Umbwe Route 6 Days | Kilimanjaro Climbing

From

$1650.00

Duration

6 days

Tour Type

4.33 by 3 reviews

Quality4
Location4.67
Amenities4
Services5
Price4

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Tours Overview

We begin our climb near the beautiful village of Machame, located on the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail passes through the lush Machame Forest before entering the moorland zone, where we navigate rocky terrain and continue toward the Shira Plateau.

From the Shira Plateau, the route continues around the mountain in a counterclockwise direction, passing beneath Kibo’s southern slopes. We ascend toward Lava Tower, enjoying spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, before continuing to the challenging but rewarding Barranco Wall.

The final ascent to Uhuru Peak begins from either Barafu or Kosovo Camp, following the ridge near the Southeast Valley. From Barafu Camp, climbers enjoy impressive views of Mawenzi Peak and the ancient volcanic formations of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Because this route provides limited time for acclimatization and includes demanding sections, it can be physically challenging. Proper preparation, pacing and guidance are therefore important for maximizing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Day one of your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure begins with an exhilarating journey from the moment you touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted by our representative who will escort you to your comfortable hotel in Moshi, where you can rest and prepare for the adventure ahead. After settling in, you'll head to our office for a crucial pre-trek briefing. Here, you'll meet your mountain guide and a dedicated consultant who will walk you through the itinerary, ensuring you understand the trek's challenges and highlights. They will meticulously check your gear, confirming that you have everything required for the ascent, from proper clothing to trekking poles. This briefing is not just about logistics; it's also an opportunity to ask questions, discuss any concerns, and get acclimated to the idea of climbing Africa's highest peak. With all preparations in order, your Kilimanjaro adventure officially kicks off with this foundational day, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

Day 2: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

Today’s Stats

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Total Distance: 8 km

Starting Altitude: 1800m (5905ft)

Final Altitude: 2956m (9698ft)

Environment: Montane Forest

After breakfast, we'll give you a thorough briefing about the trek. Then, we'll drive for about 2 hours to get to the Umbwe Gate, which is at 1,800 meters high. Here, you'll meet your guides and the mountain crew. We'll take care of all the paperwork for the National Park, registering everyone and making sure each porter's load doesn't go over 20 kilograms.

We start our trek on a path through the rainforest, where you can hear lots of bird sounds. If we're lucky, we might see blue monkeys or hear the unique calls of the black-and-white colobus monkeys with their long white hair.

As we climb higher, the trail gets smaller and steeper, going up between two rivers, Lonzo and Umbwe. You'll be surrounded by big trees and see deep valleys on both sides. We'll end our day at Umbwe Caves camp, which is in an area with lower, scrubby vegetation.

Day 3: Umbwe Cave Camp to Baranco Camp

Today’s Stats

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Total Distance: 8 km

Starting Altitude: 2956m (9698ft)

Final Altitude: 3978m  (13054ft)

Environment: Lower heather zone

Not long after we leave camp, the dense forest begins to thin out, giving way to more rocks, less undergrowth, and scattered, mossy trees, including Giant Heather and Erica.

The trail follows a narrow, breathtaking ridge where, as you climb higher, you might see Kilimanjaro standing grandly in front of you, its silhouette sharp against the sky.

Moving into the moorland zone, you'll see giant lobelias and groundsels. The path then levels out along the Umbwe ridge as you near the Barranco Valley, before you descend a bit to reach Barranco Camp.

Day 4: Baranco to Karanga Valley Camp

Today’s Stats

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Total Distance: 8 km

Starting Altitude: 3978m  (13054ft)

Final Altitude: 4046m (13277ft)

Environment: Alpine Desert

Today, we'll tackle the Great Barranco Wall, a towering challenge above Barranco Camp. We'll climb steadily up the eastern side, getting close to the Heim Glacier, where, if the weather's clear, you can enjoy spectacular views of both the glacier and Mount Kilimanjaro.

After the climb, our path leads down into the Karanga Valley's alpine desert, concluding this second day of acclimatization at Karanga Camp, which sits at 4,046 meters.

Day 5: Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp

Today’s Stats

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Total Distance: 3.5 km

Starting Altitude: 4039m (13250ft)

Final Altitude: 4600m (15200ft) (option Kossovo Camp 15900ft)

Environment: Alpine Desert

We begin the day trekking through the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. Here the temperature will grow colder as we follow the trail climbing through this barren and dry landscape up to the Barafu camp.

Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice”, and the camping area is on a ridge in a narrow and exposed flat area. Here there are ever-present powerful winds blowing down from the mountain peaks. Our campsite at 4600m offers spectacular views of the nearby peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.

