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Tanzania, United Republic of, Moshi
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6 days Umbwe route Hiking Kilimanjaro
The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the number of people on this trail are very low, the chances of success are also low. Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route - one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize 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 travers’s underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.


Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
Elevation (ft): 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
When we arrive at the Umbwe Gate, we make sure that we finish the registration paperwork and prepare the expedition gear. The trek beings up a gradual inclining 4WD path, which ends with a sign marked “Umbwe Trail.”  From here we ascend through a dense forest on a steep and sometimes muddy path until we reach Umbwe Camp.



Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
Elevation (ft): 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
The trek begins steep as we ascend higher into the heath zone.  Here landscape changes quickly to sparse vegetation, rocky outcrops and giant heathers.  The trail leads up a narrow ridge then flattens as it nears Barranco Valley, which offers great views of Kibo Peak and Moshi.  Once at camp there will be some extra time to explore the area.



Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Our first challenge is a climb and scramble over the volcanic rock of the 1,200 ft Barranco Wall. On reaching the top, we have a well-earned lunch

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