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6 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE

OVERVIEW

The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also low. Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route – one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude. 

Day 1; Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
The day begins with a 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. 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 to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
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 to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
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. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Day 4; Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 15331ft
meters(3900m to 4600m)
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
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 for hot lunch and soon after hot lunch we will proceed ascending for 3 hours to reach Barafu camp
Day 5; Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
meters(4600m to 5895m)
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
meters(5985m to 3000m)
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
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, 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 6; Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
 
meters(3000m to 1650m)
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
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 for hot shower.

Budget Price

1 Pax $1755

2 Pax $ 1705

3 Pax $ 1655

4 Pax $ 1605

5 Pax +$1525

Medium Price

1 Pax $ 1958

2 Pax $ 1907

3 Pax $ 1858

4 Pax $ 1805

5 Pax + $ 1758

Luxury Price

1 Pax $ 3520

2 Pax $ 3320

3 Pax $ 3120

4 Pax $ 2920

5 Pax +$ 2500

– 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
– 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

– 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 for Guides, Porters, and Cook (This is a Guide to Tipping on the Mountain) https://kiliporters.org/get-involved/tipping-recommendations/
 
TIPPING POLICY
– Guide $17 – $20/guide/day
– Cook $12 – $15/day
– Porters $8 – $10/porter/day

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