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Umbwe Route (6d/5n):The Umbwe Route is without question the steepest approach route on Kilimanjaro, and for that reason, seldom used. Stemming from Umbwe village on the south side of the mountain, the path leads through thick forest onto a steeply climbing ridge, with alpine terrain and a mix of hiking and scrambling. It is only suitable for those in excellent physical condition, and only for experienced hikers.
The first night is in the forest, and on the second day, once you rise into the moorland, the trail offers stunning views of the glaciers and the summit which make it appear "overhead". At the end of day two, the trail reaches Barranco Camp, which is part of what is commonly called the Machame Route, (camp #3 on the Machame Route) and continues along the remainder of the Machame Route until reaching Barafu Camp. From here we make our overnight attempt at Africa's highest peak. Due to the steep and rugged terrain and limited acclimatization time, fitness and endurance playa huge role in the enjoyment and success of this trek. There are no huts on this route; the accommodation is in mountain tents and dining is in our mess tents. Toilet tents with convenient and sanitary portable flush toilets are set up at all camps.  Itinerary (6 days / 5 nights on Kili):| Day 1 | Briefing
Your guides will meet you at your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a detailed briefing of the climb.
Accommodation: hotel in Arusha or Moshi (D) | | Day 2 | Transfer to Umbwe gate - hike to Umbwe Forest camp (2900 m)
Departure from Arusha will be at around 7:30 am for Machame gate (ca. 4 hrs transfer), where you will complete the entry formalities and have lunch.
The climb commences at the small gate above Umbwe Village, then for an hour winds along a gentle 4x4 track until a signboard announces the small steeply rising trail called "Umbwe". Six hours ascending through the dense forest of rubber trees and giant fig trees, scrambling up steep sections of roots and rock will bring you to a forested campsite, with some caves nearby. There is no water available at this campsite, so we must carry from the gate all the water needed for drinking, food preparation and cleaning. Arrive to a hot dinner in your mess tent.
Accommodation: Umbwe Forest camp (B, L, D) | | Day 3 | Umbwe Forest camp - Barranco camp (3976 m)
You will be woken with a steaming cup of tea or coffee at around 6am, and then after breakfast continue steeply through the forest. Soon the taller trees will give way to Giant Erica and Heather, and the air will become drier. The ridge line forms steeply on this day, and on either side of the trail, the terrain drops away steeply. At some point the forest and the clouds will part to give you a fabulous view of Uhuru Peak, seemingly "overhead". After lunch, you will encounter giant groundsels, seemingly guardians of untouched treasures. After 5 to 7 hours of trekking and scrambling, you reach Barranco camp. There are numerous tiny waterfalls around camp, fed by streams coming down the Great Barranco Valley. Hanging glaciers glint in the sunshine above, amidst an eerie landscape of groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjari), and the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia.
Accommodation: Barranco camp (B, L, D) | | Day 4 | Barranco camp - Karanga camp (4995 m)
Today we trek to Karanga Valley Camp, at 13,000 feet (3,950 mt.), between Barranco and Barafu Camps. This day has proven to be very important for acclimatization. The day begins with a scramble up the steep 'Barranco Wall', then traversing up and down the slopes of valleys which have carved their way into the mountain's southern face. Kibo's glaciers loom above to your left and the jagged peaks of Mawenzi jut into the African sky at just under 17,000 feet straight ahead. We reach the Karanga Valley after 3-4 hours of trekking for a hot lunch. Afternoon to relax or to take excursions from the camp.
Accommodation: Karanga camp (B, L, D) | | Day 5 | Karanga camp - Barafu camp (4673 m)
From here the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Total trekking time is 4-5 hours, with a hot lunch upon reaching camp. The afternoon is yours to rest and prepare for the long night ahead. Eat and drink as much as possible before retiring early to your tent for rest and sleep. | | Day 6 | Barafu camp - summit - descend to Mweka camp (3068 m)
A hot drink will arrive very early this morning. A midmight wake-up call will be the start of a juggernaut (12-17 hrs of trekking). At around 1 am, you start trekking; temperatures usually range from just below freezing at midnight to seomwhere between -12 deg. C (10 deg. F) to -23 deg. C (-10 F.) on the summit just before dawn.
The winding path of endless switchbacks will slowly take form and shape in the shadows of the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers at early dawn, and behind you the spires of Mawenzi are silouhetted against the red glow of the sun rising behind the clouds.
After about 6 hrs of slowly walking uphill, you arrive at the edge of the crater: Stella Point, at 19,000 ft (5790 m) on the crater rim, is the end of the steep part of the hike. From here, it's a gentle slope to Uhuru Peak (ca. 1 hr), the true summit of Kili at 19,340 ft (5896 m). The strength it takes to ascend this final piece is for many monumental. After a short time at the summit, we start descending. The path goes down a steep scree slope back to Barafu Camp for some rest, before you have to summon your strength again to descend further to Mweka Camp for the last night on the mountain.
Accommodation: Mweka camp (B, L, D) | | Day 7 | Final descend - Transfer to Arusha
It's an easy 2-3 hours trek through rain forest to go down the final parts of the trail back to the Mweka Gate. After receiving your certificates, lunch and saying goodby to many of your crew, we'll bring you to the KIA lodge, where you can use day rooms for a shower, change cloths etc. In the afternoon, return to Arusha (or Moshi).
Accommodation: hotel in Arusha or Moshi (B, L, D) |
Included in price:- All accommodation (including two hotel nights, before and after the climb)
- Full board (from dinner on first day to breakfast after last hotel night)
- Day-room use after climb
- Extensive safety equipment and highly trained staff (->learn more)
- All transfers from and to Arusha or Moshi
- Full camping equipment (own sleeping bag recommended)
- Standard option: up to 15 kg of luggage carried for you on the mountain
- Lightweight option: up to 8 kg of luggage carried for you on the mountain
- Park fees, camping fees and mountain rescue fees
- Forest fees (special wilderness access permits required only for Umbwe and Lemosho Routes)
- Mountain operators license
- Comprehensive climb briefing the evening before the trek
Not included:- Arrival to Tanzania/Arusha
- Tips for your guides
- Single tent/room supplement
- Personal insurance, visa & vaccinations
- Rescue transport costs
Optional ad-ons and price reductions:- Price reduction for children between 10-15 years: 370-610,- USD (dep. on route)
- Personal porter for additional luggage or carrying your daypack: 125-200 USD (dep. on route)
- Airport transfers: to and from Kilimanjaro Airport (125,- USD p. vehicle), shuttle bus to and from Nairobi Airport (20,- USD p.P.)
- Additional tours, e.g. game safaris: 5% price reduction on our offers
Client requirements:- Minimum age allowed: 10 years
- Each client must have a medical consultation about climbing Kilimanjaro no longer than 6 months prior to departure.
- Each client must have a personal accident and medical insurance.
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