The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low.
The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. The Umbwe route should only be attempted by those who are very strong hikers and are confident in their ability to acclimatize, but can be added whereby giving the climber an extra day in the Karanga Valley. The descent trail is the same as the Mweka Route.
DAY 1 : Arrival Day
Upon your arrival in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Arusha or Moshi town,there you will meet your Mountain guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gears. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day
Hotel booked : Bed & Breakfast
DAY 2 : Umbwe Gate ( 1,800m )to Umbwe Cave Camp ( 2,850m )
• Distance : 11km
• Hiking time : 5-6 hrs
• Altitude gained: 1,050m
• Habitat : Montane rainforest zone
At 7:30am leave Arusha or Moshi town for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides making their final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Umbwe Cave Camp( 2850m ) approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places. Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Umbwe cave camp ( in tents )
DAY 3 : Umbwe Cave Camp ( 2,850m )to Barranco Camp ( 3900m )
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking time : 4-5 hrs
• Altitude gained: 1065m
• Habitat : Rainforest /Moorland zone
The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camp
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Barranco camp ( in tents )
DAY 4 : ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT BARRANCO CAMP ( 3900 m )
Today you can go to Laver tower ( 4600m ) then down to Barranco Camp as it’s recommended to climb higher sleep lower, You might also spend more days exploring near Barranco camp for much needed acclimation .keep your camera handy to capture the scenery of the groundsel –clad campsite .many trekkers rank this as their favorite camp on this trail which another reason this is perfect spot for your acclimatization day. If you are highly confident in your body ability to acclimatize well, you can choose the Six Days Umbwe Route Itinerary.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Barranco camp ( in tents)
DAY 5 : Barranco Camp ( 3,900m )to Karanga Camp ( 4000 m )
• Distance : 6 km
• Hiking time : 4-5 hrs
• Altitude gained/Lost :
• Habitat: Moorland / Alpine desert zone
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Karanga Camp ( in tents )
DAY 6 : Karanga Camp ( 3995m ) to BArafu Camp ( 4,672m )
• Distance : 4 km
• Hiking time : 3-4 hrs
• Altitude gained : 677m
• Habitat : High alpine desert zone
After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. 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 after finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Barafu Camp ( in tents )
DAY 7 : BARAFU CAMP ( 4672 m ) to UHURU PEAK ( 5,895 m ) then down to MWEKA CAMP ( 3,100m )
• Distance: 5 km Ascent / 12 km
• Hiking time : 6-7 Ascent/ 5-6 hrs Descent
• Altitude gained/ Lost : 1223 m / 2795 m
• Habitat : Summit / Moorland zone
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point.
The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers.
At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast or Lunch and take a short break. You still have another Four to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp
DAY 8: Mweka Camp ( 3,100m )to Mweka Gate (1,640 m )
• Distance 10 km
• Hiking time : 3-4 hrs
• Altitude lost : 1460m
• Habitat : Montane rainforest
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Arusha or Moshi
At Mweka Gate gate you will check out and here is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates
After receiving your Certificates then will be time for hot lunch with your crews after finishing now is your time to drive back to Arusha or Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, Dinner decent bed and Celebrations ?
Meals : Breakfast and Lunch included
Accommodation : Hotel in Moshi or Arusha
DAY 9 : Departure / other destination in Tanzania
Later in the evening or the next day, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to board your home-bound flight. Also, Snow Peak Adventure and Safari can organize an affordable safari trip to one of the best wildlife parks in Tanzania such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park.
END OF TOUR
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