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Umbwe Route

6 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE

6 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE

Day 01 : Umbwe Gate (1,600m)- Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m)

Umbwe Route

Distance: 10.5km

Environment: Montane forest

Time: 5 to 7 hours

In the morning pick up from the hotel in Moshi or and drive to Machame Gate, where registration takes place. From there on trekkers are then taken to the Umbwe Gate from where the trekking journey begins with your guide and porters. Through the rainforest, the route follows a forestry track and then steepens between the rivers of Lonzo and Umbwe. Subject to the condition that the weather remains clear, you’ll get good view of the Kibo in the distance. Hiking for approximately 5 to 7 hours will get you to Umbwe Cave Camp located at 2850 meters, which is 10.5 km from the starting point. The camp is situated in between large evergreen trees and undergrowth. Umbwe Cave is at a short distance from the campsite. The tent would already have been assembled and your dinner prepared before you reach.

Day 02 : Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m) - Baranco Camp (3,850m)

Umbwe Route

Distance: 6.5km

Environment: Rain forest/Lowe alpine zone

Time: 4 to 6 hours

The landscape gradually changes to moorland from rainforest, and consequently vegetation becomes sparse and rocky outcrops dominate. You’ll be following the Umbwe Route ridge until it begins to flatten as it reaches the Barranco Valley. The Barranco Camp located at an altitude of 3950 meters sits under the shadow of Great Barranco Wall from where trekkers can clearly see Kibo in a distance. You will notice the camp is pretty busy. This is because you will be joining hikers from the Machame Lemosh and Shira route here.

Day 03 : Barranco Camp (3,960m) - Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Umbwe Route

Distance: 7km

Environment: Alpine Desert

Time: 4 to 5 hours

Today the Barranco Wall stands before you to conquer. Some stages will require you to use your hands for a better grip, but no actual climbing is necessary and your guide will be with you every step of the way to provide a helping hand. The route with its numerous ascents and descents allow you a chance for further acclimatization, before reaching the mountain ridge. Walking along the ridge you can take in the beautiful landscape with its stunning contrasts of desert and vegetation, before finally reaching the cloudy Karanga Camp. Your trek will take between 4 to 5 hours, leaving more than enough time to rest and play a game of rummy.

Day 04 : Karanga Camp (4,035m) - Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Umbwe Route

Distance: 6km

Environment: Alpine Desert

Time: 3 to 4 hours

You’ll be awakened with the sunlight dancing off the summit of Kibo. After having your morning breakfast, you’ll set off to today’s destination, Barafu Camp. Much of the time today will involve walking through the dry deserted terrain of the mountain with Kibo present on your left side. After trekking continuously for 3 to 4 hours, you’ll reach Barafu Camp and have an early dinner and overnight. The main highlight of your trip is just few miles away.

Day 05 : Barafu Camp (4,640m) - Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Umbwe Route

Distance: 20 km

Environment: Alpine desert/stone scree/ice-capped summit/Montane forest

Time: 14 to 16 hours

After sipping some hot tea with some snacks, you’ll start trekking at around midnight. With aid from torchlight, you’ll climb the heavily screed surface of Kibo. Ascending for 5 to 7 hours in the dark will lead you to Stella Point. Trekking for another 1 or 2 hours along the crater ride will take you to Uhuru Peak which is the summit at 5,895 meters. This point is known as the roof of Africa and from here, you’ll get to experience Kilimanjaro and all its glory and enjoy a 360° view over the landscape. After taking pictures and celebrations, you’ll descend down the same route. Shortly before midday, you’ll arrive at Barafu Camp for your lunch. After having a warm meal and a break of few hours, you’ll head towards Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters where you’ll have your dinner and well-earned rest.

Day 06 : Mweka Camp (3,100m) - Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Moshi

Umbwe Route

Distance: 8km

Environment: Montane forest

Time: 3 to 4 hours

The final ascend of your amazing Kilimanjaro trekking adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 3 to 4 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your transferring driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the Hotel in Moshi and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement.

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  • Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
  • Pre & Post Trek accommodation at the standard hotel in Moshi
  • Park fees, camp fee, rescue fees with newly government enforced 18% VAT from July 1st 2016.
  • Transfers to/from the mountain gates.
  • Expert guides, cook, assistant guides, and porters.
  • Three meals a day during the climb.
  • Bottled water on the first day of the climb boiled and filtered on the mountain.
  • Entry fees, Camping fees, rescue fees and crew fees.
  • Mountains 4 Season sleeping tents double occupancy.
  • Sleeping mattress, foam, 1.5 inches thick.
  • Mess tent, table, chairs and lanterns.
  • Oxygen tank in case of emergency.
  • Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent.
  • Crew salaries (Guides, cook and porters).
  • Airfare.
  • Beverages and food at hotel.
  • Personal trekking gear .
  • Laundry Services.
  • A doctor for the group.
  • Tips for porters, guides, cook and assistant guides.
  • Head Guide $25 to $30 per day.
  • Assistants Guide $20 to 25 per day.
  • Cook $20 to 25 per day.
  • Tent crew, Kitchen porter and Toilet porter $10 to $15 per day.
  • Normal porter $8 to 10 per day .