The 6-day Umbwe route is a challenging and adventurous option for climbers seeking a more direct and steep ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its steep trails and rugged terrain, the Umbwe route is recommended for experienced trekkers with excellent physical fitness and prior high-altitude hiking experience. With a success rate of around 70-75%, the Umbwe route requires determination and perseverance. It is the shortest route on Kilimanjaro, which means less time for acclimatization. However, for those who are adequately prepared, the route offers a thrilling and rewarding adventure.
When you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Lauwo Adventure staff will be there to welcome you and accompany you throughout your entire Kilimanjaro experience. Your guide will assist you with settling in and provide you with a brief orientation, before driving you to your accommodation for the first night in Kilimanjaro. As a top-ranked Kilimanjaro tour company, we are committed to providing you with exceptional adventure from the moment you arrive.
After breakfast, Lauwo Adventures team introduces the crew and drives to Umbwe Park Gate (4100ft) for registration process before starting the hike to the first camp, Umbwe Cave camp. The hike passes through lush Montana Forest with wildlife, small bushbucks, and duikers. Spend the night in a small clearing on the trail.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Max Altitude: 1600 m
Vegatation: Forest
Meals: Full board
Distance: 11 km
The hike continues through giant heath, gradually narrowing and sharpening into a knife-edge with stunning views of both Kilimanjaro’s southern flank and across Mount Meru. The day ends at Barranco Camp where clients rest up for the night.
Hiking time: 5 hours
Max Altitude: 2940m
Vegatation: Forest
Meals: Full board
Distance: 7 km
Descending from the top of Barranco wall, experience the thrill of climbing the ridges of the wall steadily and gradually as you descend into the last water point at Karanga Valley. Barranco wall offers a mountain climbing experience for beginners due to its scramble nature which allows climbers with limited or no rock-climbing experience to use all limbs to successfully climb the wall to Karanga valley. From the valley, enjoy a bird’s eye view of Moshi town at the foot of the mountain. Get well rested, acclimatize with a perfect view of Kibo peak at Karanga camp.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Max Altitude: 4035m
Vegatation: Moorland
Meals: Full board
Distance: 5 km
After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo/s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent Mweka route with the Machame trail.When we reach to Barafu base camp, start our ascent by torchlight about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic screen has some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (18,800 ft), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the one-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft). We spend few minutes at the summit for photos and then we begin the descent down to the base camp.
Hiking time: 7 hours
Max Altitude: 5895m
Vegatation: Alpine Desert
Meals: Full board
Distance: 4 km
Passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area, the descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshments, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite, Mweka Camp. We recommend clients to head down to Mweka camp for quicker recovery from the high altitude.
Hiking time: 4 hours
Max Altitude: 4600m
Meals: Full board
Distance: 11 km
The last day on the descending route will expose you to thick canopy forests characterized by thick undergrowth. The route winds down to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Mweka where our climb of Mount Kilimanjaro ends. This is followed by farewells as we transfer you back to your accommodation in Moshi Kilimanjaro.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Vegatation: Forest
Meals: Half board
Distance: 11 km
One can opt for a holiday safari at the white sandy beaches in Zanzibar, local project visits, cultural tours, cycling day tours or an exclusive safari trip.