7 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE ITINERARY
| 7 Days | Max People : 26 | Jan 01 - Dec 31 |
| Min Age : 10+ | Pickup : Airport | Langauge - English and Others |
- DESCRIPTION
- ITINERARY
- INCLUSIONS
- ENQUIRE NOW
DESCRIPTION
7 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE ITINERARY
Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and theWestern 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. Because of it's steep, direct approach, the success rate on Umbwe route is lower than some of the other routes.
To get the most out of this climb, trekkers are encouraged to be as fit and ready as possible, as this is a steady march uphill for the first few days, which is contrast to some of the other routes that make slow, steady ascents or wander up and down to aid in acclimatization.
That said, the intense challenge of trekking the Umbwe Route is made up for by the spectacular views. At times, there are stunning vistas to be seen to both the left and the right as trekkers as they make their way up the trail.
In fact, the early days of this path have arguably the best views of any part of the mountain, save perhaps the summit itself.
Umbwe also happens to be one of the quietest routes up Mount Kilimanjaro too. Because of its reputation as a difficult climb, very few people actually walk this trail, leaving it open and relatively untouched.
This helps to give trekkers the feeling that they are the only ones on the mountain until the route merges with Machame route near the Barranco Camp a few days into the hike. From there, it follows the familiar Southern Circuit below the Southern Ice Field before turning up towards the summit from Barafu Camp. As with most Kilimanjaro climbs, the descent is made along the Mweka Route.
If you're looking for the absolutely best views on the way up Mount Kilimanjaro, and you enjoy testing yourself in the wilderness, Umbwe route will provide you with everything you seek, and then some. It is the closest thing you'll find to a true mountaineering expedition on Kilimanjaro.
Climbing Kilimanjaro offers Umbwe as a 6 or 7 day group or private climb. The seven day variation adds an acclimatization day on day 3 at Barranco Camp.
ITINERARY
Day 0 : Pickup to Airport
You will be picked up from airport. From there you will go to the hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. Your guides will be there to provide you with details on your trek and will also check your trekking gears.
Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Cave Bivouac Camp (2,850m/9,350ft)
At 8am leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. 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 hours 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 up the camp in time for your arrival.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Cave Bivouac (2,850m/9,350ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Acclimatization day Barranco Camp (3,900 m/12,800 ft)
You will spend more days exploring near Barranco camp for much needed acclimation .keep your camera handy to capture the scenery of the groundsel –clad campsite .many trekkers rank this as their favorite camp on this trail which another reason this is perfect spot for your acclimatization day. If you are highly confident in your body ability to acclimatize well, you can choose the Six Days Umbwe Route Itinerary.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. 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 go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group 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.
At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.
At Mweka Gate gate you sign your name and details in a register book. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive Golden certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!
Dinner and overnight at PANAMA GARDEN RESORT or similar hotel in Moshi
INCLUSIONS
INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGES
Private transport from the hotel to the Park s gate (starting point for the climb), and transport back to the hotel after the climbAll National Park entry fees
All camping fees
2 night's hotel the night before and the night after the climb, with breakfast included
Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
Qualified medical guides
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
Salaries for Guides, cook and porters.
Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees)
Government taxes
Pickup and drop off to Airport
Evacuation services
Hut fees [ Marangu route }
Friendly and competent Trained Mountain Guides, assistant guides, porters and professional cooks.
3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by skilled professional cooks(we also consider your choice of food that you would prefer -Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian). Menu especially designed for climbers.
Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provide everyday on the mountain.
Quality specious tents, sleeping mats, camping tables ,camping chairs and Mess/Dining Tent.(Not applicable on the Marangu route as accommodation is in A-frame huts)
Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only)
Pulse oxy-meter carried by all chief guides
3-4 liters of mineral/treated water (per Climber) provided daily during the climb
***Portable toilet available at an additional cost (There are public toilets on the mountain)
NOT INCLUDED IN OUR PACKAGES PRICES
Items of a personal natureTips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from US$250 to US$ 350 per hiker - depending on number of days / how many hikers in the group and route chosen)
Personal Hiking/Trekking gears (Some Gears are available for Rent)
Snacks, personal medicine
Meals, drinks and snacks not specified in hotel
ENQUIRE NOW
