Kilimanjaro Climb 6 Days Umbwe Route

Tour Overview

Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach and is considered the hardest and challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. The rapid speed of the ascent and steepness makes acclimatization very difficult.

The Umbwe Route is the trail for trekkers looking for a true climbing challenge. It is a quiet, seldom used path that can be very difficult, yet very rewarding at the same time. This is the route to choose if you want to test yourself on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, far from the crowds that are found on the more common trails.

While Umbwe route is a non-technical climb, it does offer steep ascents and requires trekkers to scramble over rocks and tree roots at certain points. It is known to be the hardest and most direct route up the Kilimanjaro and even features several exposed ridges that are not for the faint of heart.
The fitness and stamina of hikers may be tested along the way and it is best for experienced mountain trekkers who are looking for a challenge.

Itinerary

Day 1

Umbwe Gate (1,600m/ 5,249ft) - Umbwe Cave Camp (2940m/ 9514ft)

Depart for Umbwe Gate at 1800m, from where a forestry track leads through natural rainforest to a narrow and steep forested ridge, reaching the first campsite by some rock overhangs at 2940m (5-6 hours).

Day 2

Umbwe Cave Camp (2,940m/ 9,514ft) - Barranco Camp (3,976m/ 13,044ft)

Continue until the forest ends and the path continues along a spectacular ridge with superb views of the icy Breach Wall above and the Great Barranco Gorge below. The campsite is not far from the Barranco Hut (5-6 hours, 3950m).

Day 3

Barranco Camp (3,976m/ 13,044ft) - Karanga Camp (3,995m/ 13,106ft)

Scramble easily to the top of the Great Barranco and then traverse over screes and ridges to the Karanga Valley campsite (3 hours, 3937m), beneath the icefalls of the Southern Glaciers.

Day 4

Karanga Camp (3,995m/ 13,106ft) - Barafu Camp (4,673m/ 15,331ft)

The trail ascends a ridge to a campsite by the Barafu Hut, an airy location with little vegetation (3 hours, 4600m).

Day 5

Barafu Camp (4,673m/ 15,331ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m/ 19,341ft) – Mweka Camp (3,068m/ 10,065ft)

Start just after midnight for the ascent of the screes leading to Stella Point (6 hours, 5732m). From here, a further 40 minutes lead to Uhuru Peak. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and brunch before continuing down to camp at Mweka Hut at 3100m (11-13 hours total walking time). Those with energy at the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields.

Day 6

Mweka Camp (3,068m/ 10,065ft) – Mweka Gate (1,640m/ 5,380ft)

A 3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the park gate, concluding the trekking..

Includes

-Private Transportation to and from your selected Route

-Airport pick up

-Quality, Waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent for camp route

-Certified, experienced, English speaking mountain guides (Please request for other language Speaking Guides French/Spanish/German & Etc, supplement $25 per day subject to availability).

-All Kilimanjaro National Park Fees

-Government Climbing Taxes

-All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain

-Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries

-Enough porters to carry your luggage

-Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide

Excludes

-Personal items and toiletries

-Accommodation before & After trek

-Hotel (available as an optional addon)

-Transfers (available as an optional addon)

-Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for renting)

-Tips for guides, porters and cook

-International airfares and departure taxes

-All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc

-Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

-Visa and International flight tickets fees.

Introducing Mzimba Adventures, your premier destination for African safaris and Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, based in the vibrant city of Arusha.