Climbing Kilimanjaro Africa expedition, Umbwe route in 6 days!
Price From $2320 Pp
Overview
The Umbwe Route is a challenging and scenic hiking trail that leads to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. This route is known for its steep ascent, beautiful scenery, and relatively low traffic, making it a popular choice for experienced hikers who are looking for a more adventurous and secluded climb.
The route starts on the south side of Mount Kilimanjaro and follows a steep and narrow path through dense rainforest. The trail gradually becomes steeper and more rugged as it approaches the summit, with sections of scrambling and climbing over rocks and boulders.
Day 1: UMBWE GATE – UMBWE CAVE: 9.6KM/6MI | 6-8HRS | MOORLAND
Elevation: 1651m/5417ft to 2944m/9659ft
Altitude gained: 1293m
Departing from Moshi driving to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys up through the dense montane forest. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.
preparation of the upcoming trekking tour. You will spend the night will do this briefing depend on your arrive time accommodation.
Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa
Day 2: UMBWE CAVE – BARRANCO CAMP: 4.75KM/3MI | 4-6HRS | MOORLAND
We depart Arusha for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
Meal Plan: LD Budget
Elevation: 6,046ft to 8,858ft
Distance: 8km / 5miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 3: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5.2KM/3MI | 3-4HRS | ALPINE DESERT
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude gained: 48m
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Day 4: KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 3.3KM /2 MI | 3-4HRS | ALPINE DESERT
Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Day 5: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 11.5KM /7.1MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gain: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp
Day 6: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1KM/5.7MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
Overnight Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel 4 stars B&B. before being transferred to your journey home, safari or relaxing trip to Zanzibar.
INCLUSIONS
Activities/services included in the cost:
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Arusha.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Arusha.
- Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate.
- Park entry fees.
- Camping fees.
- Rescue fees.
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services.
- 4 Season mountain tents.
- Double layered Sleeping Mats.
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters.
- 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain, hot drinks and snacks.
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
- Hot water for washing.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (TLTO And TATO).
- Government taxes.
- Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter.
- Emergency first-aid kit.
- Portable flush toilet from Group of 4 if your less than 4 you will pay extra 95$.
EXCLUSIONS
Activities/services
- Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and afterclimb.
- Travel insurance.
- Flights.
- Laundry (Available at hotel).
- Personal items and toiletries.
- Surcharge for online payment of balance (5%).
Passenger Information
- Passengers should bring only duffle bags safaris{not suitcases}
- All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them for internal flights.
- Baggage on domestic flights is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage). Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in.
- Passengers arriving to Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
- Tourist Visa will be obtained at the entry points, but it is advisable to double check before travelling to Tanzania.
Umbwe Route FAQs
The Umbwe Route is approximately 53 kilometers (33 miles) long, with an average duration of 6 to 7 days.
Yes, the Umbwe Route is one of the steepest and most challenging routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It requires a good level of fitness, hiking experience, and acclimatization to high altitude.
The success rate of climbing Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route is lower than some of the other routes due to its steep and challenging terrain. However, with proper preparation, acclimatization, and a reputable tour operator, the success rate can still be high.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route is during the dry season from June to October, and from December to March. The weather during these months is typically clear and dry, with lower chances of rain and snow.
Accommodation on Umbwe Route is typically in mountain tents, with some campsites offering basic facilities such as toilets and running water. Some tour operators may offer more luxurious camping options with larger tents and more amenities.




