Q: What is the Umbwe Route on Kilimanjaro?

A: The Umbwe Route is one of the lesser-traveled routes to climb Kilimanjaro, offering a challenging and less crowded trek to the summit

Q: How long does the 7 Days Kilimanjaro Challenge Climbing via Umbwe Route take?

A: The climb typically spans 7 days, providing ample time for acclimatization and a successful summit attempt.

Q: What is the starting point for this route?

A: The Umbwe Route usually begins at the Umbwe Gate, which is located on the southwestern side of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Q: Is it a difficult route for climbers?

A: Yes, the Umbwe Route is considered one of the more challenging routes due to its steep terrain and rapid altitude gain.

Q: Are there any altitude-related concerns on this route?

A: Yes, climbers need to be mindful of altitude sickness. The 7-day itinerary allows for better acclimatization and minimizes the risk.

Q: What is the best time of year to attempt the Umbwe Route?

A: The best times are typically during the dry seasons: January to March and June to October, which offer better weather conditions for climbing

Q: Do I need prior climbing experience to attempt this route?

A: While prior climbing experience is helpful, it's not mandatory. However, you should be physically fit and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

Q: What is the success rate of climbers on the Umbwe Route?

A: Success rates can vary, but they often depend on factors like acclimatization, guide expertise, and individual fitness levels. Proper preparation increases your chances of success.

Q: Are there any specific gear or equipment requirements?

A: Yes, you'll need appropriate cold-weather gear, trekking poles, and a good-quality sleeping bag, among other items. Check with your tour operator for a comprehensive gear list.

Q: What are the highlights of this climbing experience?

A: The Umbwe Route offers breathtaking views, a less crowded trail, and a sense of adventure. It's a rewarding way to experience the diverse ecosystems of Kilimanjaro en route to the summit.

7 Days Kilimanjaro Challenge Climbing via Umbwe Route

Price $1616 pp

Book this tour

7 Days KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE CLIMBING VIA UMBWE ROUTE PACKAGE

Umbwe Route Steep challenging low success rates Discouraged for less experienced hikers

Tour highlights

Day 1 : Umbwe Gate (1,800m) to Cave Umbwe Camp (2,850m)
Day 2 : Journeying from Cave Umbwe camp to Barranco Camp
Day 3 : Acclimatization at Barranco Camp (3,900 m/12,800 ft)
Day 4 : Scaling Heights - Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley
Day 5 : Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp
Day 6 : Summit and Descent
Day 7 : Descending from Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)

Day 1 : Umbwe Gate (1,800m) to Cave Umbwe Camp (2,850m)

Your adventure commences at 8 am as you leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate. Here, our team of porters, guides, and cooks will prepare for the epic six-day trek to Uhuru Peak. After registration, you'll embark on a challenging 6-hour hike through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest, where moss-covered trees give way to heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers. Your destination: Cave Bivouac Camp, perched at 2,850 meters. While you trek, our support team will set up camp, ensuring a warm welcome upon your arrival. The journey to Africa's rooftop has just begun!

Accommodation for day 1

Umbwe Cave Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 2 : Journeying from Cave Umbwe camp to Barranco Camp

On our second day, we leave behind the sheltering embrace of Cave Bivouac (2,850m/9,350ft) and continue along the trail, tracing the ridge's contours. The forest gradually recedes, unveiling vast moorlands that stretch before us, inviting our onward march. Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) awaits, celebrated as a gem along the Umbwe Trail. It's a picturesque oasis cradled in a valley, surrounded by towering senecios and graceful lobelias. Here, the sun takes its time to rise, painting the sky and landscape with its gentle hues, making Barranco Camp a haven of serene beauty amidst the wilderness.

Accommodation for day 2

Barranco Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 3 : Acclimatization at Barranco Camp (3,900 m/12,800 ft)

Day 3 offers a precious gift—extra time at Barranco Camp, nestled at 3,900 meters (12,800 feet). This added day is all about acclimatization, a strategic pause in our ascent. It's a simple yet essential step to help us adapt gradually to higher altitudes, making the rest of our adventure smoother and more enjoyable.

