1. Is the Umbwe Route suitable for beginners?

The Umbwe Route is one of the most challenging routes on Kilimanjaro and is best suited for experienced hikers who are well-acclimatized to high altitudes.

2. How do I prepare for the altitude on the Umbwe Route?

Prior acclimatization through gradual altitude gain, physical fitness, and consulting a doctor is essential. The slow ascent helps minimize altitude-related issues.

3. What is the best time to hike the Umbwe Route?

The best times are January to February and June to October when the weather is dry and clear, offering optimal hiking conditions.

4. Are permits required for the Umbwe Route?

Yes, you need permits to hike Kilimanjaro, and they are usually arranged by tour operators as part of your expedition package.

5. What is the accommodation like during the hike?

Accommodation includes tented campsites, with tents and meals provided by your tour operator. You may also have a dining tent and toilet facilities.

6. How physically demanding is the Umbwe Route?

The Umbwe Route is physically demanding due to steep ascents and descents. A good level of fitness and prior hiking experience is recommended.

7. What is the success rate for reaching the summit via the Umbwe Route?

Success rates vary, but with proper acclimatization and a gradual ascent, many hikers successfully reach the summit.

8. Are there age restrictions for hiking the Umbwe Route?

While there are no strict age restrictions, hikers should be in good health and physically fit. It's best to consult with your doctor before embarking on the journey.

9. What gear do I need for the Umbwe Route?

You'll need appropriate hiking gear, including layers for cold temperatures, sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, and other essentials. A comprehensive gear list will be provided by your tour operator.

10. Is it necessary to hire a guide for the Umbwe Route?

Yes, it is mandatory to hire a certified guide for your safety. Guides are experienced in the terrain, weather, and can provide valuable assistance in case of emergencies. It's also a Tanzanian park regulation.

7 Days Most Kilimanjaro Hiking Umbwe Route

Price $1656 pp

Book this tour

7 Days Most Kilimanjaro hiking umbwe route package

The Umbwe route, which is based in the south, is a classic 6 day tour and is by far the most difficult one offered on Kilimanjaro. The first two days are extremely steep, muddy and generally strenuous making it only suitable for well-training mountaineers. An acclimatization day is rarely offered on the standard program, but can be added whereby giving the hiker an extra day in the Karanga Valley.

Tour highlights

Day 1 : Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport
Day 2 : Hike from Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
Day 3 : From Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp, Kilimanjaro hike
Day 4 : Barranco Camp hike up to Karanga Camp
Day 5 : Kilimanjaro hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 6 : From Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Hut
Day 7 : Final hike from Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate

Day 1 : Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport. We'll whisk you away to the charming town of Arusha or Moshi, the renowned gateway to majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Rest and recharge in comfort at a well-appointed Base Hotel in Moshi, where half-board accommodation awaits you. Your adventure awaits!

Accommodation for day 1

Kilimanjaro White House Hotel

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation

Day 2 : Hike from Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

Elevation: 2940m (9500ft) | Distance: 8km | Hiking time: 6-7 hours | Habitat: Montana Forest Your second day of adventure leads you into the mystical embrace of the Montana Forest. This enchanting wilderness, adorned with ancient trees, ferns, and mosses, enjoys a constant, life-nourishing rainfall throughout the year. Expect to encounter a vibrant tapestry of wildlife, from elusive bushbuck and duikers to playful monkeys. The air resonates with the melodious symphony of diverse bird species. The journey begins with a gentle ascent for the first three hours, allowing you to acclimate to the surroundings. As you proceed, the trail gradually steepens, offering a thrilling challenge for the last two hours of your hike. Your night's camp awaits in a tranquil clearing along the trail, where the magic of the Montana Forest will be your backdrop. Activities: Hiking

Accommodation for day 2

Umbwe Cave Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 3 : From Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp, Kilimanjaro hike

Elevation: 3860m (12800ft) | Distance: 8km | Hiking time: 6-7 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert As you set forth on the third day's journey, bid farewell to the lush embrace of the forest, for you are now entering the realm of the giant heath. The trail, following a ridge, steadily ascends through this unique terrain. Gradually, the ridge sharpens, evolving into a dramatic knife-edge with sheer drops on either side. The heathland diminishes in stature as you ascend, offering breathtaking panoramas of Kilimanjaro's southern flank and the distant silhouette of Mount Meru, which lies some 50 miles away. The wildlife accompanying your hike undergoes a transformation with the shifting vegetation. Listen for the distant calls of jackals and look to the skies, where the majestic lammergeyer soars gracefully overhead. As evening approaches, you'll find yourself at Barranco Camp, perched high above the Barranco Valley.

Accommodation for day 3

Umbwe Cave Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 4 : Barranco Camp hike up to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3860m to 4000m (12700ft to 13800ft) | Distance: 7km | Hiking time: 4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert Today presents a thrilling challenge as you tackle the iconic Barranco Wall, a towering 950-ft barrier of volcanic rock on the eastern side of the valley. While it may seem imposing, fear not, for its ascent is surprisingly manageable, offering an exhilarating start to your day. As you ascend, pause to relish the magnificent vistas that unfold before you, a reward well worth the hike. After conquering the Barranco Wall, your journey continues along the base of Kibo Peak, which looms over your left shoulder, a constant companion on your adventure. Descending into the Karanga Valley, you'll find respite at Karanga Camp for the night. Here, you'll recharge your energy, preparing for the demanding ascent to Barafu Hut, the next chapter in your Kilimanjaro expedition. Activities: Hiking

