UMBWE
Traversing the southern slope, the Umbwe is known for being the most challenging and formidable of all Kilimanjaro routes given its steep incline and concise trajectory. The Umbwe route approaches from the south, is intense, and has a straightforward ascent. Once you've arrived at Barranco Camp, the route veers east and passes beneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on the Southern Circuit before reaching the peak from Barafu. The descent is accomplished using the Mweka route.
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Difficulty: High
Distance: 53 km
Duration: 5-6 days
Success rate: Low
Success Rate
The Mt. Kilimanjaro climb via the Umbwe route is widely known for being the toughest one amongst all. The reason behind this is that it takes a quicker approach to reach high altitude and doesn't have enough phases for acclimatization, thus making it an even bigger challenge. Though the trail is less crowded, the chances of reaching the summit successfully are also meager. The Umbwe trek is known for its challenging terrain and altitude requirements, making it a suitable option solely for experienced mountaineers with a great physical stamina and the capacity to adjust to high altitudes with ease.
Scenery
While the Umbwe trek to Kilimanjaro is not as scenic as the other routes due to its steep and rapid ascent up the peak, it still boasts stunning views of the surrounding rainforest, moorland and high-altitude desert terrain that are hard to come by elsewhere. One could argue that the beginning stages of this route offer some of the most picturesque vistas on the mountain, rivaled only by the peak.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
We will start our day with a drive towards Machame Gate, where we will be wrapping up our registration formalities. Following that, we will be heading through a series of villages and picturesque plantations of both banana and coffee, and then finally reaching our next designated location - Umbwe Gate. Here, we will start hiking on a path which leads us straight into a dense rain forest. As we make our way through the forest, the path will gradually become narrower and steeper. We will also be crossing through a ridge situated between two rivers, which are encompassed by humongous trees.
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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Habitat: Health
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Day 2 – Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
On the second day of the journey, we cross through rocky landscape never-ending with lush growth and sparsely populated by droopy and overgrown trees. The ascent rewards us with picturesque sights of the magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro. The path evens out closer to Barranco Valley. The journey from Umbwe ridge takes a downward course towards Barranco Camp, presenting before us an eerie yet stunning Senecio Forest.
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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Habitat: Health
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Day 3 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
You'll be hiking through an alpine desert environment and a variety of terrain, beginning with a descent into a ravine and then a climb up the non-technical but steep Barranco Wall. You'll continue on your hike by crossing a series of hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. From here, the final climb up to Karanga Camp begins. This day is typically shorter than others on the route and is meant for acclimatization. At Karanga Camp, you will have lunch and settle in for the night.
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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Day 4 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Hut, where you will spend the night and make your final summit attempt. You will be surrounded by lava towers, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are visible from here. The views will certainly motivate you to keep going and remind you of the incredible benefits of having undertaken such a journey. Once you reach Barafu Hut, take the rest of the day to relax and take in the surroundings before your summit attempt in the morning.
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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Day 5 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
The summit attempt is the most challenging part of the Shira Route. Starting around midnight, hikers will ascend more than 5,000 feet over a distance of 5 miles to reach Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft). Along the way, hikers will witness one of the most magnificent sunrises at Stella Point (18,900 ft). As you continue up the steepest section of the climb, trekking poles can be incredibly helpful as the trail is very rocky. Once you reach the peak, take some photos of your accomplishment and shortly, you will begin the descent straight down to Barafu for lunch. From there, you will make your way to Mweka Camp where dinner and sleep will be enjoyed at the end of the day. Keep in mind that Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.​
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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent and 4-6 hours descent
Distance: 17 km/10 miles
Habitat: Arctic and Rain Forest
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Day 7 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On the final day of the Kilimanjaro trek, you'll begin your descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. This section usually takes about 3-4 hours, as the trail is mostly downhill and well-maintained. At Mweka Gate, you will receive your Kilimanjaro certificate for completing the Shira Route. This is a great moment to pause and reflect on your accomplishment! From here, you'll board a vehicle for your ride back to the hotel in Moshi.
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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: -4 hours
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
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