Umbwe route is well known as the hardest trail within the Kilimanjaro. It is recommended for advanced climbers with experience. This route is located at an altitude of about 2,800 meters. The first camp is about 6 hours drive from town by a four-wheel drive vehicle. It is a five day hike to the top; however, few climbers manage to summit.
This seven day package simplifies the physical and mental challenges that hinder many climbers. Over 60% of all hikers on this route experience substantial altitude sickness including Nausea and headache. Beginning at 4,000 meters above sea level, this path has a shorter acclimatization time. For example Karanga camp has about 32 kilometers of sharp ascent followed by 21 kilometers downward climb. Umbwe route is divided into two trails at the top: The western breach that goes to the northwest approaching Kibo peak from the western side and southern circular approaching the Barafu camp from the east that joins three other trails at Barafu and Barranco campsites found within the mountain. The western breach is challenging because of fallen rocks in the middle. The best time to climb this route is July through September because it is a dry season. Dinner and the overnight will be at the first camp. Get a good night’s sleep for this memorable adventure!
Day 1: Pick up from the Airport to the Hotel
Our professional driver will pick you up from the airport to the selected hotel or lodge in Arusha or Moshi town.
Day 2: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe camp
Highlights
Wake up early in the morning for breakfast and then load your luggage into the car ready to begin the journey to Umbwe gate for registration. We will be drive for about one hour up to Umbwe trail signboard and trek for several hours through the dense forest of rubber trees and giant figs.
A lunch box will be provided during the climb. Dinner and the overnight will be at the first cave campsite.
Day 3: Umbwe camp to Barranco camp
Highlights
Trekking will begin early in the morning after breakfast whereby you will leave the forest glades ascending on the open moorland to the Barranco camp located at 3,900 meters. After lunch at Barranco camp you will pass through a zone of giant ground cells that seem to guard the heights of the mountain. Dinner and the overnight will be at Barranco campsite.
Day 4: Barranco camp to Karanga camp
Highlights
Wake up early in the morning for breakfast and then begin trekking through the Barranco wall for two hours. Take half an hour break and then descend to Karanga camp. Acclimatization hike will be for one hour.
The views are breathtakingly beautiful. Stock up on water because there is no fresh water beyond this point. Also our tent will be pitched on a narrow stony wind-swept ridge so make sure you become familiar with the trail and prepare all necessary summit equipment such as headlamp and camera batteries, before dark. Dinner and overnight will be at Karanga camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu camp
Highlights
Trekking will continue through the Heim Glacier heading down towards the Karanga Valley going over intervening ridges to join the Mweka route which will be your descent route. On this day, you will have an opportunity to view the summit! The views are breathtakingly beautiful. Stock up on water because there is no fresh water beyond this point. Also our tent will be pitched on a narrow stony wind-swept ridge so make sure you become familiar with the trail and prepare all necessary summit equipment such as headlamp and camera batteries, before dark. After dinner bed time is early at 7:00 pm because you will wake at 10:30 pm to start hiking to the summit.
Day 6: Summit Day. Barafu camp to Uhuru peak; Uhuru Peak to Mweka camp
Highlights
Trekking will continue for six hours to the northeast via the heavy scree between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers up to Stella point on the crater rim. After a short break we will hike to Uhuru peak. We will take in the moment and enjoy the summit before descending to Mweka camp 23 kilometers (about 7 to 8 hours) – where you will have dinner overnight.
Day 7: Mweka camp to Mweka gate
Highlights
The journey back to town begins after breakfast. We will descend 3 hours from Mweka camp to Mweka gate. After arriving at the gate, you will be given certificates of merits to commemorate your climb. Climbers to Uhuru peak will be given Gold with green color certificates and those ending at Stella point will be given green certificates. Your mountain crew will dance for you as we celebrate your accomplishment!
Please remember that TIPS are substantial part of your crew’s income. Please remember to generously TIP your tour guides, porters and cook before you say goodbye. After one hour drive to Mweka village for hot lunch, we will drive to Arusha/ Moshi town for your hotel for the overnight.
The package includes:
The package excludes:
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