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 / 5249ft to 9514ft
- Distance: 11km / 6.8mi
- Hiking Time: 6 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
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: 2900m to 3950m / 9514ft to 12.959ft
- Distance: 6km / 3.7mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
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: 3950m to 3995m / 12.959ft to 13.107ft
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- 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 4600m / 13.107ft to 15.092ft
- Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- 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 Camp
- Elevation: 4600m to 5895m to 3100m / 15.092ft to 19.341ft to 10.170ft
- Distance: 7km / 4.3mi ascent and 23km /14.3mi descent
- Hiking Time: 8 hours to Uhuru Peak and 7-8 hours to descent to Mweka Camp
- 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 / 10.170ft to 5906ft
- Distance: 10km / 6.2mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
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.
Ready for Your Adventure?
What you get
Included
- Your hotel stay - 1 night before and after the climb.
- Airport transfers.
- All necessary permits and fees for climbing Kilimanjaro.
- Rescue Fees for any potential rescue operations during the climb.
- Fresh meals and drinking water throughout the climb.
- Professional Mountain Guide.
- Porters to carry your gear and supplies.
- Comfortable two-room mountain tents for accommodation.
- Foam sleeping mattresses for each climber.
- Transportation to and from the mountain.
Excluded
- Sleeping bags and climbing gear (clothing, shoes, walking poles, headlamp, gloves, and other climbing essentials).
- Tips for the guides, driver and crew.
- Personal Expenses such as beverages, laundry, and other personal costs.
- Telephone, Faxes, Telexes, data or other communication services.
- Travel Insurance (you must be insured specifically for treks above 4500m)
- Flights to and from Tanzania.
- Visas or any other travel documentation.
- Snacks on the mountain.
- Your personal medicine.
Gallery
