Kilimanjaro Via Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is one of the most challenging and steepest routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is known for its direct and demanding ascent, making it suitable only for experienced and physically fit trekkers who have prior high-altitude climbing experience. Here are some key features of the Umbwe Route:
- Difficulty Level: The Umbwe Route is considered to be one of the most difficult routes on Kilimanjaro. It involves steep and strenuous hiking, particularly during the initial days of the trek. Trekkers should have excellent physical fitness and be well-acclimatized to high altitudes before attempting this route.
- Accommodation: Climbers on the Umbwe Route use 4 season mountaineering tents for overnight stays at designated campsites. The route provides a true wilderness experience, with minimal crowds and a more secluded atmosphere.
- Approach: The Umbwe Route starts on the southern side of Kilimanjaro and ascends directly to the Barranco Wall, where it joins the Machame and Lemosho Routes. Due to its rapid ascent and lack of proper acclimatization time, this route has a lower success rate compared to other routes.
- Scenery: The Umbwe Route offers beautiful views of the surrounding rainforest during the initial stages of the climb. As trekkers ascend higher, they will pass through different ecological zones, including moorlands and alpine deserts. The higher altitude areas are characterized by vast landscapes and glaciers.
- Acclimatization: The Umbwe Route is not recommended for proper acclimatization due to its steep and fast ascent. Climbers may experience altitude-related symptoms and a lower success rate in reaching the summit.
- Duration: The standard duration for the Umbwe Route is typically 6 or 7 days. It is generally recommended to opt for longer itineraries to increase acclimatization and summit success chances.
- Success Rate: The success rate for reaching the summit on the Umbwe Route is generally lower compared to other routes, with success rates varying depending on the climber’s experience.
- Trail Highlights: Some highlights along the Umbwe Route include the dense rainforest sections during the initial days, the challenging ascent to the Barranco Wall, and the unique views of the southern glaciers and the vast African plains below.
- Climbing Services: As with other camping routes, the porters carry all the necessary camping equipment for the clients. Experienced guides and support crew are essential to ensure safety and successful navigation of the challenging terrain.
- Recommended for: The Umbwe Route is recommended only for experienced and physically fit climbers who have prior high-altitude trekking experience. It is not suitable for beginners or those with limited trekking experience.
Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours via Umbwe route
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by an Ahsante Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
After a hearty breakfast, a short drive will take you from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate, where you’ll complete park registration and officially begin your trek. The trail winds through lush rainforest, offering glimpses of exotic flora and fauna along the way. As you ascend, you’ll gradually gain elevation, eventually reaching Umbwe Cave Camp, your home for the night. Dinner will be served amidst the tranquility of the forest, setting the stage for the days ahead.
- Elevation: 1,000m/3,280ft to 2,850m/9,350ft
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 11km/7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Habitat: Rainforest
Leaving Umbwe Cave Camp behind, you’ll continue your journey through diverse terrain, including the challenging Barranco Wall. As you climb, the scenery changes from lush forest to open moorland, offering stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s towering peaks. By midday, you’ll arrive at Barranco Camp, nestled in a scenic valley. Here, you’ll rest and recharge for the adventures to come.
- Elevation: 2,850m/9,350ft to 3,960m/13,000ft
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Distance: 6km/3.7 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trek takes you from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, traversing the rugged landscapes of Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert. Along the way, you’ll navigate steep ridges and valleys, with breathtaking vistas unfolding at every turn. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Karanga Camp, where you’ll spend the night beneath the star-studded African sky.
- Elevation: 3,960m/13,000ft to 4,035m/13,106ft
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5km/3.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
As you ascend to Barafu Camp, the air grows thinner, and the landscape transforms into a barren, lunar-like expanse. Despite the challenging terrain, the camaraderie among your fellow trekkers and the promise of reaching new heights keeps you motivated. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll enjoy a hearty meal before resting in preparation for the final push to the summit.
- Elevation: 4,035m/13,106ft to 4,640m/15,223ft
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 4km/2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today is the culmination of your journey as you embark on the exhilarating trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Beginning in the darkness of night, you’ll navigate steep switchbacks and icy terrain under the guidance of your experienced guides. As the sun rises over the horizon, you’ll reach Stella Point before continuing to the summit. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views and a profound sense of accomplishment. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll begin the descent to Mweka Camp, where a warm meal and well-deserved rest await.
