6 days Trekking Umbwe route
- Duration
6 days
- Group size
unlimited
- Type tour
Trekking
- Language
Any desired
short overview
Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization.
Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also low. Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route – one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude.
Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also low. Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route – one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude.
Approaching from the south, Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses’ underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka rout
itinerary
Arrival
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a Kilimanjaro Unforgettable representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay, cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Accommodation:
DAY 1 - Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
The day begins with a 50-minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.
Accommodation:
- Umbwe Camp
DAY 2 - Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.
Accommodation:
- Second Cave
DAY 3 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
You will have an early start and a filling breakfast before beginning to hike the Barranco Wall. We recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups which could slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Then you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200 m/656 f gain in altitude and then descend back down to the camp.
Accommodation:
- Karanga Camp
DAY 4 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
In the morning, after a warm and hearty breakfast, you will begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp. This camp is the starting point for the final night summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f) – your end goal. Our team will set up camp ahead of time, so when you arrive your tents and sleeping bags will already be prepared, meaning you can just relax and rest when you reach Barafu Summit Camp. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.
Accommodation:
- Barafu Camp
DAY 5 - Ascent To Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp
Your group will depart from Barafu Camp (4,673 m /15,327 f) at night and start the final summit toward the highest point of Kilimanjaro – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple; however, given the high altitude, even normal physical activity can feel strenuous. For this reason, every two climbers will be paired with a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental well-being more closely.
After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak – the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and the final point of the climb on the Lemosho Route, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp for a 2-hour rest before continuing your descent to Millenium Camp (3,950 m /12,956 f).
Please Note: Don’t forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Accommodation:
- Millennium Camp
DAY 6 - Descent From Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
The Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m /5,379 f). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.
Accommodation:
Departure
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
No Accommodation
Included/excluded
- Oxygen
- Oximeters
- Camp pillow
- Airport Transfer
- Extra sleeping pad
- Hut or camping fees
- National Park gate fees
- Hyperbaric pressure bag
- Dining chairs with backs
- All meals on the mountain
- Hot lunches on the mountain
- Salaries for all crew members
- Kilimanjaro map for the group
- Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
- Accommodation in Moshi/ Arusha
- Celebration dinner at the hotel after returning from trek
- Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
- Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
- Special Kilimanjaro guide with Wilderness First Responder certification
- Transport from Moshi/ Arusha to starting point on the mountain and return to Moshi/ Arusha
- Drinks
- Laundry
- Tips or gratuity
- Travelers insurance
- Communication charges
- Visas, international airfares
- Lunch or dinner in town (option and extra charges direct)
- Sightseeing not included in the package; optional activities
