This route is a the most challenging out of the most popular routes (Marangu, Machame, Umbwe). This route is one of the shorter but also one of the more difficult routes to reach Uhuru peak however, quite spectacular and takes a total of 6days to climb. Umbwe is known for its caves. The first night you actually sleep at the Umbwe Cave Camp with two more caves that can be visited en route the following day. Also sometimes used as a descending route.

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS:

• TENTED ACCOMMODATION ONLY (SLEEPING BAG & HIKING MATTRESS REQUIRED).
• PHOTOGRAPHIC SCENERY
• SHORTER, BUT HARDER TREKKING
• CAVE CAMP EXPERIENCE

MAP OF UMBWE ROUTE ABOVE:

6 DAY UMBWE ROUTE ITINERARY:
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS:

TENTED ACCOMODATION ONLY (SLEEPING BAG & HIKING MATRESS REQUIRED).
PHOTOGRAPHIC SCENERY
SHORTER, BUT HARDER TREKING
CAVE CAMP EXPIRIENCE




 

Day 1
Umbwe gate - the Forest Caves; 7-8 hours walk
Follow the track up through the forest. The track becomes a path and continues through the forest on a ridge between two valleys. In some parts you may have to scramble up steep sections of the path using tree roots for support. Continue through occasional red paint marks on the trees, to reach the forest caves (2850m).

Day 2
Forest Caves - Barranco Hut; 5 km; 4-5 hours walk.
From the caves continue following the path up the ridge. The path leaves the forest and passes through heather, and then open moorland, where the main peaks first come into clear view. You keep right to reach Barranco Hut (3950m).

Day 3
Barranco Hut - Lava Tower; 3 hours walk.
The trek continues by keeping left at the junction of animal bones, and folking right in the valley when you reach the large stream flowing south-west to Lava Tower Hut (4600m).

Day 4
Lava Tower - Arrow Glacier; 4 hours walk.
Keep right (east) and continue up steeply over the Lava Tower across to the west. The path becomes increasingly steep until you reach a flat platform at the base of western breach, the site of Arrow Glacier Hut (4800m).

Day 5
Arrow Glacier - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp; 14 km; 4-5 hours walk.
You start this day very early in the morning, to see the sunrise at the crater rim and to avoid the mist. The snow on the ascent will still be frozen. From the peak (5896m) you descend steeply downhill through patchy giant heather to reach Mweka Hut (3100m).

Day 6
Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate; 14 km; 5-7 hours walk.
Descend steeply through the forest on narrow path, along the crest of broad ridge between two river valleys to Mweka gate. Transfer to your overnight hotel in town.


Included:

• National park entry fees, camping fees, rescue fees
• English speaking guide(s), cook and porters
• Full board camping accommodation during the climb
• All camping equipment
• Accommodation one day before and one day after the climb

• Other drinks
• Sleeping bag
• Personal expenses and tips