Accommodation for day 4

Karanga Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 5 : Kilimanjaro hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4600m (15100ft) | Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: 7km | Habitat: Alpine Desert Leaving the comforts of Karanga Camp behind, your journey presses onward, ascending a moraine ridge at a deliberate and measured pace. This leg of the adventure offers breathtaking vistas of the southern glaciers and the sinuous glacial valleys that gracefully wind their way down the mountain's slopes. As you approach Barafu Camp, the terrain becomes notably steeper, requiring a patient and cautious approach. Like the days preceding, this stage is about taking it slow and steady. By the time the sun reaches its zenith, you'll have reached Barafu Camp, allowing ample time for rest and preparation. In the evening, your guide will provide essential briefings and insights, preparing you mentally and physically for the final and most exhilarating ascent yet. Activities: Hiking

Accommodation for day 5

Barafu Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 6 : From Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Hut

Elevation: 4600m to 5895m, and down to 3100m (15100ft to 19300ft, and down to 10200ft) | Distance: 7km ascent/23km descent | Hiking time: 6-8 hours ascent/7-8 hours descent | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit In the heart of the night, under a moonlit sky, your ascent to Kilimanjaro's summit commences, typically between midnight and 2 am. You'll tread a northwestern path, navigating through challenging stone scree amidst the awe-inspiring Redman and Razzle glaciers. The journey to Stella Point on the crater rim is a formidable test, demanding the utmost mental and physical fortitude. At Stella Point (5685m/18652ft), a brief rest is your reward, accompanied by the most breathtaking sunrise imaginable, weather permitting. As you move beyond Stella Point, you may encounter snow during the one-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. This is the zenith of Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. Swifter hikers may witness the sunrise from this lofty vantage point.

Accommodation for day 6

Mweka Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 7 : Final hike from Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3100m to 1830m (10200ft to 6000ft) | Distance: 15km | Hiking time: 5 hours | Habitat: Forest Following a hearty breakfast, your descent continues, leading you through the forested beauty of Mweka Camp down to the Mweka Park Gate. Here, you'll receive well-earned summit certificates as a testament to your incredible accomplishment. As you descend to lower elevations, the terrain may become wet and muddy, but this presents a different charm of its own. Gaiters and hiking poles will prove valuable in navigating these conditions. Shedding the layers you needed at higher altitudes, you'll likely find that shorts and t-shirts provide ample comfort, but it's wise to keep your rain gear and warmer clothing close at hand. At Mweka Gate, your memorable journey on Mount Kilimanjaro concludes. Here, our dedicated driver will be waiting to transfer you, marking the end of an extraordinary adventure.

Accommodation for day 7

Included meals and drinks

Costs for 7 Days Most Kilimanjaro Hiking 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	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
$ 1731	$ 1706	$ 1706	$ 1706	$ 1681	$ 1681	$ 1681	$ 1681	$ 1681	$ 1656	$ 1656	$ 1656	$ 1656	$ 1656	$ 1656	$ 1656	$ 1731	$ 1706	$ 1706	$ 1706	$ 1681	$ 1681	$ 1681	$ 1681	$ 1681	$ 1656	$ 1656	$ 1656	$ 1656	$ 1656	$ 1656	$ 1656

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

SPOT AFRICA SAFARIS

1032 reviews | Moshi, Tanzania |

Website https://www.spotafricasafaris.com

We are passionate about Africa the continent we love containing attractions we know. Almost about 5 years of experience of Safari, Beach Holidays and Mountain Trekking tour operators. We will gladly guide you into the heart of Africa, and let our company expertise work for you. We also offer all tours sited to Tanzania including Tanzania Serengeti Safari and Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Tours.

Tour offered

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own telescope for birdwatching during boat Camping Group Join Safari s?

Bringing your telescope for birdwatching on boat Camping Group Join Safari s is possible. Consider portability.

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

Boat trips prioritize observing marine life without disturbing their natural behavior.

Can I request a specific location for a wildlife tracking activity?

Some operators offer customizable wildlife tracking activity locations. Discuss preferences with the operator.

Can I bring my own musical instruments for wildlife tracking activities?

Bringing musical instruments can enhance the experience of wildlife tracking, but check with the operator.

How are medical supplies handled during night Camping Group Join Safari s?

Guides often carry basic medical supplies for night Camping Group Join Safari s to address minor incidents.

Can I bring my own telescope for stargazing during the night Camping Group Join Safaris?

Bringing your telescope for stargazing during night Camping Group Join Safaris is possible. Ensure it's suitable for travel.

Can I request a specific location for a meditation session?

Some operators offer customizable meditation session locations. Inquire about possibilities.

Can I bring my own art supplies for meditation and relaxation?

Bringing art supplies can enhance your meditation and relaxation experiences during the Camping Group Join Safari.

How are medical supplies handled during guided birdwatching sessions?

Guides often carry basic medical supplies during birdwatching sessions for minor incidents.

Can I bring my own spotting scope for birdwatching during guided sessions?

Bringing your spotting scope for birdwatching during guided sessions is possible. Ensure it's suitable for travel.

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

Interactions with local guides during wildlife tracking sessions can provide insights into tracking techniques.

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

Some operators offer customizable sunrise photography session locations. Discuss your preferences with the operator.

Can I bring my own camera equipment for photography during guided sessions?

Bringing your camera equipment for photography during guided sessions can enhance your experience.

How are medical supplies handled during guided photography sessions?

Guides might have basic medical supplies on hand during guided photography sessions for minor incidents.

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.