6 Days Umbwe route
Duration
6 Days
Countries
Africa
Transport
Transfers + internal flights included
Meals
Meals + drinks (local brands only) included
Activities
Lodge game activities
Package Overview
The Umbwe route, which is based in the south, is a classic 6 day tour and is by far the most difficult route offered on Kilimanjaro. The first two days are extremely steep, muddy and generally strenuous making it only suitable for well-trained mountaineers. An acclimatization day is rarely offered on the standard program, but can be added whereby giving the climber an extra day in the Karanga Valley. The descent trail is the same as the Mweka Route.
Highlights
- Spectacular scenery in beautiful Botswana
- Expert guides for game viewing experiences
- Witness an abundance of wildlife including the largest concentration of elephant in Africa, vast herds of buffalo, lions, African wild dogs & myriad birds, amongst much more
- Explore exciting destinations like Makgadigadi Pans, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park & The Okavango Delta
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Alpha
Tanzania Specialist
What's Included
- Ground transfers with pick up and drop off at Arusha or JRO
- Park fees, rescue fees
- Transfers to/from park gate
- 2 night hotel accommodation at base hotel in Moshi on HB
- 3 heavy meals a day on the mountain
- Hut or camping fees
- Tents, tables, chairs & all cooking facilities, mess tents Guide, porters and cook,
- Medical first aid Kit for Guides
- Climbing permit
What's Excluded
- Mountain gear
- Tipping
- Hyperbaric chamber( US$ 180 including)
Itinerary
Elevation (m): 2940m to 9500ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Montana Forest
The majority of the hike on this first day is through the Montana Forest. Lush vegetation with very old trees and lilts of ferns and mosses mark this as an area that gets reliable rain year round. The forest abounds with wildlife; small bushbuck & duikers as well as monkeys. There is also rich and varied bird life. The first three hours or so is on gently rising land before steepening for the last two hours. The camp for the night is in a small clearing on the trail.
Elevation (m): 3860m – Elevation (ft): 12,800ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Shortly after starting the hike the forest gradually gives away to the giant heath. The trail has been following a ridge for some time and as it ascends through the heath land the ridge narrows and sharpens, finally becoming knife edge with steep drops on each side. As the height of the heath reduces there are stunning views of both Kilimanjaro’s southern flank and across the Mount Meru some 50 miles away. Wildlife changes with the vegetation, jackals may be heard barking and the huge Lammergeyer seen circling overhead. The camp is overlooking the Barranco Valley with views up towards Arrow Glacier.
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4000m – Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 7 km – Hiking
Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
On the eastern side of the valley, across the stream is the Barranco Wall – a 950 ft. barrier of volcanic rock. Although it is tall and looks steep, it is very easy to climb. This is our first challenge of the day. The views from the wall are nothing less than magnificent. The rest of the day is spent skirting the base of Kibo peak over our left shoulder. We descend down into the Karanga Valley, where we rest up for the night before the tough climb up to Barafu hut.
Elevation (m): 4,600 m – Elevation (ft): 15,100ft
Hiking time: 6hrs
Distance: 7km
Habitat: Alpine desert
From Karanga the tour heads up a moraine ridge, taking your time and going slowly. The views here can be spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it’s taken it very slowly. As with the day before you reach camp by around lunch time leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent.
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)
Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)
Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent
Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwestern direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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.
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m – Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 6000ft
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent 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 probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy) to the gate where you will be met by our driver and be driven to your hotel.
