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Kilimanjaro Trekking via Umbwe Route 5 days

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5 Days
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The most difficult route up Kilimanjaro

The 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.

Approaching from the south, the 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 route.

Highlights:

  1. Most scenic route at Kilimanjaro 
  2. Climbing passage in the Barranco Wall, sure-footedness required 
  3. Ascent over Umbwe route and descent over the Mweka route 
  4. Height profile does no positive effect on acclimatisation 

Single accommodation is not possible on this tour, as the overnight stays take place in mountain huts with multiple occupancy. 

Kilimanjaro Trekking via Umbwe Route 5 days

Day 1

Transfer from the hotel to Umbwe Gate (1800m) – Umbwe Cave Camp (2950m)

The day begins with a drive of approx. 50 minutes to Machame Gate where we complete the registration formalities. After that we have a short transfer through villages, coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate, where you will meet our crew. The steep and partly slippery trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest, followed by heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded […]

Day 2

Umbwe Cave Camp – Barranco Camp (3960m)

The first section of the trail continues following the ridge on rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, then you will arrive at Barranco Camp which is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe route as it’s surrounded by giant senecio and lobelias. Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 3

Barranco Camp (3960m)- Barafu Camp (4640m)

After a leisurely breakfast, you will set off for today’s destination, the Barafu Camp. The hike leads you through a barren landscape, and after some hours you reach the camp. For the rest of the day you can relax because tomorrow is summit day! After dinner, we will have a very early bedtime as tomorrow will be exciting, but also exhausting and very long. Try to sleep a bit!  Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 4

Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)

You will be woken around midnight. To strengthen yourself, you will first have a hot coffee or tea and a small snack. Using the light of your headlight, the next few hours are steadily upwards. After approximately 5-7 hours, in the early morning light, you will reach the crater rim at Stella Point. After a short rest you will continue for about an hour to get to the highest point, Uhuru Peak. Finally, it is done, and the rewards are […]

Day 5

Mweka Camp (3080m) – Mweka Gate (1630m) – Transfer to the hotel

After breakfast, and strengthened by the increasingly oxygen dense air, you will begin a leisurely walk towards the Mweka Gate. The trail continues through the dense rainforest, and after about 2-3 hours you will reach the gate. At this point it will be time to say goodbye to your team. Once you arrive at the hotel, you can finally enjoy a well-deserved shower and celebrate your summit success.  Breakfast; Lunch

5 Days
16+ Age
trekking
  • Departure
    Please arrive by 9:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
  • Departure Time
    Approximately 9:30 PM.
  • Dress Code
    Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat and warm jacket.
  • Included
    Airport pick up and drop off
    All entrance park fees
    Camping equipment
    Full board accommodation whilst on safari
    Mountain crew (cook & porters)
    Overnight stays in tents
    Professional guide
    Transfers in both directions between Kilimanjaro International Airport & Arusha
  • Not Included
    Alcoholic and soft drinks
    Meals not listed above
    Optional tours
    Personal Expenses
    Safari jeep with pop up roof for game viewing
    Sleeping bag
    Tanzania visa
    Tips and any items of personal nature
    Travel insurance
1
Day 1: Transfer from the hotel to Umbwe Gate (1800m) – Umbwe Cave Camp (2950m)
The day begins with a drive of approx. 50 minutes to Machame Gate where we complete the registration formalities. After that we have a short transfer through villages, coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate, where you will meet our crew. The steep and partly slippery trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest, followed by heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers. 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. Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner 
2
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp - Barranco Camp (3960m)
The first section of the trail continues following the ridge on rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, then you will arrive at Barranco Camp which is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe route as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
3
Day 3: Barranco Camp (3960m)- Barafu Camp (4640m)
After a leisurely breakfast, you will set off for today's destination, the Barafu Camp. The hike leads you through a barren landscape, and after some hours you reach the camp. For the rest of the day you can relax because tomorrow is summit day! After dinner, we will have a very early bedtime as tomorrow will be exciting, but also exhausting and very long. Try to sleep a bit!  Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner 
4
Day 4: Barafu Camp (4640m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)
You will be woken around midnight. To strengthen yourself, you will first have a hot coffee or tea and a small snack. Using the light of your headlight, the next few hours are steadily upwards. After approximately 5-7 hours, in the early morning light, you will reach the crater rim at Stella Point. After a short rest you will continue for about an hour to get to the highest point, Uhuru Peak. Finally, it is done, and the rewards are fantastic views in all directions. The shadow that the Kilimanjaro casts over Mount Meru in the morning is a special experience. After you have enjoyed the summit, and taken a few memorable photos, it is time for the descent. At the Barafu Camp you have a short rest, where your mountain team will greet you with a hot drink and snacks. Afterwards, you will slowly go to Mweka Camp, where you will spend the last night at the mountain.  Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner 
5
Day 5: Mweka Camp (3080m) – Mweka Gate (1630m) - Transfer to the hotel
After breakfast, and strengthened by the increasingly oxygen dense air, you will begin a leisurely walk towards the Mweka Gate. The trail continues through the dense rainforest, and after about 2-3 hours you will reach the gate. At this point it will be time to say goodbye to your team. Once you arrive at the hotel, you can finally enjoy a well-deserved shower and celebrate your summit success.  Breakfast; Lunch