The Umbwe route is the toughest non-technical route up Kilimanjaro. It is very steep and you gain elevation quickly. This route is not recommended for those who do not have serious mountain climbing experience. An extra day to help in acclimatization is also recommended.

Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Trekking

Day 1 kilimanjaro airport - Moshi
Arrive Moshi. Transfer to Fortune Mountain resort for overnight

Day 2:Umbwe Gate (1800m) - Bivouac (first) camp (2940m)
Hiking time: 5 hours.
Habitat: Montane forest.
After breakfast you will be driven from Arusha to Umbwe Gate at 1800m, passing through villages with coffee and banana plantations. On arrival at the Parks Gate your guide and porters will meet you. Sign the register before you enter the park for your first step to accomplishing a life-long dream. The air is thick with moisture and the path is usually muddy. The route initially follows a forestry track winding up through the natural rain forest. It then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, with huge trees surrounding you. The path offers some spectacular views of deep gorges and if you are lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.

Day 3: Bivouac (first) camp (2940m) - Barranco camp (3950m).
Hiking time: 6 hours.
Habitat: Montane forest & Moorlands.
Shortly after leaving the camp, the forest starts thinning and is replaced by rockier terrain, sparser undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path continues along a narrow, but spectacular ridge. As you gain higher altitude, catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you - etched against the blue sky. The path flattens as you approach Barranco Valley. From the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco camp. The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while your dinner is being prepared.

Day 4: Barranco camp (3950m) - Lava Tower (4630m) - Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m).
Habitat: Moorland/Semi desert.
After breakfast you will start your hike towards Lava Tower, a famous landmark on Kilimanjaro. The path is steep and rocky, with views of Mt. Meru, Kilimanjaro's little sister, punching her peak through the clouds. From Lava Tower you turn towards the Western Breach, a steep climb to Arrow Glacier camp (4800m). This is taxing and symptoms of altitude sickness might become noticeable. The campsite is spectacular. Vegetation has now all but disappeared, leaving only rock and scree in varying shades of brown and black. The campsite is very cold and you need to be prepared.

Day 5: Arrow Glacier (4800m) - Crater (5700m).
Hiking time: 5 hours.Distance:
About 15 km's
Habitat: Semi desert/ Snowfields.

Day 6: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Crater (5700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka (3100m).Hiking time: 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak.
7/ 8 hours to descend to Mweka.
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
You will rise around 04:00, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the early morning darkness. From the crater floor you will probably encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. Time spent on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your live. The walk to Barafu camp from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest, before heading down to Millennium camp (3100m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be provided as well as drinking water.

Day 7 Mweka camp (3100m) - Mweka Gate (1980m).
Hiking time: 3 hours.
Distance: Habitat: Forest
About 15 km's.
After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a 5-hour, scenic hike back to the Park gate. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will be served a delicious hot lunch!! You will then drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower and celebrations!! Overnight at Fortune Mountain.

For all bookings 5 months and more before Arrival we offer up to 10% discount on all kilimanjaro routes!

MT Kilimanjaro climb Umbwe Route : Prices are in US$ Include from Arusha /JRO; 2 Nights half board at kibo palace hotel, all meals ; accommodation on climb , Park fees , Porters &; Guides
MT KILIMANJARO CLIMB CLIMB,     kIBO PALACE HOTEL,	DATES FROM	DATES TO	PER PERSON SHARING	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
	Umbwe Route (8 Days)
	01-Jan-10	31-Dec-10	$1654	$60
	01-Jan-11	31-Dec-11	$1654	$60
			Groups of 4 or more less $150 (2010); $150 (2011) per person
			Single Traveller– Single Supplement + $1790 (2010); $1790 (2011) per serson
	Umbwe Route (7 Days)
	01-Jan-10	31-Dec-10	$1555	$60
	01-Jan-11	31-Dec-11	$1555	$60
			Groups of 4 or more less $150 (2010); $150 (2011) per person
			Single Traveller : $1695 (2010); $1795 (2011) per person
	Supplement for Namanga-Arusha transfer $165 (2010/11) per vehicle one-way
	Supplement for extra day to acclimatize at Horombo Hut or Shira Camp $165 & MUST be arranged prior to climb.(2010/11)

EQUIPMENT TO BRING ALONG FOR MOUNTAIN CLIMBING: At least 3 pairs of socks, hiking boots, 2 pairs of pants, water proof-raincoat and trouser, woolen hat, sun glasses, hand gloves, big rucksack and day pack, sleeping bag & water bottles.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE: Climbing gear, sleeping bags, items of personal nature, laundry, tips and gratuities, mineral water, drinks & travel insurance.

WHAT IS INCLUDED: Return transfers from Arusha, 2 nights at Kibo palace hotel - one night before and 1 after the climb on half board basis, accommodation during the climb, transfers from the hotel to National Park gate and back, climbing fees (Park Fees), porters (3 per person) and guide/s, cook, all meals, climbing fees, hut fees & rescue fees.

 

Tanzania Safaris and Kilimajaro Testimonials

TIPPING:
Tipping is an accepted part of life in Tanzania, and you will be expected to tip to reward service. You will be briefed on arrival as to when and how much is appropriate, however, depending on the size of your group you should budget on a personal contribution of around $ 45 to $ 50 for your trek guides, cooks and porters on the trek.
Make the ascent in a pace that suits you do not rush and rest frequently.
Make Sure that you drink at least 3 -4 liters of liquid a day, preferably water. The water on the mountain is safe to drink. Take a sip every now and then. You will lose a large amount of fluid through the lungs and by sweating.

NOTE: The itinerary may change at any time due to weather or safety conditions. Hiking times and distances are estimated only, but have been calculated to give the hiker a comfortable pace throughout the hike. The above itinerary is a guide only and extra days can be added according to your preferences. With the above route you can summit via Barafu camp or via Arrow Glacier