6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Safaris – Umbwe Route
Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route. Because the ascent profile does not allow climbers much time to acclimatise to the altitude, Umbwe is generally avoided. It has an extremely poor success rate.
It takes at least six days to do the course, although seven days is advised. On the southeast side of the mountain, the descent is down Mweka. Due to the close proximity of the up-and-down path, Umbwe lacks the picturesque diversity of Machame, Lemosho, and Shira.
For individuals who are confident in their abilities to travel over constantly steep slopes and are looking for a hard ascent, the Umbwe is the perfect choice. Additionally, Umbwe is for people who have experience at altitude and are certain that their ability to adapt to altitude won’t be hampered by the rigorous schedule. Umbwe is also a good option for hikers seeking solitude.
Important Notes:
The Umbwe Route is regarded as Kilimanjaro‘s most difficult route. It is only advised for seasoned hikers in top physical shape. The key to a safe and successful summit attempt is proper acclimatisation.
Be ready for wind, cold, and rain, among other severe weather conditions.
Bring gear that is suitable for the different climates you will face on the journey.
Accept the challenge and set out on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to traverse the Umbwe Route and conquer the “Roof of Africa”!
Safari Highlights of the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
– Summit Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route
– Scenic views of Mawenzi and Kibo
– Experienced guides and porters
– Acclimatization days for a safer climb
– Stunning sunrise at Stella Point
Day to Day Itinerary
Arrival Day
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a representative will greet you and take you to your hotel in Moshi.
Remain calm and relaxed in your cosy hotel room.
Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,600m) to Umbwe Camp (2,930m)
For registration procedures, make the picturesque 50-minute journey to Machame Gate.
Travel to Umbwe Gate (1,600m) via quaint villages and banana and coffee fields.
Start your walk by making a steep ascent through a deep jungle on a forested track (5-7 hours, 11km).
As you ascend a slope between rivers, encircled by tall trees, the route becomes more narrow and steep.
Get to Umbwe Camp, your first camp, which is tucked away among trees and dense vegetation.
Day 2: Umbwe Camp (2,930m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Set out on a strenuous walk (4-5 hours, 6km) through more rugged terrain with little flora.
As you ascend, get a peek of Kilimanjaro.
It flattens out close to Barranco Valley.
To get to Barranco Camp, descend from Umbwe Ridge via the distinctive Senecio Forest.
Day 3: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
To begin, descend down a gulf to the Great Barranco Wall’s base.
Climb the almost 900-foot-tall, non-technical Barranco Wall.
Trek across a sequence of valleys and hills before making a sharp descent into Karanga Valley.
Karanga Camp, which is a little higher up for acclimatisation, is reached after one last difficult ascent.
You have less time today to relax and give your body time to acclimatise to the higher altitude.
Day 4: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Proceed to the intersection of Mweka Trail after leaving Karanga.
To get to Barafu Camp, continue climbing the rough portion.
The Southern Circuit offers stunning views of the peak from a variety of perspectives.
In order to be ready for tomorrow’s summit push, eat a filling dinner and get some early sleep.
From Barafu Camp, take in the breathtaking views of Mawenzi and Kibo.
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
The most taxing portion of the journey is the pre-dawn hours, or around midnight, when you start your summit push.
High altitude extremes of wind and cold necessitate both mental and physical fortitude.
For several hours, climb in the dark, stopping sometimes to collect your breath.
Over Mawenzi Peak, observe a breathtaking dawn close to Stella Point (5,760m).
To last, arrive to Africa’s highest point, Uhuru Peak, and rejoice in your amazing accomplishment!
Make a lunch halt at Barafu Camp before descending straight to Mweka Camp.
Trekking poles are advised because the rocky descent can be taxing on the knees.
Because Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, afternoon rain or mist is likely.
Savour a final meal in celebration on the mountain and get some much-needed rest.
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,080m) to Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Moshi
To obtain your summit certificates, go through the woods to Mweka Gate (3–4 hours, 10km).
It might get muddy and rainy in the lower elevations.
Proceed to Mweka Village from the gate to return to your Moshi hotel.
Departure Day
Unwind at your hotel before making the trip to Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your flight out.
Cost of the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Includes
2 Night Hotel accommodation in Moshi, a day before trek and a day after trek
Transportation to and from your selected route
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
Cost of the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Excludes
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.