1: Q: What is the Umbwe route?

A: The Umbwe route is a challenging trail to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its steepness and scenic beauty.

2: Q: How long is the Umbwe route climb?

A: It's a 7-day journey, providing ample time for acclimatization and enjoying Kilimanjaro's breathtaking views.

3: Q: Is prior climbing experience necessary?

A: While not mandatory, some climbing experience at high altitudes is beneficial for this challenging route.

4: Q: What's the best time to climb via Umbwe?

A: The dry seasons from July to October and January to February are ideal, ensuring better weather conditions.

5: Q: Are permits included in the package?

A: Yes, our packages include all necessary permits and fees for Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe route.

6: Q: What's the maximum group size?

A: We keep groups small, typically 6-8 people, ensuring personalized attention and a safer climb.

7: Q: How physically fit should I be?

A: Good physical fitness is essential. Regular cardio and strength training help prepare for the altitude and steep ascents.

8: Q: Can I rent climbing gear?

A: Yes, we offer gear rental options for those who don't have their own equipment.

9: Q: What about meals during the climb?

A: Our experienced chefs provide delicious, nutritious meals throughout the climb to keep you energized.

10: Q: Is it safe to climb Mt Kilimanjaro via Umbwe?

A: Safety is our top priority. Our guides are highly trained, and we provide all necessary equipment for a secure ascent.

7 Days Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route

Price $1626 pp

Book this tour

7 Days Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe route Tour Itinerary

The Umbwe route stands as the shortest but toughest path to Uhuru Peak. Reserved for experienced climbers, it's less traveled, allowing extra days for exploration or Karanga valley camping. The rapid ascent, however, poses altitude challenges, resulting in a low success rate. It typically takes six days, but seven are advisable for safety. Unlike Machame, Lemosho, and Shira, Umbwe offers less varied scenery due to its proximity of ascent and descent routes.

Tour highlights

Day 7 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi - A Rewarding Descent
Day 6 : Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Day 5 : Leaving Karanga Camp Climbing to Barafu Camp
Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro 4th out of 7 Days)
Day 2 : Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing from Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
Day 3 : Barranco Camp - Extra Day for Acclimatization
Day 1 : Moshi to Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp - A Rainforest Adventure

Day 1 : Moshi to Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp - A Rainforest Adventure

Your journey begins bright and early with a briefing, a hearty breakfast, and a one-hour drive from Moshi to Umbwe Village (1,490 meters/4,890 feet). Here, our experienced guides and porters will organize your equipment and provide a packed lunch. The adventure kicks off at the small Umbwe Gate just above the village, where you'll start by following a gently winding vehicle track for an hour until you reach a signboard marking the beginning of the steep Umbwe trail. The real challenge begins as you ascend through a dense forest filled with rubber trees and giant fig trees. At times, you'll find yourself scrambling up steep sections of roots and rocks. Your first night's camp, Umbwe Camp, nestled within the forest, offers a warm and well-deserved meal.

Accommodation for day 1

Umbwe Cave Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 2 : Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing from Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Rise early to savor a hot cup of tea or coffee before tackling the day ahead. After breakfast, you'll climb steeply through thinning forest glades, encountering Giant Erica and Heather as you ascend to drier air. Along the way, you'll traverse a ridge that drops sharply on both sides, and with a bit of luck, the clouds might part, revealing a magnificent view of Uhuru Peak. Following lunch, you'll enter a zone adorned with towering groundsels, known as Scenario Kilimanjaro, a unique treasure of Kilimanjaro's beauty.

Accommodation for day 2

Barranco Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 3 : Barranco Camp - Extra Day for Acclimatization

Take this extra day at Barranco Camp (3,900 meters/12,800 feet) to ease your efforts and enhance your acclimatization, preparing you for the challenges ahead.

Accommodation for day 3

Barranco Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro 4th out of 7 Days)

Following breakfast, the journey continues as you ascend a steep ridge leading to the formidable Barranco Wall. Climbing this imposing obstacle is surprisingly easier than it appears. As you reach just below the Heim Glacier, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of Kilimanjaro's beauty, with Kibo's glaciers towering above. Descend into the lush Karanga Valley to reach the Karanga Valley campsite. Here, you can gaze eastward at the jagged peaks of Mawenzi against the African sky. After a satisfying hot lunch, your afternoon offers a chance for rest or exploration, a crucial part of your acclimatization process. You'll scramble easily to the top of the Great Barranco, then traverse over screes and ridges to the Karanga Valley campsite (3 hours, 4,000 meters), beneath the icefalls of the Southern Glaciers.

