7 Days Umbwe Route
7 days—Kilimanjaro Climb
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$1760 USD
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Safari summary
Umbwe route is the hardest but most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. Extra days can be added to our itinerary to explore or relax along the route or to camp in the Karanga River valley. Accommodation on the mountain is in tents; you will need a sleeping bag and mat. The porters will pitch the tents for you.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe route is among the hardest but most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. It follows a forested ridge to the moorlands, and then traverses below the Southern Ice-fields to reach the Barafu Route which is followed to the summit. An early start is made on the summit day to reach Stella Point, on the Crater Rim at dawn. Uhuru Peak lies a further 40 minutes along the rim.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | Hiking | trekking | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Day 1: UMBWE GATE-CAVE BIVOUAC CA
leave Arusha to Umbwe Gate after arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hr from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places.Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set a camp
Umbwe Camp
Day 2: CAVE BIVOUA-BARAFU CAMP
The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps. Total Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters, 3,610 feet Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Barafu Camp
DAY 3: BARANCO CAMP(3,900 M/12,800
Extra Day for Acclimatisation. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatisation.
Baranco Camp
DAY 4: BARANCO CAMP-KARANGA VALLEY
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley. Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet Distance: 7 Kilometers Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Karanga
DAY 5: KARANGA VALLEY-BARAFU CAMP
After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep after finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.
Barafu Camp
DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP-MWEKA CAMP
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point. The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes goes. The crater rim hike takes 1hr. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers.
Mweka Camp
DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP-MWEKA GATE
After breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Arusha Hotel. Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters, 5,250 feet Hiking time: 4 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Lush Garden Hotel
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