6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb

6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb - Umbwe Route

6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Umbwe Route

Kilimanjaro climb Umbwe route is the steepest with the shortest and most direct routes to the Southern Glaciers, Western Breach and Uhuru Peak. It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. However it is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude, but the rewards are plentiful. Very steep route best suited to experienced trekkers.

Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route – one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are also confident of their ability to acclimatize to altitude. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, and seven days is preferred when attempting to climb using Umbwe.

Itinerary

ARRIVAL DAY

On the arrival day, you will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

DAY 1: UMBWE GATE – UMBWE CAVE: 9.6KM/6MI | 6-8HRS | MOORLAND

Elevation: 1651m/5417ft to 2944m/9659ft | Altitude gained: 1293m

Departing from Moshi driving to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys up through the dense montane forest. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.

DAY 2: UMBWE CAVE – BARRANCO CAMP: 4.75KM/3MI | 4-6HRS | MOORLAND

Elevation: 2944m/9659ft to 3986m/13,077ft | Altitude gained: 1042m

After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast we emerge from the rain forest and continue on a steep ascending path, along the Umbwe ridge as it descends slightly to Barranco camp situated in the valley. Temperatures begin to drop.

DAY 3: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5.2KM/3MI | 3-4HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft | Altitude gained: 48m

After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

DAY 4: KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 3.3KM /2 MI | 3-4HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft | Altitude gained: 628m

We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 11.5KM /7.1MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS

Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft | Altitude gain: 1233m | Descent to 3106m/10,190ft | Altitude lost: 2789m

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1KM/5.7MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft | Altitude lost: 1473m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).

DEPARTURE DAY

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

Wildlife Safari tour, Zanzibar trip and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

Group price

$2200 per person when 1 person travels alone

$1800 per person when 2 – 4 persons travel together

$1700 per person when 5 – 7 persons travel together

$1600 per person when 8 – 15 persons travel together

For a more accurate estimate, it's best to contact us directly and discuss your specific requirements and budget. We can provide you with a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.

What is included

• Kilimanjaro International Airport transfers to and from your accommodation in Moshi.

• 2 nights of accommodation before and after climb

• Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate

• Park entry fees, Camping fees, and Kilimanjaro Rescue fees

• 4 Season mountain tents

• Double layered Sleeping Mats

• Professional mountain guides, cook and porters

• 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain

• Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek

• Hot water for washing

• Fair treatment and payment of our crew

• Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter

• Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent

• Emergency first-aid kit, and Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter

What is not included

– Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
– Travel insurance
– Flights
– Laundry (Available at hotel)
– Personal items and toiletries
– Tips for guides, porters and cook