CLIMB KILIMANJARO 6 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE
Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach and it’s the most hardest and challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Umbwe Route is the trail for trekkers looking for a true climbing challenge. It is a quiet, seldom used path that can be very difficult, yet very rewarding at the same time. This is the route to choose if you want to test yourself on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, far from the crowds that are found on the more common trails.
While the Umbwe route is a non-technical climb, it does offer steep ascents and requires trekkers to scramble over rocks and tree roots at certain points. It is the hardest and most direct route up the mountain and even features several exposed ridges that are not for the faint of heart. The fitness and stamina of hikers may be tested along the way and it is best for experienced mountain trekkers who are looking for a challenge.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Umbwe gate - Umbwe Cave | Elevation 1800m - 2850m | Distance 11km | Walking time 7hrs
Departing from Arusha 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.
DAY 2
Umbwe Cave - Barranco Camp | Elevation 2850m - 3900m | Distance 6km | Walking time 7hrs.
We leave camp and shortly afterwards the forest 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 - Karanga Camp | Elevation 3900m - 3995m | Distance 6km | Walking time 5hrs
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 | Elevation 3995m - 4673m | Distance 4km | Walking time 5hrs
We leave Karanga campsite behind to meet the junction connecting with the Mweka descent Trail. From here we continue up to the Barafu Hut.
You have now completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. At camp, we can rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be clearly seen from this position.
DAY 5
Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp. | Elevation 4673m - 5895m - 3100m | Distance 5km to Uhuru and 11km to Mweka
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 a slope covered with 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 Camp - Mweka gate | Elevation 3100m - 1800m | Distance 10km | Walking time 3hrs
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 Arusha, a drive of about 2hrs. Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
Included
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Accommodation in Arusha before Kili and after Kili on bed and breakfast basis.
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Airport Transfers.
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Transfer from Arusha to Lemosho gate and from Mweka to Arusha.
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Mountain Guides, Shef and Porters.
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Kilimanjaro Park fees and Camping fees
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Kilimanjaro Rescue fees.
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All meals during hiking.
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Sleeping mattress.
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Sleeping bags
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Portable toilet for the mountain.
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Tables and Chairs
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Mass Tent.
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Drinking water during hiking
Excluded
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International Flight tickets From and To your country plus VISA
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Domestic flights if any
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Personal and luggage travel insurance
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Any other items and expenses of personal nature
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Tipping, which is of course a nun- compulsory, but it’s an expected part of how the business is done in Tanzania. It is also the expression of gratitude to the team that has made your experience unforgettable.
