Umbwe Route
Mountain Kilimanjaro
6 Day
Trip Details
The Umbwe Route is the shortest and steepest path to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, making it one of the most challenging routes on the mountain. It is best suited for experienced trekkers who are confident in their fitness and ability to acclimatize quickly. The route begins with a dramatic ascent through a dense rainforest and offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers. While the 6-day itinerary is intense, it provides a direct and rewarding path to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
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$2,315/Pax
What’s Included
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks.
- All Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
- High-quality camping equipment, including private tents and sleeping mattresses.
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Filtered drinking water and hot beverages.
- Transportation to and from Umbwe Gate.
- Two nights of accommodation in Moshi (before and after the trek).
- Emergency oxygen cylinder.
- First aid kit and health monitoring with a pulse oximeter.
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania visa fees.
- Personal trekking gear (e.g., sleeping bags, trekking poles, and clothing).
- Snacks, drinks, or personal expenses.
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
- Optional accommodation upgrades in Moshi.
- Expenses for extra acclimatization days or additional tours.
Tour Plan
The journey begins at Umbwe Gate with registration, followed by a steep ascent through a dense rainforest. The trail is narrow and winding, surrounded by towering trees and vibrant wildlife. Trekkers arrive at Umbwe Camp (2,850 meters) nestled in the forest for their first overnight stay.
The trail continues steeply upward, leaving the rainforest behind and entering the heather and moorland zone. This day offers panoramic views of the southern glaciers and the summit. The trek ends at Barranco Camp (3,900 meters), famous for its dramatic landscapes and the towering Barranco Wall.
Trekkers start the day by climbing the iconic Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable ascent. The trail then levels out and passes through an alpine desert, ending at Karanga Camp (3,995 meters), a site with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes.
The trail continues through the alpine desert to Barafu Camp (4,673 meters), the base camp for the summit attempt. Trekkers arrive early to rest and prepare for the challenging midnight climb to the summit.
The final ascent begins just after midnight under the starlit sky. Trekkers climb to Stella Point (5,745 meters) on the crater rim and push on to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating the summit, the descent begins, passing Barafu Camp before ending at Mweka Camp (3,068 meters).
The final day involves a descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Successful climbers receive their certificates, and transportation is arranged back to Moshi for rest and celebration.
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