Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro
Umbwe 6 Days Route
Overview
Not technically a route, but is very direct and very steep. This is the most demanding and difficult route to the mountain. 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.
Map Route
Itinerary
Day 0
Arrive in Tanzania
- You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Day 1
Arusha to Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
- Elevation: 1600m to 2900m
- Distance: 11km
- Hiking Time: 6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
We will register at Umbwe Park Gate before starting our trek. The small winding path leads us up through rainforest and along the Umbwe river. The first night’s camp is at Umbwe Cave Camp, at about 2,900m altitude.
Day 2
Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
- Elevation (m): 2940m to 3990m
- Hiking time:4-5hours
- Distance:6km
- Habitat:Montane Forest
We leave camp and shortly afterwards the forests ends. We can see the sheer wall of the Western Breach appearing and disappearing as the afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco. We will camp at Barranco camp tonight.
Day 3
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3990m to 3995m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization
Day 4
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 3995m To 4623m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Day 5
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Hut
- Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)
- Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent
- Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent, Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
You will be woken at 23:30 with some quick tea and biscuits. We start our trek to the summit between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. We will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point (5732m), we will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). At Uhuru Peak (5895m), we will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. From the summit, we descend down to the Mweka Hut camp site, via Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles will be needed for the loose gravel going down to Mweka Camp (3100m). Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 6
Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate to Arusha
- Elevation: 3100m to 1800m
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
We depart after breakfast descending down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will be suitable (keep rain gear with you).
Day 7
Kilimanjaro International Airport
After a good night rest and breakfast at the hotel, our transfer vehicle will be ready to pick you up and take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport to connect with your flight back home. But if you wish to extend your program and proceed with safari kindly let us know so that we can arrange it in advance.
Price
2450 USD / Person
What you get
MaranguIncluded
- Mountain Climbing Fees: All necessary permits and fees for climbing Kilimanjaro.
- Camping Fees: Fees for camping along the Umbwe Route.
- Rescue Fees: Coverage for any potential rescue operations during the climb.
- Meals: Three meals per day provided throughout the climb, including the day 1.
- Professional Mountain Guide: Expert guidance from experienced Kilimanjaro guides.
- Cook: A dedicated cook to prepare meals during the climb.
- Porters: More than the standard number of porters provided per client to carry gear and supplies.
- Mountain Tents: Comfortable two-room mountain tents for accommodation.
- Mattress and Sleeping Bag: Mattresses and sleeping bags included for each climber.
- Transport: Transportation from Arusha to Umbwe Gate and back to Arusha on the last day.
- Boiled Drinking Water: 3 to 4 liters of boiled drinking water per person per day during the climb.
Excluded
- Sleeping Bags and Climbing Gear: Personal gear such as sleeping bags, clothing, shoes, walking poles, headlamp, gloves, and other climbing essentials.
- Tips for the Crew: Gratuities for guides, porters, and other support staff.
- Gratuities for the Driver Guide and Hotel Staff: Additional tips for the driver guide and hotel staff.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses such as beverages, laundry, and other personal costs.
- Telephone, Faxes, and Telexes: Costs for communication services.
- Travel Insurance and Medical Evacuation:Coverage for travel insurance and medical evacuation is not included.
- International Flights: Flights to and from Tanzania are not included.
- Visas: Costs for visas or any other travel documentation.