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UBWE ROUTE

Immerse yourself in Tanzania's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant wildlife. Let our expert guides show you the hidden gems of this incredible destination.

6 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE

Embark on an unparalleled challenge with Know Tanzania via the Umbwe Route, the steepest and most direct path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is not for the faint-hearted; it’s for those who seek the thrill of the climb, offering an intense, unfiltered experience of Kilimanjaro’s wild side.  Imagine your journey starting in the dense, lush forests of Umbwe, where the path quickly ascends, stripping away the comforts of more popular routes. Here, the Umbwe Route Trekking Package beckons adventurers to test their limits against the mountain’s most rugged terrain.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Steep and Direct: The route’s sharp incline means less time on the mountain but requires a higher level of fitness and acclimatization strategy due to its rigorous ascent.
  • Dense Rainforest: Begin your trek through one of Kilimanjaro’s most beautiful forest stretches, where the canopy creates a mystical atmosphere, and wildlife sounds accompany your steps.
  • Solitude: This less-traveled path ensures you’ll experience Kilimanjaro in a more personal, isolated way, often without the company of many other climbers.
  • Umbwe and Barranco Camps: After the initial climb, you’ll camp at Umbwe and Barranco, sites that offer striking views and a sense of achievement, with Barranco leading to the famed Barranco Wall.
  • Barranco Wall: A challenging but exhilarating part of the journey, scaling this wall is both a physical test and one of the route’s highlights.
  • Merger with Lemosho/Machame: The route joins with others at Barranco, providing a shared experience for the final summit push, enhancing camaraderie among climbers.
  • Summit Night: From Barafu Camp, undertake the grueling ascent to Uhuru Peak, where the effort of the Umbwe route makes the sunrise at the top even more rewarding.
  • Cultural Insights: Engage with your guides, learning about the mountain’s history, its legends, and the significance of the challenging paths like Umbwe in the hearts of local climbers.

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Safari Itinerary  

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

After all custom formalities, you will appear at the arrival area where you will meet Know-Tanzania Tour drivers holding a signboard with your booking names.  After checking that you have all your luggage and belongings, the driver will take you and transfer you to the lodge/hotel. It is recommended to have one day off after arrival in the hotel that can be used to relief the jetlag as well as acclimatization. The same day will also be used pre-trek briefing and gear testing/verification at your hotel/lodge. This means, a client will spend two nights in the hotel and if this is the option, he/she will need to confirm in advance so that this extra night is added in the budget.

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

The Kilimanjaro adventure begins at Umbwe Gate after leaving the hotel at 8am. The initial hike on the Umbwe Route, renowned for its steep and challenging ascent, covers approximately 11 kilometers and takes about 5-7 hours. Starting at an elevation of 1,800 meters, you will ascend rapidly through Kilimanjaro’s dense, lush rainforests and moss-covered cloud forests. The trail, which can be slippery, eventually opens up to heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers as the forest thins. You will gain an altitude of 1,200 meters, ending the day at Umbwe Cave Camp, situated around 3,000 meters. Here, you’ll spend the night preparing for the trek ahead.

  • Distance:  11km |5-7hrs | Cloud Forest
  • Elevation: 1,800m/5,900 to 3,000m/9,850ft
  • Altitude gained: 1,200m

 

Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

After breakfast, the trekker will begin the ascent to Barranco Camp, traversing through the moorland zone with a picnic lunch box in hand. This day involves a steep, rugged climb through the ridge of valleys on both sides, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s iconic formations. The hike covers a distance of 6 kilometers and takes approximately 4-6 hours. The altitude gained will be 950 meters, starting from 3,000 meters (9,850 feet) and reaching an elevation of 3,950 meters (12,960 feet) at Barranco Camp. This campsite, situated at approximately 3,960 meters, provides an excellent vantage point for the Barranco Wall, a notable highlight of the route. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Barranco Camp.

  • Distance:  6km |4-6hrs | moorland
  • Elevation: 3,000m/9,850ft to 3,950m/12,960ft
  • Altitude gained: 950m

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The day’s trek involves a steep yet short 4.5 km climb from Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (4,000m), gaining an altitude of 50m over 3-4 hours. After breakfast, you’ll begin with an exhilarating scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, traversing scree terrain and passing beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. Upon reaching Karanga Camp, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch, rest, and take a walk to acclimatize.

