Challenging Umbwe Route

6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek – Umbwe Route

$1750-1900 USD

Get quote

Safari summary

THE KILIMANJARO UMBWE ROUTE (ALSO KNOWN AS THE “VODKA ROUTE”) IS OFTEN CONSIDERED THE HARDEST BUT MOST SPECTACULAR AND DIRECT WAY TO REACH UHURU PEAK – FOR MORE EXPERIENCED TREKKERS.DUE TO THE DIFFICULTY LEVEL, IT’S NOT VERY POPULAR PROVIDING A NICE SENSE OF ISOLATION AND WONDERFUL VIEWS.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	January, February, May, June, July, September, October
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

Itinerary

Day 2

Kilimanjaro

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.

camping

Day 3

Kilimanjaro

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization

camping

Day 4

Kilimanjaro

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Camping

Day 5

Kilimanjaro

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.

Camping

Day 6

Kilimanjaro

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Hotel