What is the Umbwe Route for Kilimanjaro hiking?

The Umbwe Route is one of the shortest and steepest routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania. It is known for its challenging terrain and offers a thrilling adventure to experienced hikers.

How long does the Umbwe Route take to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro?

The Umbwe Route typically takes six days to complete. This duration allows for proper acclimatization, increasing the chances of a successful summit attempt.

Is the Umbwe Route suitable for beginners?

No, the Umbwe Route is not recommended for beginners. It requires a high level of fitness and previous hiking experience due to its steep and demanding nature.

What makes the Umbwe Route special compared to other Kilimanjaro routes?

The Umbwe Route offers a more secluded and less crowded experience than some of the more popular routes. It also provides stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and offers a challenging adventure for seasoned hikers.

What is the best time of the year to hike Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route?

The best time for Kilimanjaro hiking via the Umbwe Route is during the dry seasons, which are typically January to mid-March and June to October. These periods offer more stable weather conditions and clearer skies.

Are there age restrictions for hiking Kilimanjaro through the Umbwe Route?

While there are no strict age restrictions, hikers must be at least 18 years old due to the physically demanding nature of the route.

What kind of gear and equipment are necessary for the Umbwe Route trek?

Hikers must bring appropriate cold-weather clothing, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, and a daypack. A detailed packing list will be provided by the tour operator.

Are there experienced guides to lead the hike on the Umbwe Route?

Yes, all hikes on the Umbwe Route are led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the terrain, safety measures, and local flora and fauna.

Do I need to carry my own backpack during the entire hike?

While you'll be required to carry your daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and personal items, a team of porters will carry the majority of the equipment, food, and camping gear.

What level of physical fitness is required for hiking Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route?

Hiking Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route demands a high level of physical fitness. Regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises are recommended to prepare for the challenges of the trek. Consulting with a healthcare professional before embarking on the journey is advised.

6 Days Discovering Kilimanjar Hiking via Umbwe Route

Price $1497 pp

Book this tour

6 Days DISCOVERING KILIMANJAR HIKING VIA UMBWE ROUTE

Discover on the ultimate adventure, "Discovering Kilimanjaro: 6 Days of Hiking via Umbwe Route." Conquer Africa's highest peak, traverse rainforests, alpine deserts, and glaciers. Guided by experts, savor mesmerizing sunrises. Join us for an unforgettable journey of self-discovery.

Tour highlights

Day 1 : UMBWE GATE (1800M) TO BIVOUAC CAMP (2940M)
Day 2 : BIVOUAC CAMP (2940M) HIKING TO BARRANCO CAMP (3950M)
Day 3 : BARRANCO CAMP (3950M) – LAVA TOWER (4630M) – ARROW GLACIER CAMP (4800M)
Day 4 : ARROW GLACIER (4800M) – CRATER CAMP (5700M)
Day 5 : CRATER CAMP (5700M) – UHURU PEAK (5895M) – MWEKA CAMP (3100M)
Day 6 : MWEKA CAMP (3100M) – MWEKA GATE (1980M)

Day 1 : UMBWE GATE (1800M) TO BIVOUAC CAMP (2940M)

 Hiking time: 5 hours |  Habitat: Montane forest Start early from Arusha (1400m), driven to Umbwe Gate. Get packed lunch, register with TANAPA, and begin ascent into rainforest. Expect rain, mud, fog, and watch for Colobus monkeys. Lunch break halfway. Reach Bivouac Camp by late afternoon. Porters set up tents, provide water, snacks. Hot dinner served. Prepare for freezing temperatures overnight.

Accommodation for day 1

Umbwe Cave Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 2 : BIVOUAC CAMP (2940M) HIKING TO BARRANCO CAMP (3950M)

 Hiking Time: 6 hours  Habitat: Moorland After breakfast, begin your ascent from the rain forest to the heathland moorland. The moorland offers sights of unique plants like giant lobelia and groundsel. Enjoy stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro during your climb. The trail levels out and then descends into the Barranco Valley until you reach Barranco Camp. Here, you'll have a stream nearby and impressive views of the Western Breach and Great Barranco Wall to the East. Tents will be ready upon your arrival, and the porters will provide drinking and washing water. After evening snacks, savor a dinner prepared by our chef. Expect cold temperatures, as it can freeze at this exposed camp. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

Accommodation for day 2

Barranco Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 3 : BARRANCO CAMP (3950M) – LAVA TOWER (4630M) – ARROW GLACIER CAMP (4800M)

 Habitat: Moorland/Semi desert After an early breakfast, you'll leave the moorland and enter a semi-desert, rocky landscape. Hiking east for 5 hours, you'll reach the imposing Lava Tower (4630m). Lunch will be served here, and weather permitting, you can climb the massive Lava Tower. Altitude effects may start to be felt at this point, like headaches and shortness of breath. Following lunch, you'll scramble up a steep Class 2 trail to Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m). The camp has sparse vegetation and is surrounded by stone scree. Snacks, dinner, and washing water will be provided, ensuring a comfortable stay in your tents. Overnight at Arrow Glacier Camp(karanga camp)