  • Distance:  4.5km |3-4hrs | scree terrain
  • Elevation: 3,950m/12,960ft to 4,000m/13,120ft
  • Altitude gained: 50m

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After having breakfast around 8:30 am, the hiker will begin the 3-4 hour hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, covering a distance of 4.86 km and gaining an altitude of 600m, with the final elevation at 4,600m. Upon arrival to Barafu camp, the hiker will enjoy a hot lunch, rest, and have an early dinner. After a short rest, wake up at 11:00 pm to pack for the summit.

  • Distance:  4.86km |3-4hrs |
  • Elevation: 4,000m/13,120ft to 4,600m/15,100ft
  • Altitude gained: 600m

Day 5: Barafu Hut – Uhuru Peak

At midnight, you’ll begin the ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m/19,340ft), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa which takes approximately 6-7 hours, covering 4.86km and gaining 1295m in altitude. The trail is challenging and steep moreover, the ascent is might be made more difficult by the cold and thin air at high altitudes if not well dressed, as dawn approaches, climbers are rewarded with stunning views of the sunrise near Stella Point (weather permitting) as they also stop for a short rest. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Also, climbers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Finally, the team will arrive at Uhuru Peak.  Congratulations, you are now standing on the Roof of Africa! The views from Uhuru Peak are breathtaking. Have your picture taken at the summit to share with friends and family. The weather will dictate how long you can stay at the summit, generally around 5-15 minutes

  • Distance: 86km |6-7hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
  • Elevation: 4,662m (15,295ft) to 5895m/19,340ft
  • Altitude gained: 1295m

Day 5: Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

After reaching the summit, trekkers will descend for about 3 hours to Barafu Camp, where they will enjoy a hearty breakfast and rest for a few hours. Following this break, they will have a hot lunch before continuing their descent. The trek takes them from the stark beauty of the alpine desert through the heath and moorland zones, and finally into the lush edge of the rainforest at Mweka Camp, which sits at around 3,080m. Covering a total distance of 11.5km and losing 2795m in altitude, trekkers will experience diverse habitats, from the barren, rocky summit to the vibrant greenery of the rainforest. Along the way, they will be able to take in stunning views, observe unique flora and fauna, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment and relief that comes with completing this challenging journey.

  • Distance: 5km |6-7hrs | Rainforest
  • Elevation: 5895m/19,340ft to 3,080m / 10,105ft
  • Altitude Lost: 2,815m

Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate

After breakfast, the team and trekker will embark on a 3-4 hour scenic hike through the rainforest, descending 1400 meters over 9.1 kilometers to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Along the way, it is possible to encounter wet and muddy conditions, so gaiters and trekking poles can be helpful, while rain gear and warmer clothing should be kept handy. Upon arrival at the gate, the trekker will register for clearance and receive your summit certificates: green for Stella Point and gold for Uhuru Peak. Following a hot lunch at the gate and a general goodbye to the crew, a vehicle will transport the trekkers back to Moshi for a a cup of hot coffee. Later,  continue to Arusha, where they can relax and spend the rest of the evening.

  • Distance: 10km |3-4hrs | Rainforest
  • Elevation: 3,080m / 10,105ft to 1,640m/5,380ft
  • Altitude lost: 1,460m.

Departure/Safari Day

 Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport

This can either be the last day in Tanzania or the first day if a client opt to do Safari to our beautiful National Parks. If the last day, our client will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport after breakfast. However, if you decided to go back home but have ample time before your flight you will have an opportunity to visit the Maasai market to buy gifts for your family and friends back home.

Trip Inclusions/Exclusions

These prices include:

  • Airport pick-up and drop
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (before & after climb)
  • Group transport to and from Arusha to the trail head
  • Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, and Value Added Tax (VAT)
  • Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • Sleeping pad, foam
  • Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
  • Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • Breakfast at hotel

Not included in the budget:

  • Dinner while in the hotel
  • Alcohol
  • Extra personal mountain gears if needed
  • rescue fees
  • Insurance
  • Private toilet
  • Tips for the crew
  • Any other thing that not included in the budget