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6 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route

On Request

The Umbwe route has a reputation for being the most challenging route on Kilimanjaro. And rightly so. It’s the shortest and steepest of the Kilimanjaro routes, and accordingly has a poor acclimatization profile.

  • Vacation Style Adult Group
    Climbing
  • Activity Level Normal
    9/10
  • Group Size Medium Groups
    6/10
6 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route

For this reason its summit success rate is low and its one of the least used trails on the mountain. The Umbwe approaches the summit from the south and camping is the only available accommodation option. Pre-acclimatization is recommended for those who choose to trek this route.

Highlights

  • Walks along the scenic Senecio Forest.
  • Observe the incredibly beautiful valleys and hills from the top of the Barranco Wall.
  • Take in the views of the summit from different angles at the Southern Circuit – A delight for photographers!
  • Bask in the glorious sunrise over the Mawenzi Peak at Stella Point.
  • The magnificent views from above the altitude of 5895 m at Uhuru Peak.
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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. Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  4. Day 4 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

    Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

    Distance: 4 km/2 miles

    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.

  5. Day 5 Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

    Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

    Distance: 5 km/3 miles

    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.

    Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

    Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

    Distance: 12 km/7 miles

    Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

    Habitat: Rain Forest

    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.

  6. Day 6 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

    Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

    Distance: 10 km/6 miles

    Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

    Habitat: Rain Forest

    On our last day, you will continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha

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The tour package inclusions at a glance
Whats included in this tour Items that are covered in the cost of tour price.
  • Arrival & departure transfers
  • 2 Nights accommodation at Planed lodge or similar in Arusha on Half board H/B
  • Return transfers to & from the Mountain
  • Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
  • Professional & well experienced, Mountain guides, porters & a chef
  • All Park fees & camping fees
  • Rescue fees
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
  • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Crisis management and safety procedures
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters
  • Tanzania government value added tax VAT
The tour package exclusions at a glance
Whats not included in this tour Items that are covered in the cost of tour price.
  • All flights
  • Tanzania Visa
  • Gratitude/Tips for all crews (please tip separately)
  • All personal expenses (e.g. laundry, beverages, telephone etc.)
  • Meals not listed above
  • insurance if applicable
Departure Dates Confirmed Dates Trip Status Trip Status Price (PP) Including Flights Price (PP) Excluding Flights  
Tues 29 Nov '22 - Tues 29 Nov '22
Available & Guaranteed
On Request
On Request

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Bernard D Our family of 6, enjoyed the 9 day Safari led by our excellent driver and guide Frank. He was knowledgeable especially about birds and was very caring throughout the Safari.”
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Julia_2709 Everything was fine, great guide William and his team tried their best! Excellent acclimatization schedule, William speaks English very good and told us a lot of interesting information about Kilimanjaro and Tanzania during our hiking.”
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Gordon butt Well organized tour group though we were placed with Meru Slopes for the safaris. Very enjoyable group to travel with. There were issues initially because of my resident work permit and it also caused delays getting most of the park entry permits. ”

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