Umbwe Route

7 days

T4 trails

Distance: 15 - 20 km per day

500 - 1000 m ascent per day

Kilimanjaro

Summit Climb

Overview
Itinerary
What's Included
FAQ

> Experience the most challenging trail of Mount Kilimanjaro
> Pure adventure feeling
> Phenomenal sunrise vistas at the Uhuru Peak (5,985m)

Widely know as the most challenging route, you will not find a lot of trekkers on the Umbwe Route. On this trail you don’t have to share the incredible vistas over Tanzania with a huge crowd, because this trek is only for experienced trekkers.

Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heath herbs, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view. After leaving the forest behind us, we continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. This camp side is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe, as it is surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. Because we have 7 days on the Umbwe Route, we take a day of rest here and acclimatize in this inspiring landscape.

After this break we are full of energy again and can tackle the next challenge on our way up to the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. Adrenaline is guaranteed here. You will be granted with more and more impressive landscapes on the way to the top, find yourself surrounded by breathtaking glaciers, the grandiose Mawenzi Peak and the green Kranaga River Valley, before we finally reach our target: The Uhuru Peak (5,985m).

Stand on the roof of Africa and see the sun slowly rising and coloring the whole world around you. You really did it. You defeated the most challenging route Mount Kilimanjaro has to offer.

Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the typical stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also challenge for every trekker. But what would life be without some challenges, right? Take the chance and demand every piece of energy your body has to offer. The greatest feeling of satisfaction and proud will fill your heart when you reach the roof of Africa.

Itinerary

Day

Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Cave Bivouac Camp (2,850m/9,350ft)

Duration: 05:50 h

Distance: 9.1 km

Ascent: 1260 m

Descent: 100 m

At 8am leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places. Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.

Cave Bivouac Camp

Info

Day

Cave Bivouac (2,850m/9,350ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)

Duration: 04:05 h

Distance: 4.92 km

Ascent: 1110 m

Descent: 10 m

The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps.

Barranco Camp

Info

Day

Barranco Camp (3,900 m/12,800 ft)

Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization.

Barranco Camp

Info

See entire itinerary

Included

Private transport to and from airport to your hotel

Your trekking company is able to pick you up from the airport and bring your to your hotel. A transfer back to the airport is also included in the package.
Transportation to and from the start/end point

The transport from your accommodation to the start point is taken care of. This also applies to the way back.
Four Season Mountain tents

On Mount Kilimanjaro you're staying in our strong and well maintained four season mountain tents. Every time you arrive at your camp the tent has already been set up.
Double Layered Sleeping Mats

Double layered mats provided by your trekking company will put you to sleep in no time.
Hot meals daily while on the mountain

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared during the trek. Your trekking company is bringing their own cook. Don't be surprised when you see an exclusive three course dinner on your plate.
Treated and filtered water

During the trek you won't have a shortage on drinking water.
Hot water for washing

Don't expect an extensive shower, but there will be the possibility to use hot water for a decent wash.
Altitude Sickness & First Aid Kit

The guides carry an altitude sickness kit to monitor your pulse rate, oxygen saturation and heart rate twice a day (very useful for monitoring the symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS) at altitude). Also emergency portable oxygen is carried along. On top of that the guides are qualified Wilderness First Responders.
KINAPA Rescue Fee

The fees for the Kilimanjaro Rescue Team are covered. This is managed by KINAPA, Kilimanjaro National Parks. Interesting fact: Kinapa means “We carry each other” in Swahili.
Park fee, camping fee, VAT and other taxes

The park entry fees, the crater fee, camping fee and value added tax are included in the price.
Fair salary, food, insurance and accommodation for guide and porter(s)

The total amount covers not only your own basics, but also those of your guide and porter. No unpleasant surprises.
Your own team of porters and guides

Per person you generally have a team of 1 guide, 1 cook and 8 porters who will support you in your climb. If you are part of a group of four, you will be able to enjoy 2 guides, 1 cook and 12 porters. Although there will always be enough hands on deck, the exact amount of support staff varies per route.

Excluded

Visa for Tanzania

Visas are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. For most nationalities it is possible to get a visa upon arrival when you arrive at the airport in Tanzania. Check with your local Tanzanian embassy or consulate to see what the requirements are.
Flights to and from Moshi

The total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Tanzania. To get an idea of which airlines are visiting Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), it is best to have a look at their website.
Personal expenses

All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.
Travel Insurance Including Repatriation

Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Tanzania.
Tipping

Tips for guides and porters are exclusive. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous and read our blog post about tipping when you are planning go trekking in Tanzania.
Portable flush toilet

Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for USD 70 for the entire trek.
Accommodation before and after the trek

Whether you stay in Moshi, Arusha or anywhere else, before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation and meals.