Description
Umbwe route is one of the express but sharpest routes to the Southern Glaciers, affording one view of the forests, valleys, magnificent vegetation, and glaciers. Though, hikers must be pre-acclimatized prior to trying this route particularly if one opts to summit via Western Breach as you gain altitude very rapidly over a smaller distance. This, however, does not make the Umbwe Route a technical route up Kilimanjaro just physically challenging.
That thought, not may climbers select for this route. As for stats, only about 200 hikers try this route a year related to tens of thousands on the likes of the Machame and Marangu routes. The rewards this route offers is not only the physical challenge but you also get the luxury of trekking in privacy at slightest till you meet up with the other explorers at Barranco Camp. From there, you can opt to follow others around to Barafu or via Western Breach.
Itinerary
01. Arrive in Tanzania
On arrival from KIA we transfer roughly 1 hour to your hotel in Moshi town. You`ll have a short time to freshen up, and then have a briefing. Your guide will give you a briefing and ensure that you have all the gear required for the climb. If you are missing essential equipment it can be rented for very cheap prices.
Our briefings will give you a clear view of the days to come from your personal guide and cook, also you will be told your exact crew numbers and make up as well as get a chance to ask any questions. If you wouldn’t mind we will enjoy an evening meal together and then have a good night’s sleep to prepare for the challenge ahead.
Meals : Depends On Arrival Time.
02. Umbwe gate (1800m) – Umbwe Cave (3000m)
The climb starts from Umbwe Gate (1,800 m.) The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys up through the dense montane forest. On sunny days, and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful; it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained recently! It’s a steep and rough walk up to our first camp, Umbwe Cave at (3,000 m).
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 10.5km
Habitat: Rainforest (Montane)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
03. Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850 meters) to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters)
The path gets steeper on this section, as you get out of the forest. One place it’s necessary to do a bit of climbing / scrambling past a 10 meter rock, but after that the path gets easier. The views start to open up, and the vegetation is now the typical moorland, with giant scenarios around, and the ice fields at Kibo is now clearly visible. Camp is in the Barranco valley (3,950 m.), which has spectacular views to both Kibo and the plains beneath.
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 6.5km
Habitat: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
04. Barranco Camp (3,900 meters) to Karanga Camp (3,960 meters)
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4,000 m.), the last water point on the approach to Barafu, in a narrow valley. There is plenty of time to rest, or for a short optional acclimatization walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp.
Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Habitat: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
05. Karanga Camp (3,960 meters) to Barafu Camp (4,670 meters)
The short but steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views to reach Mweka Junction (4,150 m.). We then climb steadily to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600 m.) The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before an early night.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: Approximately 3.5 km
Habitat: High alpine zone
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
06. Barafu Camp (4,670 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then Mweka Camp (3,100 meters).
We will start our ascent by torchlight around midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m.), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3,100 m.) Mweka forest camp. Most of us will be too tired to notice the beauty of the forest surrounding the crowded campsite.
Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 – 8 hours to descend to Horombo.
Walking Distance: 4.5km ascent and then 11km descent
Habitat: Stone rubble and ice summit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
07. Mweka Camp (3,100 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters) ALL THE WAY TO MOSHI TOWN (HOTEL).
Today’s after breakfast you continue your descent (3-5 hours) all the way to the bottom of the mountain, where each hiker will receive a well-earned certificate. We strongly recommended not to pay your team any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. From here, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations! Overnight at the Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel You will enjoy a farewell dinner with your guides.
Zone: Rainforest)
Walking Distance: 9km (3 – 5 hours)
08. Depart Tanzania
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
INCLUDED
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- mountain tents
- Sleeping Mats
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- 2- way airport transfers
- Supplemental Oxygen & Pulse Oximeter
- 2 nights of accommodation at Park view inn or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Tips to mountain crew
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry Services
- A doctor for the group
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)