7-Day Trek + 2 nights hotel
7 day Umbwe Route- 6 day Umbwe Route
Route Summary
The Umbwe route is well known for its difficult ascend and challenging terrain. There is less time to acclimate due to its fast ascend to higher altitude. The trek is shorter and much more direct than the other routes and should not be attempted by novice climbers. It isboth a physically and mentally challenging climb. The Umbwe route involves a tough steep climb through the jungle and in some places, you’ll be holding on to tree roots as you haul yourself up to the slope.The Summit success rates are between 60% and 70%, with higher chances of reaching the summit if you give yourself extra time for acclimatization. We recommend this route to our climbers that have previous trekking experience.
Itinerary
Arrive in Kilimanjaro | 1400 m/4,593ft
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be driven to your hotel where you will relax and recuperate after your long journey to Tanzania.
Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Camp |2,900 m/9,514ft
After your restful night at the hotel you will be picked up for your 1-2 hour drive to the Machame Gate . Upon arrival you and your guide will register your trek with the Park while your porters pack and organize their load for their fast walk to camp. You will then be driven through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. You will start your trek in the dense rainforest. The trail climbs steepley narrowing and winding as you make your way to the ridge between two rivers. You will continue your climb along the Umbwe River until you get to the first camp. Umbwe Cave is located between trees and thick underbrush. You will spend the night here. You will be greeted by your server with a warm cup of tea, snacks and a welcoming smile.
Hiking for the day: 5-6 hours, 11 km/6.84miles/ elevation gained 1300 m/4,265ft
Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp / 3970 m/13,024ft
Good Morning!! You will start your day with a cup of coffee served in your tent as you wake to the sound of your team preparing for the day ahead. After breakfast you will begin your trek through the short span of the remaining forest approaching the barranco wall from the south. As you trek you will get glimpses of the Western Wall appearing through the afternoon mist. You will make your way through the coolest forest yet, filled with big Senecio plants and a beautiful rocky landscape. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp.
Hiking for the day: 4-5 hours, 6km/3.73miles/ elevation gained 1070 m/3,510ft
Barranco Camp – Karanga | 4040 m/13,254ft
Hakuna Matata!!! Today you will put your legs to the test by climbing a 300m/ 984ft volcanic rock. You will make your way to the eastern side of the valley, across the stream to the Barranco Wall where you will begin your climb. It is not as difficult as it seems as the path is very straightforward. The views from the wall are magnificent! You will look behind you and see your camp in the far distance and be amazed at your achievements. The remaining hike skirts around the base of Kibo peak where you descend into the Karanga Valley to arrive at your camp for the night.
Hiking for the day: 4-5 hours, 7km/4,35 miles elevation gained 70m/229.66ft
Karanga to Barafu Camp / 4673m/15,330ft
The day before you ascend to the roof of Africa!! After breakfast you will make your way to Barafu camp where you will gain 665m/2,181ft in elevation. Your climb will take you across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around you.On arriving at Barafu camp you will have lunch and will be encouraged to rest for the grueling night ahead of you. After dinner our guides will go through your attire with you, getting you prepared for the Arctic zone of Uhuru Peak.
Hiking for the day: 3-4 hours, 3 km/1.9miles with an elevation gain of 665 m/2,181ft at 4640m/15,223ft
The Summit to Millennium Camp | 5895 m/19340ft
Here we go!!! This is what you came here to do! To conquer the majestic Kilimanjaro! You will be woken up by your server with a warm cup of tea and snacks before heading towards the summit. Your journey starts at midnight, fasten your head lamp, bundle up in all the clothes you bought and head towards the peak! You Got this! The moon will help light the way as you go poli poli up the steep incline. Remember to take deep breaths and practice your mindfulness. You have prepared for this for months and now is the moment of truth. After roughly 6 hours you will find yourself at Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft) just as the sun begins to rise beneath the clouds. Our guides will offer you a warm cup of tea and snacks before making your way to the summit.You will then proceed to climb for another 1-2 hours past the melting glaciers of Kilimanjaro and on to the summit. Congratulations!! You did it!!! Now take as many pictures as you possibly can! This is an achievement worth bragging about on social media! You are now at the highest point in Africa, and the world’s highest solitary peak (5895 m/19,340ft). The descent is invigorating as you make your way back to Barafu camp for a short rest and lunch before heading to Millennium camp for the remainder of the day and night.
Hiking for the day: Barafu – Uhuru: 7 hours, 5 km/3.1miles elevation gained 1300 m/4,265ft; at 5895 m/19340ft, Uhuru to Barafu camp 3-4 hrs.
Uhuru – Millennium Camp: 5 hours, 12 km/7.45miles, decrease elevation 2800 m/9186ft at 3100 m/10,170ft
Millennium to Mweka Gate | 1400 m/4593ft
After breakfast and a heartfelt celebration of singing and dancing with your team it’s time to say goodbye. Today you descend through the rain forest on a jungle path similar to the one you did before. This will take you 4-6 hours on tired legs.Once at the gate you will be fed a hearty meal before heading back to your hotel where you will receive a bonafide certificate of your achievement.
Hiking for the day: 4-6 hours, 10 km/6,2miles decrease elevation 1250 m/4,101ft at 1828 m/5,997ft
Departure
Ground transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport and departure or on to your safari and cultural adventures with us.
