The local Chagga people who farm on the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro have always revered the mountain and trekked up and down many times in search for medicine herbs and plants. In 1889, the first Europeans reached the summit with a help from the local guides and porters. The climb is definitely a physical challenge with many risks involved, but if you are reasonably fit and aware of conditions which may occur, trekking Kilimanjaro will be an experience of your lifetime! In 1976, an 11-year-old made it to the summit, and in 1988, an 88-year-old reached the Uhuru peak!

Here are presented the standard Mt. Kilimanjaro Umbwe Treks, which cover the same route but differ in the number of days.  Umbwe Route is a route suitable for more experienced trekkers so long as they avoid rushing up, which could limit their of success. Altitude-gain on this route is quite rapid. It is a six day trek and more difficult than the Machame-Mweka Route. It is steep, strenuous and direct route to Uhuru Peak, however it is very scenic. Mud and ice can be expected at any time of the year. Descent is along the Mweka Route.