Accommodation for day 3

Barranco Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 4 : Scaling Heights - Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley

On our fourth day, we leave behind Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) after breakfast, setting our sights on Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft). The day kicks off with an exhilarating 1.5-hour scramble up the formidable Barranco Wall. At times, this climb may even require us to use our hands for extra support. But once we conquer the wall, the path levels out, leading us through more forgiving terrain. Eventually, we make a brief yet steep descent into the lush Karanga River Valley, a refreshing change from the challenges we've conquered earlier in the day. Day 4 brings both trials and triumphs as we continue our incredible journey

Accommodation for day 4

Karanga Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 5 : Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp

After a hearty breakfast, we began our ascent to Barafu Camp, perched at 4,600 meters (15,100 feet). Along the way, we marveled at the glaciers on Kibo and the junction connecting the descent route to Mweka with the Machame trail. Despite the sparse vegetation in the alpine desert, Barafu Camp gifted us with stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We dined and rested in anticipation of our midnight summit hike.

Accommodation for day 5

Barafu Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 6 : Summit and Descent

Under the midnight sky, we embarked on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Guided by the gentle glow of our headlamps, we trekked for six challenging hours. The path was steep until we reached Stella Point on the crater rim. From Stella Point, the climb to Uhuru Peak was more gradual but the high altitude made it taxing. At 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), we reached the summit and captured unforgettable photos. Descending from Uhuru, we marveled at the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers. After a quick breakfast and rest at Barafu Camp, we had three to five hours left before reaching Mweka Camp, bringing us closer to the end of our incredible journey.

Accommodation for day 6

Mweka Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 7 : Descending from Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)

After a satisfying breakfast, we began our descent from Mweka Camp, nestled at 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). The forest trail towards Mweka Gate, situated at 1,500 meters (4,920 feet), was a bit slippery due to recent rain. At the lower station of Mweka Gate, our waiting vehicles transported us back to Moshi, marking the end of our remarkable journey.

Accommodation for day 7

Kilimanjaro White House Hotel

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Drinking water

Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation

Costs for 7 Days Kilimanjaro Challenge Climbing via Umbwe Route

1 pax	2 pax	3 pax	4 pax	5 pax	6 pax	7 pax	8 pax	9 pax	10 pax	11 pax	12 pax	13 pax	14 pax	15 pax	16 pax
$ 1691	$ 1666	$ 1666	$ 1666	$ 1641	$ 1641	$ 1641	$ 1641	$ 1641	$ 1616	$ 1616	$ 1616	$ 1616	$ 1616	$ 1616	$ 1616

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

Rental vehicle

Rescue fee

Park fees

A professional driver/guide

All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)

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

Porterage

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

UNIVERSAL GROUP ADVENTURES

1032 reviews | Moshi, Tanzania |

Website https://www.universalgroupadventures.com

UNIVERSAL GROUP ADVENTURES one of the finest Africa Safari Company. Specialized on offering East Africa Tours, our services are East Africa holiday, Kenya safari packages, Tanzania tour holiday, Uganda gorilla tours, Rwanda gorilla safari, Serengeti migration tour, Maasai mara migration, the place to come for safari. The East Africa Region is best known with lots of wildlife including a variety of birds and mammals, and also exhibits a cultural diversity and natural habitat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own gardening tools for ecological restoration activities?

While gardening tools might be provided, bringing your own tools can enhance your participation in ecological restoration.

What's the policy on interacting with local experts during guided cultural exchanges?

Guided cultural exchanges provide opportunities to learn from local experts while fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Can I request a specific location for a cooking demonstration during cultural exchanges?

Some operators offer customizable cooking demonstration locations. Discuss preferences with the guide.

Can I bring my own ingredients or recipes for cooking demonstrations?

Bringing unique ingredients or recipes can contribute to cooking demonstrations during guided cultural exchanges.

How are medical supplies handled during guided cultural exchanges?

Guides might have basic medical supplies on hand during guided cultural exchanges to address minor incidents.

Can I bring my own musical instruments for music-related cultural exchanges?

Bringing musical instruments can enhance your participation in music-related cultural exchanges. Check with the guide or lodge.

What's the policy on interacting with local artisans during guided craft workshops?

Guided craft workshops offer opportunities to learn from local artisans and engage in hands-on creative experiences.

Can I request a specific location for a craft workshop during cultural exchanges?

Some operators offer customizable craft workshop locations. Inquire about possibilities.

Can I bring my own art supplies for craft workshops during cultural exchanges?

Bringing your own art supplies can add to your creative experience during guided craft workshops.

How are medical supplies handled during guided craft workshops?

Guides might have basic medical supplies on hand during guided craft workshops to address minor incidents.

Can I bring my own musical instruments for cultural music jamming sessions?

Bringing musical instruments can enhance your participation in cultural music jamming sessions. Check with the guide or lodge.