Umbwe Route
The Double Whiskey Route
6 Days / 5 Nights
Challenging Route for Experienced Trekkers
The Umbwe Route is the steepest and most demanding path up Kilimanjaro. It's recommended only for those with previous high-altitude trekking experience and excellent physical fitness.
About the Route
Known as the "Double Whiskey" route, Umbwe is for the experienced trekker seeking a serious challenge. It features steep ridges and scrambling through rainforest and moorland before joining the southern circuit near the Barranco Wall.
This route offers a direct and rapid ascent, making it one of the shorter options but also one with a lower success rate due to the fast altitude gain. The trail is less crowded, providing a more solitary wilderness experience.
The Umbwe Route approaches through pristine rainforest, offering incredible biodiversity before transitioning to the dramatic landscapes of the alpine desert and glacial zones.
Daily Itinerary
Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
A steep, strenuous trek through the rainforest along a narrow ridge between two deep valleys. The trail is muddy and slippery, passing through lush vegetation with occasional glimpses of wildlife. You'll camp at Umbwe Cave, a rock overhang that provides natural shelter.
Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
The forest thins into giant heather as you continue ascending. You'll climb toward the Great Barranco Wall with stunning views of the Western Breach and the southern ice fields. The landscape transforms from moorland to alpine desert as you reach Barranco Camp.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Conquer the famous Barranco Wall—a non-technical but exciting scramble that rewards you with incredible views. The trail then descends into the Karanga Valley before climbing to Karanga Camp, your last water point before the summit.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
A short but steep climb through the alpine desert to reach Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit push. The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing for the midnight summit attempt. Early dinner and sleep before the big day.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Summit day begins around midnight. You'll climb through scree and switchbacks to Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—the Roof of Africa at 5,895m. After celebrating and photos, descend via Mweka route to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Final descent through the beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate. Collect your summit certificates, tip your guides and porters, and transfer back to Moshi to celebrate your incredible achievement.
Pricing
Umbwe Route
6 Days / 5 Nights
Package Details
Included
- 2 transfers between Moshi and Umbwe/Mweka Gates
- 3 meals per day while trekking (Veg/Non-Veg)
- 6 days Kilimanjaro trek on the Umbwe Route
- Camping accommodation while trekking
- Pre/Post nights B&B at Zebra Hotel or equivalent
- All park entrance fees and government levies
Not Included
- Personal mountain gear
- Meals outside the regular itinerary
- Tips for guide and porters
- Airfares and airport taxes
- Double room supplement for hotel
- International visas & Medical/Travel Insurance
Health & Preparation
The Umbwe Route requires excellent physical fitness and ideally previous high-altitude trekking experience. We strongly recommend at least 2-3 months of cardiovascular training and strength exercises before attempting this route. Due to the rapid altitude gain, proper acclimatization is crucial—stay well hydrated and listen to your body. Ensure you have waterproof equipment as conditions can change quickly.
Ready for the Challenge?
Contact us today to discuss if the Umbwe Route is right for you