The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low.
The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. The Umbwe route should only be attempted by those who are very strong hikers and are confident in their ability to acclimatize, but can be added whereby giving the climber an extra day in the Karanga Valley. The descent trail is the same as the Mweka Route.
Day 0 : Pickup to Airport
You will be picked up from airport. From there you will go to the hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. Your guides will be there to provide you with details on your trek and will also check your trekking gears.
Dinner and overnight at PANAMA GARDEN RESORT or similar hotel in Moshi
Day two : Cave Bivouac (2,850m/9,350ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Total Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters, 3,610 feet
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Three : Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)
Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet
Distance: 7 Kilometers
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Four : Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 400 meters, 1,320 feet
Distance: 6 Kilometers
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Five : Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
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
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Six : Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters, 5,250 feet
Hiking time: 4 hours
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.
At Mweka Gate gate you sign your name and details in a register book. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive Golden certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Dinner and overnight at PANAMA GARDEN RESORT or similar hotel in Moshi
Private Portable mobile toilet with tent on the mountain
2 Night Hotel accommodation in Moshi, a day before trek and a day after trek
Transportation to and from your selected route
Transfer from Airport/Bus station in Moshi on arrival and return to airport/Bus station after climb.
Quality, Waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Certified, experienced, English speaking mountain guides:
All Tanzanian National Park Fees
Government Climbing Taxes
Climbing permits
All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain
Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries
Fair and ethical treatment of Porters
Enough porters to carry your luggage
Safety Equipment:
Emergency Oxygen
Pulse Ox meter
Hot drinks at every meal
Water provided on climb, mineral water for the first day and boiled water every day
Emergency rescue fees
Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide
Personal items and toiletries
Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain
Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber):
Guides: $20/day/guide
Cook: $15/day
Porter: $10/day/porter
N/B: Our Guides, cooks and Porters are always satisfied with your thanks giving (tip) you have and not beyond your ability.
International airfares and departure taxes
All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc
Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
Laundry services
Visa and International flight tickets fees.
Suggestions on things to bring: Please click here
Why you should book with us
We offer you a personal approach. We will listen to you precisely to what you want for your ideal vacation, and then we will give you various options tailored to your needs.
By supporting us as a local business, you are helping support job security here in the community
We pay close attention to our clients’ safety because we recognize that safeties along with trust are essential for an enjoyable journey.
Our experienced and dedicated staff will always go the extra mile to ensure that you enjoy a once in a lifetime experience. But don't just take our word for it check out what our other clients have to say about us Trip Advisor and see why we say, “It’s where dreams become true!
. **Please note that we are completely flexible and able to customize your trip to suit your time, budget and interests. Any of the above itinerary can be adjusted to best suit you.
Safety:
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Success is what we want during our trip. We are prepared for any urgent situation and also have in place a complete evacuation procedure in case of altitude sickness. We carry first aid supplies, supplement summit oxygen and Pulse Oximeters).
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