Accommodation for day 3

Karanga Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 4 : ARROW GLACIER (4800M) – CRATER CAMP (5700M)

 Hiking time: 5 hours  Habitat: Rocky terrain and icy glacier After breakfast, hikers ascend the Class 2 rocky trail, using ice axes and crampons in rainy seasons. Climbing the Western Breach to the Crater (5700m), you'll witness the breathtaking Northern Ice fields and the Furtwangler Glacier. At the campsite, you can choose a day hike to the famous Ash Pit (1.5 hours) of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a warm dinner and stay at the inner snow-covered crater. Overnight at Crater Camp(barafu camp)

Accommodation for day 4

Barafu Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 5 : CRATER CAMP (5700M) – UHURU PEAK (5895M) – MWEKA CAMP (3100M)

 Hiking time: 2 hours to Uhuru and 7-8 hours to Mweka  Distance: Approx. 7 km ascent, 23 km descent  Habitat: Rocky summit and icy terrain at 0400 Your guide wakes you for tea and biscuits before starting the summit attempt. The challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m) takes about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail. After reaching the summit, savor the accomplishment and take photos before descending to Barafu Camp in 3 hours. Rest and have lunch at Barafu, then continue to Mweka Hut (3100m) through rocky and moorland areas, eventually entering the rainforest. Expect fog and rain at Mweka Camp. Enjoy dinner and a well-deserved rest. Overnight at Mweka Camp

Accommodation for day 5

Mweka Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 6 : MWEKA CAMP (3100M) – MWEKA GATE (1980M)

 Hiking time: 3 hours  Distance: Approx. 15 kilometers  Habitat: Forest After breakfast, celebrate with dancing and singing. Tip your guides, chefs, and porters. Descend for 3 hours to Mweka Gate. Sign in for certificates. Green cert for Stella Point (5685m), gold for Uhuru Peak (5895m). Walk 1 hour (3km) to Mweka village. Enjoy hot lunch, return to Arusha for showers and celebrations at your hotel. Drop-off in Arusha/Moshi

Accommodation for day 6

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Costs for 6 Days Discovering Kilimanjar Hiking via Umbwe Route

1 pax	2 pax	3 pax	4 pax	5 pax	6 pax	7 pax	8 pax
$ 1547	$ 1522	$ 1522	$ 1522	$ 1497	$ 1497	$ 1497	$ 1497

Tour activities

Game drive tours

Getting around/Walking

Hotel resting

Photographs

Tour features and style

Private tour
You can do safari privately for solo, couple, family, or in group.

Group tour
Join a group with your fellow tourists through this tour.

Budget tour
You can compute the price for budget for the whole tour

Customizable
You can customize the itinerary, price inclusions, accommodations, and also the price.

First aid/Rescue
First aid and rescue during the tour is assured.

Price inclusions

Sleeping bag or bed linen

Porterage

Rescue fee

Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)

All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)

Camping equipment (only sleeping bag/bed linen may be listed as excluded)

All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)

All Taxes/VAT

Price exclusions

Bath towels

Climbing gear

Roundtrip airport transfer

All flights during the tour

International flights to/from the start/end of the tour

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips: tipping guideline

Personal items

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

SERENGETI MIGRATION EXPERTS

1032 reviews | Moshi, Tanzania |

Website https://www.serengetimigrationexperts.com

SERENGETI MIGRATION EXPERTS CO L.T.D Is a Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour Company offering sightseeing Tours, Serengeti migration safari, Tanzania Big 5 Luxury safari Tours, Kilimanjaro Trekking tour with a perfect budget safari Packages and Zanzibar beach tours/holidays. All tours and safaris designed with a personal touch in mind for the perfect experience in the tourism industry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own musical instruments for lodge evenings?

Some lodges might allow musical instruments for entertainment. Check with the lodge staff.

How are medical emergencies communicated to nearby lodges or campsites?

Communication devices are used to coordinate with nearby facilities in case of medical emergencies.

Can I request a specific route for guided walks?

Routes for guided walks are often determined based on safety and wildlife movement considerations.

Can I bring my own fishing gear for fishing activities?

Fishing gear might not be necessary as lodges often provide fishing equipment.

How do I handle interactions with other participants during cultural visits?

Respect the customs of the local community and other participants during cultural visits.

Can I request a specific location for a bush picnic?

Some operators offer customizable bush picnic locations. Discuss your preferences with the operator.

What's the policy on interacting with local wildlife during guided tours?

Interaction with wildlife is done from a safe distance to ensure both your safety and the animals' well-being.

Can I bring my own camping shower for convenience?

Most campsites provide basic shower facilities. Bringing your own shower might not be necessary.

Can I bring my own musical instruments for cultural interactions?

Bringing musical instruments can be a wonderful way to engage in cultural exchanges, but inquire with the guide or lodge.

How are medical emergencies handled during guided tours?

Guides are trained to handle emergencies and can coordinate assistance with nearby facilities.

Can I request a specific route for hiking activities?

Routes for hikes are often determined based on safety, difficulty, and park regulations.