06 Days – Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro

Edit Content

The Umbwe Route is the least used, least crowded route on the mountain. For good reason, it is also the most difficult route on the mountain. Umbwe is a steep, constant, straight climb to the top.

Umbwe is mostly avoided because the ascent profile does not give climbers much time to adjust to the altitude. The success rate is very low.

The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain. Umbwe is not as scenically varied as Machame, Lemosho and Shira, because the path up and down are nearby.

The Umbwe is ideal for those who want a challenging climb, and are very confident in their ability trek over consistently steep slopes. Also, Umbwe is for those who are experienced at altitude and thus are confident that the punishing schedule of Umbwe will not impede their ability to adjust to altitude. Umbwe is also for those who want a secluded hike.

Edit Content

6 DAY UMBWE ROUTE +2 NIGHTS HOTEL STAY

 

DAY1: ARIVAL IN TANZANIA

On your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport you are welcomed by our Tanz-africa Adventures representative who will guide you into a waiting vehicle and transfer you to the Hotel around Arusha Town. You will stay at Tulia Boutique Hotel   which is beautifully located on the slope of Mt. Kilimanjaro and is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure.
We will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance. Then leave you to relax and have dinner.

Overnight, dinner and breakfast at the hotel.

DAY 2: UMBWE GATE TO UMBWE CAMP

Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
Distance: 11 km 
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath

The day begins with a 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.

DAY 3: UMBWE CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP

Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 6 km 
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath

The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen.  The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you  will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us to the hotel in Moshi.

DAY 8: MOSHI TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on Wildlife safari or Zanzibar for beach holiday.

Edit Content

Item Included:

  • Accommodation and Meals as stipulated in the itinerary
  • Complimentary mineral water x1.5 liters per person in the safari vehicle
  • 4×4 game viewing vehicles plus driver guide (window seat guaranteed)
  • Unlimited game drives
  • Emergency Evacuation Cover
  • All transfers and activities as mentioned above
  • Park fee, Conservation fees and Community Development Fees
  • External flights (Arusha to Zanzibar)
  • All price is under VAT

 

Item excluded

The price of your safari does not include:

  • International flights
  • Entry visa fees
  • Tips or Gratuities for the safari guide and hotel/ camp staff
  • Personal expenses such as beverages and laundry.
  • Telephones, e-mail and fax bills

Personal and travel insurance (extremely important)

Edit Content

    The Best Of Tanzania

    Similar Tours