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7 Days Umbwe Route

UMBWE GATE, UMBWE CAMP, BARRANCO CAMP, KARANGA CAMP, BARAFU CAMP, UHURU PEAK, MWEKA CAMP

Trekking Overview

The umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route

It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up mount kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also LOW.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Umbwe Gate To Umbwe Camp (11 KM/7 MILES)

The day begins with a 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.

Time taken: 5 – 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 2: Umbwe Camp TO Barranco Camp (6 KM/4 MILES)

The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.

Time taken: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp (5 KM/3 MILES)

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Time taken: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp (4 KM/2 Miles)

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Time taken: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5:Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak (5 KM/3 Miles)

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Time taken: 7 – 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate (10 KM/6 Miles)

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Time taken: 3 – 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Package Include

  • Meal; as stipulated in the itinerary picnic Lunch
  • Complimentary mineral water x1.5 lts per person in the safari vehicle
  • English  Speaking Driver Guide
  • 4×4 game viewing vehicles (window seat guaranteed, charging system& fridge)
  • Unlimited game drives
  • All transfers and activities
  • Park fee, Conservation fees and Community Development Fees
  • All prices are VAT inclusive. 18%

Package Exclude

  • International flights
  • Entry visa fees
  • Tips or Gratuities for the staff
  • Personal expenses such as beverages and laundry.
  • Telephones, e-mail and fax bills
  • Personal and travel insurance (extremely important)

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