The Umbwe route is known for its caves. On the first night you will actually sleep at the Umbwe Cave Camp with two more caves that can be visited en route the following day. There are very high risks involved with sleeping at the Arrow Glacier camp and summiting via the Western Breach, so we have re routed this hike so it joins the Machame route from night 2 on the mountain. You can request to take the original Umbwe route where you summit using the Western Breach / Arrow Glacier path and stay overnight at the Crater camp, but because of it’s dangerous challenging nature an additional fee will be charged. Please contact us if you want the itinerary and the price for this more advanced route.
Duration of climb: 6 days
Accommodation: Camping
Price: Contact Us
End Point: Umbwe Cave Camp (2850m)
Distance: Approx 10km (6 hours)
Habitat: Rainforest
End Point: Barranco Camp (3985m)
Distance: Approx. 6km (6 hours)
Habitat: Moorland
End Point: Karanga Camp (4040m)
Distance: Approx. 6km (6 hours)
Habitat: Moorland/Semi-desert
End Point: Barafu Camp (4681m)
Distance: Approx. 4km (4 hours)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Start Point: Barafu Camp (4681m)
Summit Point: Uhuru Peak (5895m)
End Point: Mweka (3100m)
Distance to Summit: Approx. 5km (8 hours)
Distance to Mweka: Approx. 11km (7 hours)
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
On the Summit day you will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you will set off into the night. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6 hour walk to Stella point is for many climbers, mentally and physically the most challenging part of the route. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).
From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to get going again due to cold and fatigue. The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Mweka hut (3100m).
End Point: Mweka Gate (1641m)
Distance: Approx. 9km (5 hours)
Habitat: Rainforest
On the last day you will have a 4 to 6 hour scenic hike back to the Park gate. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5739m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will be served a delicious hot lunch before the drive back to Arusha for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and drinks.
The above tour includes: Park Fees, Transfers to and from the Airport, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner whilst on the mountain, 2 nights at the Medium Hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
Groups of 3+ qualify for a discount. Please contact for further information.