The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount
Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb.
After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail follows the southern circuit to the summit. The
descent is done via the Mweka route. Major reason that Umbwe route considered to be very
difficult is its steepness in the first two days and its shrt time of acclimatization.This
route is attempted by strong hikers who are also confident of their ability to acclimatize
to altitude.
Map for Mount Kilimanjaro trekking route
0
Day 0: Pickup to Airport
You will be picked up from airport. From there you will go to the hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. Your guides will be there to provide you with details on your trek and will also check your trekking gears.
Dinner and overnight at hotel in Moshi.
1
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Cave Bivouac Camp
At 8am leave Moshi 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 make final preparations. Your first day's destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, 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 & Dinner Included
2
Day 2: Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp
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 camps.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
3
Day 3: Acclimatization day Barranco Camp
You will 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 & Dinner Included
4
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour 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 & Dinner Included
5
Day 5: Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp
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 four, 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 & Dinner Included
6
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
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 and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
6
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
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 Moshi.
At Mweka Gate gate you sign your name and details in a register book. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive Golden certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Pre & Post Trek accommodation at Parkview Inn or Panama Garden Resort
All Park Fees And Rescue Fees
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority
(KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
All Meals While On The Mountain
Arrival And Departure Transfers
Guides, Porters, Cook Salaries And Park Fees
Large Portions Of Fresh, Healthy, Nutritious Food:
Clean, Purified Drinking Water:
Fair And Ethical Treatment Of Porters:
Sleeping Mattress
4 Season mountain tents
Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
NOT INCLUDED IN OUR PACKAGES PRICES
Tanzania Visa: $50 Per Person On Arrival
Personal Expenses (E.G. Laundry, Telephone, Beverages, Etc.)
Optional Tours (Short Safari After Your Climb Etc)
Tips And Any Items Of Personal Nature.
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