5 days Trek
Challenging
6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING THROUGH UMBWE ROUTE.
**Umbwe Route: 6-Day, 5-Night Challenging Climb to Uhuru Peak**
Overview
The Umbwe Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s shortest and steepest paths, ideal for experienced climbers seeking a challenging ascent. It offers a more remote and scenic experience, with lush rainforest at the base and dramatic cliffs as you climb higher. Due to its steepness, acclimatization is crucial, and summit success depends on fitness, pace, and preparation.
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.
DAY 0:- We pick you on arrive in Tanzania. Airport pick-up and transfer to our IBRAHIM GARDEN HOSTEL for the private room accommodation – Bed & Breakfast (Included) in Arusha city.
DAY 1: UMBWE GATE TO UMBWE CAVE CAMP
Elevation (m): 1600m to 2900m, Distance: 11km, Time: 6 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.
Elevation (m): 1600m to 2900m, Distance: 11km, Time: 6 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.
We will register at Umbwe Park Gate before starting our trek. The small winding path leads us up through rainforest and along the Umbwe river. Dinner and overnight stay at Umbwe Cave Camp, at about 2,900m altitude.
DAY 2: UMBWE CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP
Elevation (m): 2940m to 3970m, Distance: 6km, Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.
Elevation (m): 2940m to 3970m, Distance: 6km, Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.
We leave camp and shortly afterwards the forests ends. We can see the sheer wall of the Western Breach appearing and disappearing as the afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco. Dinner and overnight stay at Barranco camp.
DAY 3: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
Elevation (m): 3950m to 3930m, Distance: 7 km, Hiking Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Today starts with a short, but fun, scramble, to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. We then traverse over scree to the Karanga Valley (3930m) beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Dinner and overnight stay at Karanga campsite.
DAY 4: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
Elevation (m): 3930m to 4600m, Distance: 6kms, Hiking Time: 3 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Elevation (m): 3930m to 4600m, Distance: 6kms, Hiking Time: 3 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.
We leave Karanga campsite behind to meet the junction connecting with the Mweka descent Trail. From here we continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have now completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. At camp, we can rest, enjoy dinner and overnight stay, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be clearly seen from this position.
DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA HUT
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m) , Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent , Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent, Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m) , Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent , Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent, Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
You will be woken at 23:30 with some quick tea and biscuits. We start our trek to the summit between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. We will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point (5732m), we will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). At Uhuru Peak (5895m), we will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. From the summit, we descend down to the Mweka Hut camp site, via Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles will be needed for the loose gravel going down to Mweka Camp (3100m). Dinner and overnight stay at Mweka Camp.
DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP TO HOTEL
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1800m, Distance: 8 km, Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1800m, Distance: 8 km, Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.
We depart after breakfast descending down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will be suitable (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
PRICE: USD 1550 Per Person.
INCLUDE: Transport to the gate and back after climbing, Mountain Guide, Assistance Guide, Porters, Food – 3 meals a day, Mountain Gears like; Tent, Mattress, sleeping bag, table and chairs. All Park Entry Fee, All Camping Fee, Rescue Fee and Mineral Water.
NOT INCLUDED: Insurance, Tip to the crews and personal items.