The Umbwe route is one of the least used routes up Kilimanjaro and avoids some of the overcrowding that takes place during the high season. It is a very steep route, although not a technical climb it is best suited for more experienced trekkers.

 

Arrival Day: Our packages include arrival day services. Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transport you to your Arusha/Moshi hotel (location depends on availability), bed and breakfast service are included.  In the afternoon or evening your Kilimanjaro guide will meet you for a trek briefing and an equipment check.

 

Acclimitization Day: optional in our packages.  Let us know if you are interested in an extra day before trekking.

 

Mountain Day 1: Umbwe Gate (6,000 ft.) to Umbwe Camp (9,000 ft.)

Hiking Time: 5 hours

The majority of the hike on this first day is through the Montaine Forest. Lush vegetation with very old trees and lilts of ferns and mosses mark this as an area that gets reliable rain year round. The forest abounds with wildlife and there is rich and varied bird life. The first three hours or so is on gently rising land before steepening for the last two hours. The camp for the night is in a small clearing on the trail near the Umbwe Caves.

 

Mountain Day 2: Umbwe Camp(9,000 ft.) to Barranco Camp (12,900 ft)Hiking Time: 5 hours

Shortly after starting the hike the forest gradually gives away to the giant heath. As the height of the heath reduces there are stunning views of both Kilimanjaro's southern flank and across to Mount Meru some 50 miles away. The camp is overlooking the Barranco Valley with views up towards Arrow Glacier.

 

Mountain Day 3: Barranco Camp (12,900 ft) to Karanga Camp (13,100 ft)

Hiking Time: 3 hours

After leaving Barranco Camp you continue on a steep ridge passing up the Barranco Wall and continuing on to the Karanga Valley campsite.

 

Mountain Day 4: Karanga Camp (13,100 ft) to Barafu Camp (15,200 ft)

Hiking Time: 3 hours

From Karanga you will head up a moraine ridge. The views here can be spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it's taken it very slowly. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent.

 

Mountain Day 5: Barafu Camp (15,200 ft) to Summit (19,340) to Mweka Hut (10,100 ft.)

Hiking Time: 15 hours

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), you will continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, you make your descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

 

Mountain Day 6: Mweka Camp (10,000 ft.) to Mweka Gate (6,000 ft)

Hiking Time: 3-6 hours

From Mweka Camp you continue the descent down to the Mweka Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). At the Mweka Gate summiting climbers receive their summit certificates. Our driver will meet you at the gate and transport you to your Arusha/Moshi hotel (depending on availability) overnight stay included in our packages.

 

Departure Day: Our packages include departure day services. Enjoy breakfast and a morning sightseeing in the city or join us for one of our Safari Adventures. If you are returning home our driver will bring you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your flight home.