Umbwe route Climbing Option:
Climbing via Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude but the rewards are plentiful. Fewer people, pristine forest and shorter walking distances make it a great option for fit hikers.
NB: A lifetime experience to spend the OVERNIGHT IN THE CRATER! Be one of a few fortunate people to spend a night in Africa's largest volcano. This option is highly recommended as this will be the only opportunity to get close to the beautiful and fascinating glaciers of Kilimanjaro and to be able to visit the ash pit. Recommended for the very fit or experienced trekkers Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route, View Rates, Discounted Prices - Book & Save Now.
Success rate on Umbwe route: 60%
Considered to be the most difficult route on Kilimanjaro, the Umbwe route should be attempted only by experienced climbers. The success rate of the route is between 60% and 70%, with higher chances of reaching the summit if you give yourself extra time for acclimatization.
Feel free to talk to our experienced consultants for your preferred trekking routing. Umbwe Route: Total hiking distance: Approximately 81 kms excluding acclimatization hikes
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Moshi
By road from Nairobi Kenya – Meeting point – Steers (Muindi Mbingu Street opposite the Jeevanjee Gardens) at 0730hrs. Departure @ 0800hrs
Transfer from Nairobi to Moshi town via Namanga – border. Lunch at own cost. Enjoy the amazing views of the lush agricultural Meru plantations arriving at Moshi hotel in the early evening.
By flight landing in Arusha JRO Airport – Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha Airport (ARK) or Arusha or Moshi Bus Station, our representative will pick and transfer you to our base hotel in Moshi. Overnight stay at Moshi. (Bed & Breakfast)
Umbwe Route is steep and very direct route suitable for very fit and more experienced trekkers and should not be rushed! It combines pleasant forest walking with a challenging approach to the summit. Expect mud and ice at any time of year.
Day 2: Moshi – Umbwe Gate (1800m) – Bivouac first Camp Umbwe Cave (3000m)
Hiking time: 5 - 7hrs | Distance: Approximately 8kms | Habitat: Montane forest
Depart early after breakfast and drive to Umbwe gate. After checking at the gate, the trek starts on the southern side of Mt Kilimanjaro with lunch enroute along the path which is usually muddy, moistures and thick air. The route initially follows a forestry track winding up through the natural rain forest. It then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers with huge trees surrounding you. The path offers spectacular views of deep gorges and if you are lucky enough, glimpses of Mt Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth. Dinner and overnight camping in mountain tents at Bivouac camp No 1 Umbwe cave. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 3: Kilimanjaro Bivouac Camp Umbwe Cave (3000m) – Barranco Camp (3950m)
Hiking time: 6hrs | Distance: Approximately 8kms | Habitat: Montane forest & Moorlands
Set out for Barranco after breakfast. The forest starts thinning and is replaced by rockier terrain, sparser undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path continues along a narrow but spectacular ridge. As you gain higher altitude, catch glimpses of mount Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you etched against the blue sky. The path flattens as you approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends a little to the Barranco camp. The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall which provide climbers with memorable sunset. Dinner and overnight camping at Barranco camp. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950m) – Karanga Camp (4000m)
Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, depart the Great Barranco camp Wall (a very magnificent sight), as we approach an awesome looking obstacle which in the end turns out easier and fun to conquer. Proceed on with our days trek up the Barranco Wall, then across scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley which is the last water stop on the route. Hot lunch will be served, dinner and overnight camping at Karanga camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4000m) – Barafu Camp (4600m)
Distance: 6 kilometers | Hiking Time: 4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way, view several of Kibo's glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route Mweka with the Machame trail. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep as soon as you finish dinner as you will awake before midnight for your summit hike. Camping at this point is only for the strong wild as temperatures can drop to freezing point. Hot lunch will be served, dinner and overnight camping at Barafu camp. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4600m) – Summit attempt Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)
Hiking time: 8h to reach Uhuru Peak, 7 - 8h to descend to Mweka
Distance: Approximately 7 kms ascent - 23 kms descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Start the hike at 2300hrs heading North-Westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many participants, this 6-hour walk to Stella point is mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most outstanding sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting) as we head to the main peak – Uhuru Peak the highest point if Africa 19340ft (alt. 5895m) which is the highlight of our trip! After taking photos with the sunrise, descend further down to Barafu camp where you will have breakfast and later descend further with lunch enroute to Mweka camp for dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1800m) – Moshi
Hiking time: 3hrs | Distance: Approximately 15 kms | Habitat: Forest
After an early and well-deserved breakfast, we descend through the lower heath scenic section that quickly turns into rainforest to Mweka gate. At the gate, successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with Green certificates while those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive Gold certificates. Thereafter onward connection and transfer to the hotel in Moshi. (Breakfast, Lunch & Bed)
Day 8: Moshi – Nairobi
After breakfast, drive to Arusha for lunch at own cost then proceed to NBO via Namanga border and further to Nairobi arriving late in the evening or transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha Airport (ARK) or Arusha or Moshi Bus Station for your departure. (Breakfast)
Any extra day will attract from USD 290 per person
Children & Students Rate Policy:
NB: The above rates are subject to change without notice should necessitating factors dictate. These may be influenced by changes in government policies, intermittent exchange rates among other factors.
Package inclusive of:
Package exclusive of:
*Booking Terms and conditions apply* Please refer to our comprehensive copy of the terms on our website http://www.africahubvacations.com/booking-terms-and-conditions
Feel free to share / forward this itinerary to your friend(s) who would be interested.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Please fill out the form below regarding your tour booking and we will respond to you within a short while. We will only contact you regarding your tour enquiry and promise not to send you any junk email as per our company privacy policy