In preparation for your final ascent tonight, you will familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark, and prepare your equipment and thermal clothing for the summit attempt. Sleep will be difficult and you will to retire to your tents after dinner to rest for the 1385m final ascent to the roof of Africa.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millenium Camp

Today’s Stats

Hiking Time: 7 hours to summit, 7-8 hours descent

Total Distance: 7km to summit, 23km descent

Starting Altitude: 4682m (15360ft)

Summit Altitude: 5895m – Uhuru Peak

Final Altitude: 3819m(12530ft)

Environment: Stone Scree, Ice capped summit, Alpine desert, Mooreland

We will rise early to leave camp at around 12am and after a warm drink and a light snack, you will begin the most difficult though most rewarding day of the trek – your hike to the roof of Africa. After approximately 6 hours of slow but strenuous hiking, you will reach the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5685m. At this point we stop to rest, eat lunch and take in the views over the clouds.

From Stella Point the trail is normally snow-covered, and every step of the 2-hour final ascent to Uhuru peak is challenging. Passing alongside the iridescent blue Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers we reach Elveda Point (5882) we can see Uhuru Peak now only minutes away. The roof of Africa is within your grasp.

Arriving at the summit you feel a huge sense of elation and accomplishment you have done it, you have made it to the highest point in Africa. We spend as much time as you need to appreciate your accomplishment, as this is a day to remember for the rest of your life! The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions and temperature.

We start back down the same trail and descend to Barafu camp. Here you will have a well-earned but short rest and remove some of your many layers of clothing as the day begins to heat up.

We head down the rock and scree path into the moorland zone, reaching the forest, and eventually arriving at Millennium Camp in the early afternoon where a hot shower and meal awaits. Today is the longest, and the most mentally and physically challenging of the trek. But a life changing day that will stay with you forever, as you conquered the heights of Kilimanjaro.

Day 7: Millenium Camp to Mweka Gate-Moshi

Today’s Stats

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Total Distance: 13.5 km

Starting Altitude: 3819m  (15530ft)

Final Altitude: 1652m (5420ft)

Environment: Montane Rain Forest

Today your legs will be further tested as the trail descends steeply through the lush Mweka rain forest. The trail is steep in places and the going slippery if wet.

The route follows the crest of a broad ridge separating two river valleys until it meets with a road that leads us for the last 40 mins to the Mweka Park Gates where we stop for a well-deserved picnic lunch where successful hikers will receive their summit certificates (gold for Uhuru Peale, Green for Stella point) from the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority.

Post celebrations, we are taken by either private bus or Jeep to our hotel in Moshi.

Day 8: Departure or Safari Extension

On this final day of your Kilimanjaro adventure, you have two paths before you:

Depart Tanzania: For those whose journey with Kilimanjaro marks the end of their Tanzanian adventure, we facilitate a smooth transition back to daily life. After a relaxing morning at your hotel, perhaps savoring one last Tanzanian breakfast, you'll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or the local bus station, depending on your onward travel plans. This transfer ensures you reach your destination with plenty of time for check-in if flying or to catch your next bus. As you leave, you'll carry with you not just souvenirs but memories of an incredible climb, one that will linger in your mind for years to come.

Continue Your Dream with Amazing Safari Extensions: Alternatively, if your spirit of adventure is still aflame, this is the perfect opportunity to delve into the wonders of Tanzania's wildlife. We offer a variety of safari extensions, where you can explore some of Africa's most renowned national parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire. Imagine swapping the mountain air for the savannah breeze, watching the Big Five in their natural habitat, or witnessing the Great Migration. Our safaris are tailored to provide an intimate experience with nature, all while ensuring comfort and safety. Whether you choose a short game drive or an extended journey through multiple parks, this extension will round off your Tanzanian experience with the vast, wild beauty of Africa.

Regardless of your choice, day seven is about transitioning from one adventure to another or returning home enriched by your experiences. We ensure that your departure or continuation is as seamless and enjoyable as the journey itself.

Included/Exclude

Airport transfers
Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping/hut and rescue fees
2 - nights Accommodations on BB at The Better Inn
Professional Up-to-date wilderness first responder trained guide or equivalent Assistance Guide
Gamow bag (portable hyperbaric chamber)
Expedition medical kit
3 person expedition tents (2 clients/tent)
Mountaineering mattress
Lightweight mess tent
Expeditions walk-in mess tent
Lightweight aluminum table
Luxury chair with backrest
Purified water while on the mountain
Return transfer Arusha/Arusha hotel to Park Gate
Wine and Champagne at the summit
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Salary for the porters
Salary for the Guides
Salary for the Cooks
Government taxes
VAT 18% on park entrance fees
Hot steamy towel on the camp
Bowl of hot washing water in the morning and evening
Shower/wash tent.

International airfare
Excess baggage charges
Costs of visas
Immunizations
Personal expenses such as beverages (other than those included with meals, as listed in each itinerary)
Room service
Souvenirs
Laundry
Communication charges
Medical or extra evacuation fees
Staff gratuities
Personal trekking equipment
Additional transportation
Meals incurred by a client unable to continue a planned itinerary due to illness
Medical conditions or airline schedule changes.