- Elevation: 4,640m/15,223ft to 5,895m/19,341ft, then down to 3,100m/10,170ft
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
- Distance: 17km/10.5 miles
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
- Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Your final day on the mountain begins with a leisurely descent through the lush rainforest, retracing your steps back to Mweka Gate. Along the way, you’ll savor the sights and sounds of the forest, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve undertaken. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll bid farewell to your guides and porters before transferring back to Moshi. Here, you’ll enjoy a hot shower, a delicious meal, and a well-deserved night of rest in the comfort of your hotel.
- Elevation: 3,100m/10,170ft to 1,650m/5,413ft
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 10km/6.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Rainforest
Say goodbye to the extraordinary Kilimanjaro trek. We’ll transport you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your journey with a thrilling wildlife safari or a peaceful vacation to Zanzibar.
Prices Includes For Climbs
- All meals on the hike.
- All Park entrance fees.
- All prices are quoted in US Dollars.
- Camping equipment if applicable (tents
- mattresses
- sleeping bags
- pillows
- table and chairs)
- Flying Doctors rescue insurance for the time of the tour with Smile With Us Africa.
- Flights (International)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips for Guides, Porters & Chef
- Personal expenses in nature such as money for souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees etc.
- Visa fees (100 USD for American and 50 USD for non-American)
- Immunization documents (yellow fever recommended for visa processing on arrivals)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and /or park fees
- Transport from our base hotel in Moshi to the Mountain gate and back to our base hotel in Moshi.
- Park fees.
- Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
- 18% VAT.
- 4 Season mountaineering tents (On camping routes only).
- Comfortable mess tents (On camping routes only).
- Foam camping matress (On camping routes only).
- Camping chairs (on camping routes only).
- Camping tables (On camping routes only).
- Food resupply (Once on trek).
- Solar lighting in dining tent.
- Daily health monitoring (Twice a day with an oximeter).
- Oxygen cylinder (1 cylinder per every 4 pax).
- Hyperbaric presuure bag (1 per every 5 pax).
- Chemical toilet (1 per every 5 pax).
- Delicious food on the mountain depending on the dietary requirements of the clients (B/L/D).
- AED heart saving machine.
- Hot water for getting fresh in the morning and once you reach camp.
- Altitude sickness checklist.
- Full trip and safety briefing.
- Fully stocked first aid kit.
- Wash basin for each climber at camp.
- Three delicious and hearty meals per day.
- Snacks upon arrival in camp.
- VHF radios.
- Drinking water and fruit juices.
- Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
- Food resupply (once on trek).
- 2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn, Sal Salinero Hotel OR Panama Garden Resort depending on availability.
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Airline tickets.
- Airport transfers.
- Airport taxes.
- Laundry.
- Insurances.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
- Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear)
- Private transport from our base hotel in Moshi to the Mountain gate and back to our base hotel in Moshi.
- Park fees.
- Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
- 18% VAT.
- 4 Season mountaineering tents (On camping routes only).
- Comfortable mess tents (On camping routes only).
- 2 Foam camping mattresses for each client (On camping routes only).
- Camping chairs (On camping routes only).
- Camping tables (On camping routes only).
- Hot water bottle for sleeping bag.
- Personal porter for carrying day packs.
- Bottled water throughout the climb.
- Food resupply (Once on trek).
- Solar lighting in dining tent.
- Solar lighting in sleeping tent.
- Kilimanjaro Map for each client.
- Daily health monitoring (Twice a day with an oximeter).
- Oxygen cylinder (1 cylinder per every 4 pax).
- Hyperbaric pressure bag (1 per every 5 pax).
- Chemical toilets (1 per every 5 pax).
- Delicious food on the mountain depending on the dietary requirements of the clients. (B/L/D).
- AED heart saving machine.
- Souveniers for each client after the climb.
- Hot water for getting fresh in the morning and once you reach camp.
- Altitude sickness checklist.
- Full trip and safety briefing.
- Fully stocked first aid kit.
- Wash basin for each climber at camp.
- Three delicious and hearty meals per day.
- Snacks upon arrival in camp.
- VHF radios.
- Bottled drinking water and fruit juices.
- Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
- 2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn, Sal Salinero Hotel OR Panama Garden Resort depending on availability.
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Airline tickets.
- Airport transfers.
- Airport taxes.
- Laundry.
- Insurances.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
- Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear)
Climbing the Umbwe Route is a physically demanding and challenging adventure that requires determination, stamina, and proper preparation. While it offers a unique and less-crowded experience on Kilimanjaro, climbers should be aware of the demanding nature of this route and be adequately prepared for the steep and rigorous ascent.