MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING
UMBWE ROUTE
Probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro

Duration: 5 - 7 Days. More days for those who opt for the Western Breach & Crater camp.

Day 1: Transfer to Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Umbwe (1800m) for starting the climb. The route initially follows a forestry track winding up through the natural rain forest. It then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, with huge trees surrounding you. The path offers some spectacular views of deep gorges and if you are lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance. Overnight at Bivouac Camp (known as Forest Caves) at 2850m.  The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.
Walking time: 5-6 hours

Day 2: Shortly after leaving the camp the forest starts thinning and is replaced by rockier terrain, sparser undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path continues along a narrow, but spectacular ridge. As you gain higher altitude, catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you - etched against the blue sky. The path flattens as you approach Barranco Valley. From the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco camp at 3950m. The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset.
Walking time: 4-5 hours

Day 3: (optional): Leave the Barranco for the Karanga valley where lunch is taken. This day is mainly for acclimatization and increases the chance for you to reach the summit. Afternoon can be spent exploring the area or just resting. 

Day 4: Leave the Karanga valley for Barafu (Ice) campsite by climbing on a steep ridge passing the Barranco wall through the Karanga valley where lunch is taken. The terrain changes to scree as you climb steeply to reach the Barafu campsite at 4,600m. This is a demanding trek but very scenic and also assists achieve acclimatization ready to conquer the summit the following day. 
Walking time: 5-7 hours

Day 5: Just after midnight we start the final ascent by torchlight aiming at being at the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree takes you to Stella Point (5,735m) where you enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi peak. Those feeling strong make the two hour round trip along the crater rim to to the highest point in Africa, the Uhuru (Independence) peak at 5,896m to arrive just after sunrise. This is a great moment being at the Roof of Africa. Climbing time: 6-7 hours. 
Descend to Mweka hot campsite at 3,100m for the night. 
Walking time: 4-5 hours

Day 6: The day is spent descending down to the Mweka park gate. After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a 3-4 hour, scenic hike back to the Park gate. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) 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. From the village, you will be transferred to your Hotel for a long much needed hot shower!!

Other Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes:
Marangu Route
Machame Route
Rongai Route