Umbwe route is arguably the least frequented on Kilimanjaro. Starting at the tropical rainforest it runs along Machame Route, joining it at Barranco Camp (3800m). The shortest of the routes, Umbwe – with its steep climb and short acclimatization periods – is amongst the most taxing on Kilimanjaro, while still showing off the beauties of the mountain terrain with its different habitat zones and panoramic views. While the camps along Umbwe Route to Uhuru Peak are well suited to acclimatization, this is still one of the more challenging ways to climb Kilimanjaro.
Previous climbing experience is, therefore, highly recommended for climbers contemplating taking Umbwe Route on the way to the highest point in Africa.
We will pick you up at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Time to be advised, meet and assist from Norbert Safaris & Adventures.
You will be welcomed with a cup of coffee, tea, and served with some delicious snacks, with a glass of champagne at your disposal.
The driver will help you with luggage in your comfortable transfer van and safely start to drive for 45 minutes to your hotel in Moshi town.
You will be assisted to check in at the hotel, and later you will be provided with a proper briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you have all the necessary gears and ready to trek Mount Kilimanjaro on the Umbwe route for 6 days.
Your guide and climb support crew arrive at your hotel in the morning. Introductions and a last brief equipment check precede your drive to the Umbwe Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park.
This entrance, situated at 1,640 m above sea level, is where your trek starts.
The head guide will finalize the permits and registration for search and rescue services.
Your first-day trekking is meant to bring you to Umbwe Camp for your first mountain overnight.
Early wakeup, breakfast, and the start of trekking to Barranco Camp. The rainforest will quickly give way to brush, and if it is not too cloudy you will be able to see Meru Volcano for the first time.
Trekking on the Umbwe route for this day will be of a moderate length, and around lunchtime, you will reach Barranco Camp (3,960 m), which is nestled inside a huge volcanic fault.
Lunch will be provided here, and then you have the opportunity to relax for the rest of the day, which significantly facilitates the acclimatization process.
Early wakeup, breakfast, and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch.
After a couple of hours you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then descent back down to the camp.
In the morning after breakfast, you begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m), the starting point for a night summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax. After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner.
It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.
Departure from Barafu Camp at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak. Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude.
Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak – the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and the last point of the climb, Opportunity for Pictures and Celebrations.
Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue to Millennium Camp for Dinner and Overnight
The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit at Mweka Gate (1,650 m).
After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook.
Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.
Leisure breakfast at the hotel, later you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport to catch your international flight going back home or to the next destination.
OPTIONAL — You can combine this Lemosho package short safari experience or doing a day tour excursions such as Materuni Waterfalls, Chemka Hotspring or go for Arusha / Moshi Town tour.
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