Umbwe Route

Route Overview

The Umbwe route is the most demanding route on Kilimanjaro due to the direct approach. This less climbed route begins at Umbwe Gate and ascends the Western side of the mountain until it reaches Barranco Camp. From there it joins the Southern Circuit and the summit ascent is via the Barafu Hut route. Descent is via the Mweka route. This is the most physically demanding of all the routes and should be attempted in no less than 6 days.

mbwe Route Map

Route Summary

Day	Morning Camp	Evening Camp	Altimeter (ft)	Distance (m)	Time (h)
Day 1	Umbwe Gate	Umbwe Camp	5,249 – 9,514	7	5 – 7
Day 2	Umbwe Camp	Barranco Camp	9,514 – 13,044	4	4 – 5
Day 3	Barranco Camp	Karanga Camp	13,044 – 13,106	3	4 – 5
Day 4	Karanga Camp	Barafu Camp	13,106 – 15,331	2	4 – 5
Day 5	Barafu Camp	Uhuru Peak	15,331 – 19,340	3	6 – 8
Day 5	Uhuru Peak	Mweka Camp	19,340 – 10,065	7	4 – 6
Day 6	Mweka Camp	Mweka Gate	10,065 – 5,380	6	3 – 4

2011 Dates & Prices

Treks on the Umbwe route are available for private groups only, giving you full control and flexibility over the date you climb, the number of days that you climb for and the size of your group. The custom trek prices are based on a minimum group size of four people; if you would like a smaller group, there would be a supplement of £300.00 (payable per group).  Please get in touch to discuss availability and prices.