Accommodation for day 4

Karanga Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 5 : Leaving Karanga Camp Climbing to Barafu Camp

Morning light finds you climbing eastward over ridges and valleys to join the Mweka Route, which will be your descent route. As you turn left towards the mountain, you'll ascend a ridge through a sparse landscape for another hour to reach Barafu Hut, where a hot lunch awaits. The last water source on the route is in Karanga Valley, as there's no water at Barafu Camp, despite its Swahili name meaning "ice." Kilimanjaro's famous snows are far above Barafu Camp, near the summit. Your tent will be pitched on a narrow, stony, wind-swept ridge, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the terrain before nightfall to avoid any mishaps. Prepare your equipment and warm clothing for your impending summit climb, and stay hydrated. After an early dinner, rest for a few precious hours of sleep.

Accommodation for day 5

Barafu Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 6 : Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Prepare to rise around 11:30 PM for the most challenging part of your journey. After enjoying some hot tea and biscuits, you'll venture into the night. The six-hour climb northwest through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim tests your endurance. At Stella Point (5,685 meters/18,650 feet), you'll pause for a short rest and the chance to witness an awe-inspiring sunrise. Although you'll join the top section of the Marangu Route at Stella Point, it's advisable not to linger for too long, as restarting after a break can be tough due to the cold and fatigue. Depending on the season and recent weather, you may encounter snow as you continue along the rim towards Uhuru Peak. At the summit, savor your accomplishment, knowing you've created a memory to last a lifetime. After a three-hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, enjoy a well-deserved but brief rest, gather your gear, and hike down a rocky, scree-covered path into the moorlan

Accommodation for day 6

Mweka Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 7 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi - A Rewarding Descent

After a satisfying breakfast, start on a short, scenic, three-hour hike back to the park gate. Hold off on tipping your porters until you and all your gear have safely reached the gate. However, don't forget to tip your dedicated staff at the gate. At Mweka Gate, you can sign a register, where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates, while those who reached Uhuru Peak proudly receive gold certificates. From Mweka Gate, continue the descent to Mweka Village, which may involve a muddy three-kilometer, one-hour hike if the road is impassable for vehicles. In Mweka Village, a delicious hot lunch awaits, followed by a drive back to Moshi, where you can finally enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and a comfortable night's rest at your hotel.

Accommodation for day 7

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Drinking water

Costs for 7 Days Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route

1 pax	2 pax	2 pax	3 pax	4 pax	5 pax	6 pax	7 pax	8 pax	9 pax	10 pax
$ 1701	$ 1676	$ 1676	$ 1676	$ 1676	$ 1651	$ 1651	$ 1651	$ 1651	$ 1651	$ 1626

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

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

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

TANZANIA BIG 5 EXPEDITION

1032 reviews | Moshi, Tanzania |

Website https://www.tanzaniabig5expedition.com

TANZANIA BIG 5 EXPEDITION CO L.T.D Is a local, family-owned tour operator specializing in adventure travel in Tanzania. We specialize wildlife game drive and hiking tour, cultural tours as well as wildlife safaris, holidays tour. Our mission is to provide the best adventure experiences at fair and competitive prices while ensuring we leave a positive mark on the local community and environment.

Tour offered

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own telescope for wildlife viewing during guided sessions?

Bringing your telescope for wildlife viewing during guided sessions is possible. Consider portability.

What's the policy on interacting with local communities during guided cultural visits?

Guided cultural visits prioritize respectful interactions with local communities to learn and exchange experiences.

Can I request a specific location for a wildlife painting session?

Some operators offer customizable wildlife painting session locations. Inquire about possibilities.

Can I bring my own art supplies for wildlife painting during guided sessions?

Bringing your art supplies for wildlife painting during guided sessions can enhance your artistic experiences.

How are medical supplies handled during guided fishing activities?

Guides often carry basic medical supplies during guided fishing activities for minor incidents.

Can I bring my own fishing equipment for guided fishing activities?

While fishing equipment might be provided, you can inquire if you can bring your own for guided fishing activities.

What's the policy on interacting with marine life during snorkeling trips?

Snorkeling trips prioritize observing marine life while minimizing disturbance to their natural environment.

Can I request a specific location for a marine photography session?

Some operators offer customizable marine photography session locations. Inquire about possibilities.

Can I bring my own camera equipment for photography during snorkeling trips?

Bringing your camera equipment for photography during snorkeling trips can enhance your underwater photography.

How are medical supplies handled during snorkeling trips?

Basic medical supplies might be available during snorkeling trips to address minor incidents.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear for the trips?

While snorkeling gear might be provided, bringing your own well-fitting gear can enhance your comfort and experience.