Kilimanjaro - Umbwe Route.

The roof of Africa, the summit of your soul.

Kilimanjaro

Adult: $ / person,

Experience the most challenging hike on Kilimanjaro

> Pure adventure

> Incredible sunrise views from Uhuru Peak (5,985m)

Although the Umbwe Route is considered the most challenging route, not many hikers do it. This trek is only suitable for experienced hikers, so you won’t have to share Tanzania’s stunning scenery with many others.

Hike through the mossy trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. As we continue our walk the forest lightens and we see heather, tall grass and wildflowers. After leaving the forest behind, we continue hiking through open wilderness until we reach Barranco Camp. This campsite is generally considered to be the most scenic in Umbwe as it is surrounded by giant Senecio and Lobelia. We will be walking the Umbwe Route for 7 days so we will take a rest day here to get acquainted with this inspiring landscape.

Departure/Return Location            Hotel/Lodge

Departure Time                              Please arrive by 7:15 AM for a departure at 7:30 AM       

Return Time                                   Approximately 7:30 PM                

Dress Code                                  The key to dressing for Kilimanjaro is layering. This approach allows you to                                                                adjust your clothing based on varying temperatures throughout the climb.

Included                  

  • Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel
  • Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
  • Four Season Mountain tents
  • Double Layered Sleeping Mats
  • Hot meals daily while on the mountain
  • Treated and filtered water
  • Hot water for washing
  • Altitude Sickness & First Aid Kit
  • KINAPA Rescue Fee
  • Park fee, camping fee, VAT and other taxes
  • Fair salary, food, insurance, and accommodation for guide and porter(s)
  • Your team of porters and guides.

Not – Included       

  • Flights to and from Moshi
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel Insurance Including Repatriation
  • Tipping
  • Portable flush toilet
  • A portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for USD 70 for the entire trek.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Cave Bivouac Camp (2,850m/9,350ft)

 

At 8am leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places.

Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.

 

Elevation Gain:1,050 meters, 3,445 feet

Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Tents

Day 2: Cave Bivouac (2,850m/9,350ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)

 

The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps.

 

Total Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters, 3,610 feet

Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Tents

Day 3: Barranco Camp (3,900 m/12,800 ft)

 

Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Tents

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)

 

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.

 

Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet

Distance: 7 Kilometers

Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Tents

Day 5: Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)

 

After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep after finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.

 

Elevation Gain: 400 meters, 1,320 feet

Distance: 6 Kilometers

Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Tents

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)

 

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point.

The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers.

 

At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

 

Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters, 4,240 feet

Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters, 9,170 feet

Hiking time: 6 hours to the rim, 1 hour to Uhuru, 3 to 4 hours back to Barafu, 4 hours to Mweka

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Tents

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)

 

After breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.

 

Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters, 5,250 feet

Hiking time: 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast Included

Accommodation: Tents

Kilimanjaro: A silent giant, a majestic peak. It stands as a testament to the power of dreams, a challenge whispered on the wind. Reaching its summit demands strength, resilience, and unwavering belief. But the view from the top? A breathtaking panorama of achievement, a reminder that even the highest goals are within reach with courage and determination. Let Kilimanjaro inspire you to climb your own mountains, whatever they may be.

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