Colobus and blue monkeys may often be seen jumping between tree branches. The forest has an abundance of birdlife in the trees above. The Umbwe route is challenging. Though the shortest in distance of the available routes on Kilimanjaro, it is the steepest and ascends.
After a steep ascent on the first two days, the trail leads you up to a picturesque alpine desert. The harsh terrain ensures that only the toughest of plants survive. From here, the summit beckons. Permanently iced, she tempts you to reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak. A magnificent feeling.
Day 1: Nairobi – Moshi
We pick you up from your hotel to join a shuttle to Moshi via Namanga and Arusha. Lunch will be served en route, reaching Moshi town at 16:00hrs. Check-in at our hotel for overnight accommodation. We will thereafter gather at 6:00 p.m. for a pre-climb briefing. An equipment check and confirmation of your appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Day 2: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave, 3,000m (6–8 hours walking)
The ascension begins from Umbwe Gate (1,800 m) The way follows an edge between two profound valleys up through the thick montane woodland. Umbwe Camp is roosted between enormous trees and thick undergrowth. There is no water accessible at this campground, so we should convey from the door all the water required for drinking, food preparation, and cleaning.
Day 3: Umbwe Cave to Barranco, 3,950m (4-6 hours walking)
The way gets more extreme on this part, as you exit the forest along the Umbwe edge, the trail slides marginally to the Barranco camp in the valley.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, 4,000m (4-5 hours walking)
A precarious move up the eastern wall leads us just underneath the Heim Glacier. We may have some dynamite perspectives on Kilimanjaro. At that point, take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which isolates us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. The path proceeds down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. At last, we have a precarious climb up to Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, 4,600m (3–4 hours walking)
A steep climb out of Karanga, and a simple way on compacted scree with wide views through this dry and empty landscape to Barafu Camp. The peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi can be seen from Barafu Camp as a hot lunch is served. The rest of the day is spent resting as we plan for the last final ascent push to the peak later in the night.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (13–15 hours walking)
Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We start a steep climb over loose volcanic scree that has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace that will take us to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. We will rest there for a couple of minutes to appreciate the dawn over Mawenzi.
The individuals who are as yet feeling great can proceed gradually to make the two-hour full circle from here along the cavity edge to the principal top (Uhuru 5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, we descend to Barafu, which is amazingly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshments. We continue to descend to reach Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Descent – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha (3-5 hours walking)
A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch, we drive back to Moshi town overnight.
Day 8: Departure day
After an early breakfast, we board the shuttle to Nairobi. We have the option to join other safari extensions.
Mountains have their own climate on account of their height. Rain clouds can appear without warning and be gone hours later. An early morning frost is possible at any time of the year, and guests should bring a fleece and light rain jacket, although, during the heat of the day, shorts and T-shirts should suffice.
Sleeping bag: one rated for four (4) seasons is fine. The bag should be a snug fit since if it is too large, there will be more cool air for the body to warm
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- Rain Trouser
- Rain Jacket [Poncho]
- Balaclava [Hat Woollen]
- Warm Clothes down jacket
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece Jacket
- Hiking Boots
- Gloves
- Walking Sticks
- Head Torch
- Sunglasses
- First Aid box
- Ruck Suck 65L (duffel bags are unacceptable) to be carried by porters
- Day Pack 35 [For your personal effects]
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- Optional comfort accessories;
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Walking poles, hot water bottle, Bivy bag
Wet wipes; ideal for those who want to stay fresh but are unable to bear dips in the freezing mountain weather
4: Passport/Identification Card {ID}
5: Personal travel/ medical insurance
Options are, of course, many and varied, and in many cases, we can be flexible about the itinerary for accommodation facilities and the extension of the safari destinations.
