Kilimanjaro route: Umbwe

Considered one of the toughest of the trekking routes, Umbwe offers a direct two day approach to Barranco Camp at 12900ft/3940m and then on to Barafu Ridge and the summit. Clearly this is a dangerous height gain over the first two days, and we therefore recommend climbing Mount Meru before taking on the Umbwe route. This is a very attractive combination.

In fact, Umbwe seems to be written up in guide books by authors who have not climbed the route. Under foot it is relatively easy as long as the trekker is prepared to do some scrambling on the second day as the approach to Barranco takes place.