Physically Challenging!
The rewards this route offers is not only the physical challenge!
Tour Package Overview
Umbwe route is one of the express but sharpest routes to the Southern Glaciers, affording one view of the forests, valleys, magnificent vegetation, and glaciers. Though, hikers must be pre-acclimatized prior to trying this route particularly if one opts to summit via Western Breach as you gain altitude very rapidly over a smaller distance. This, however, does not make the Umbwe Route a technical route up Kilimanjaro just physically challenging.
That thought, not may climbers select for this route. As for stats, only about 200 hikers try this route a year related to tens of thousands on the likes of the Machame and Marangu routes. The rewards this route offers is not only the physical challenge but you also get the luxury of trekking in privacy at slightest till you meet up with the other explorers at Barranco Camp. From there, you can opt to follow others around to Barafu or via Western Breach.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Umbwe Route 7 Days Itinerary
Day By Day
Day 0 :
Arrival In Tanzania : Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. On arrival in Tanzania we will transfer roughly 1 hour to your hotel in Moshi town. You`ll have a short time to freshen up, and then have a briefing. Your guide will give you a briefing and ensure that you have all the gear/kits required for the trip. If you are missing essential equipment it can be rented for very cheap prices.
Our briefings will give you a clear view of the days to come from your personal guide and CEO, also you will be told your exact crew numbers and make up as well as get a chance to ask any questions.
Park View Hotel (Bed & Breakfast): Possibility to upgrade to more luxurious accommodation (at an extra cost) or downgrade to more economic options (price reduction).
Meals : Bed & Breakfast (Dinner not included)
Day 1
Moshi to Umbwe Gate to Cave Bivouac Camp :
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: 2,850 m
Driving Distance: 11 Km
Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Habitat : Mountain forest
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2
Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp :
In the morning your hike will lead you from forest to heath, gradually leading you to an edge with a steep drop on each side. Here you will see stunning views of both Kilimanjaro’s southern flank and across to Mount Meru some 50 miles away. The wildlife also changes in this area; jackals may be heard barking and the huge Lammergeyer circling overhead.
You camp for the night overlooks the Barranco Valley with views up towards Arrow Glacier.
Elevation: 3,960 m
Walking Distance: 6 KM
Walking Time: 5 to 6 HRS
Habitat : Mountain forest, heather and moorland Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3
Barranco Camp :
Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization.
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp :
Today you head towards the eastern side of the valley to the Great Barranco Wall, also called the Breakfast Wall, which will take some effort to climb.
Of course like all difficult journeys, the view at the end it well worth the effort. After this, you will head to Karana Camp for an afternoon of rest and acclimatisation.
Elevation: 4,035 m
Walking Distance: 6 KM
Walking Time: 3 to 5 Hrs
Habitat : Heather, Alpine desert Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp :
Today you will head to Barafu Camp at an elevation of 4640m. The ascent begins on a narrow, rocky path with a slight uphill slope. A relatively easy climb, today will prepare you for your summit climb tomorrow!.
The evening will be spent preparing for your summit. So, get to bed early because you will be up at midnight for the final leg to Uhuru Peak.
Elevation: 4,640 m
Walking Distance: 4 km
Walking Time: 3-4 Hours
Habitat : Alpine Desert Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak Down to Mweka Camp :
Today is the day! You’ll awake before midnight to start your 6 hour ascent. The climb will take you past the final waypoint, Hans Meyer point (5,888 m/19,318 ft) after which you will reach the summit of Uhuru Peak. You have finally done it! You have reached the highest point on in Africa at 5,895 m/19,341 ft. This achievement will be tough to top, that’s for sure.
After a moment of basking in your triumph, you will start your descent down past Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp. Here you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation: Up 5895m, Down 3100m
Walking Distance: Approx. 6 Km ascent and 16 Km descent
Walking Time: 8 hrs to reach Uhuru Peak, 4-5 hrs to descend to Horombo Hut
Habitat : Stone scree and Ice-capped summit Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi :
With Uhuru Peak a glorious memory far behind you, you’ll begin your hike back to civilisation on a full stomach. The slope here is gentler than the ascent at Umbwe, but it can be slippery so watch those knees! You’ll have time to take in the misty cloud forest and perhaps even spot a Colobus monkey or two. Arriving at Mweka Gate you’ll receive your summit certificates and there’s an opportunity to buy sodas and t shirts. Our vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi. What a difference a week makes!
Park View Hotel (Bed & Breakfast): Possibility to upgrade to more luxurious accommodation (at an extra cost) or downgrade to more economic options (price reduction).
Meals : Bed & Breakfast (Dinner not included)
Day 8 :
Departure Date/Flight Day :
A long and short safari, Zanzibar holiday or Mafia island adventure can be arranged right after your trek or at the beginning of your trek with us. If you wish to explore round Moshi Town and visit some of it's local attractions and people, you'll need to spend another overnight. We have put together a list of Moshi destinations. View Them Here
If not, You will be transfered to the airport ready for you flight back home or onward to your next destination.
No Accommodation : Check-out time is 10:30am
Meals : Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner not included)
