The Umbwe route is most hardest and challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro, and steepest trail , Due to that umbwe route is the least travelled.
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.( In the first two days, you will gain over 4,000' of elevation up to 13,000 at Barranco.)
If you’re looking for the absolutely best views on the way up Mount Kilimanjaro, and you enjoy testing yourself in the wilderness, In Umbwe route you will meet with these and you’ll find to a true mountaineering expedition on Kilimanjaro.
Umbwe offers 6 and 7 days for climbing . The 7 days variation adds an acclimatization
day on day 3 at Barranco Camp.
DAY 1: UMBWE GATE – UMBWE CAMP ,
Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft, Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time:5-7 hours, Habitat: Heath
We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest.
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.
DAY 2:UMBWE CAMP – BARRANCO CAMP
Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft, Distance: 6 km , Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Heath
The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful
Senecio Forest.
DAY 3: BARRANCO CAMP
Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization.
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP- KARANGA CAMP
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft, Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp.
DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP - BARAFU CAMP
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft, Distance: 4 km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
DAY 6:BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP
To Uhuru Peak ,Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 7-8 hours, Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the
continent of Africa.
From the summit to Mweka Camp,
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft, Distance: 12 km, Hiking Time: 4-6 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP – MOSHI,
Altitude Loss: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
PRICE INCLUDES
Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
2 nights of accommodation in Moshi.
Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate.
Park entry fees.
Camping fees.
Team Kilimanjaro 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.
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 (KIATO).
Government taxes.
Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
Emergency first-aid kit.
PRICE EXCLUDES
Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
Travel insurance.
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 70 for the entire trek.
Flights.
Laundry (Available at hotel).
Personal items and toiletries.
Tips on Mountain Kilimanjaro are recommended for group sharing as follows:
Guide $20/guide/day ,
Cook $15/day,
Porters $10/porter/day.
Kilimanjaro Trekking Equipments
Clothes
Waterproof pants
1-2 Long Sleeve Trekking Shirts
1 Pairs of hiking pants
1 Fleece Jacket
1 Insulated Winter Jacket
2 pairs synthetic warm weather trekking socks
4 pairs heavier synthetic or wool blend socks
Top and Bottom Base Layer
3-4 Short Sleeve
Water/Windproof mittens
Lightweight gloves
Lightweight Rain gear
1 Pair of hiking boots
Balaclava
Trekking Equipment
A day pack
Headlamp with extra batteries
1 Sleeping bag
1 Duffel bag
A pair of trekking poles
Accessories
Backpack cover
Water bottle
Sunglasses
Electronic devices
Camera/Smartphone
Extra batteries/Power bank