1. What is the Umbwe Route on Kilimanjaro?

The Umbwe Route is one of the lesser-used paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is known for its steep and challenging terrain, offering a more secluded hiking experience.

2. How long does the 7-day Umbwe Route hike take?

The 7-day Umbwe Route typically includes 6 days of hiking and 1 day for acclimatization. It allows for a more gradual ascent, increasing your chances of reaching the summit successfully.

3. What is the best time of year for the Umbwe Route hike?

The best time to hike the Umbwe Route is during the dry season, which is from late June to October and from December to early March. These months offer the most stable weather conditions.

4. How difficult is the Umbwe Route compared to other Kilimanjaro routes?

The Umbwe Route is considered one of the most challenging routes due to its steep ascents and limited opportunities for acclimatization. It's recommended for experienced hikers who are physically fit.

5. Do I need prior hiking or hiking experience?

While prior experience is not mandatory, it's highly recommended. You should be physically fit and have some experience with multi-day hikes at higher altitudes.

6. What is the cost of a 7-day Umbwe Route hike?

The cost of the hike can vary depending on the tour operator, the level of service, and the time of year. Generally, expect to pay between $2,500 to $4,000 or more per person.

7. Do I need special permits or licenses to hike the Umbwe Route?

Yes, you will need a permit to hike Mount Kilimanjaro regardless of the route. Your tour operator will usually arrange these permits for you as part of the package.

8. What should I pack for the Umbwe Route hike?

You'll need to pack appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions, sturdy hiking boots, a good quality sleeping bag, and personal items. Your tour operator will provide a detailed packing list.

9. Are porters and guides provided on the Umbwe Route?

Yes, most tour operators include a team of guides, porters, and cooks as part of the package. The porters will carry your gear, and the guides will lead the way and provide assistance.

10. What is the success rate of reaching the summit on the Umbwe Route?

The success rate varies, but it's generally lower on the Umbwe Route compared to some other routes due to its difficulty. Proper acclimatization, physical fitness, and following the guidance of your guides are crucial for reaching the summit.

7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking Adventure via Umbwe Route

Price $1666 pp

Book this tour

7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking Adventure via Umbwe Route Tour

Experience the ultimate Mt. Kilimanjaro hike on the challenging Umbwe Route. This 7-day adventure promises stunning vistas, diverse ecosystems, and a unique, less-traveled path to the summit. A truly unforgettable journey awaits!

Tour highlights

Day 1 : Moshi to Umbwe Cave Camp.
Day 2 : Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp.
Day 3 : Acclimatization Day at Barranco Camp.
Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.
Day 5 : Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.
Day 6 : Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp.
Day 7 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.

Day 1 : Moshi to Umbwe Cave Camp.

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a one-hour drive to the trek's starting point at 1650 meters above sea level. During this drive, you'll have the chance to meet your assistant guide, cook, and porters, who are essential in assisting you on your journey to the summit. As you commence your trek, you'll traverse farms and venture through a montane forest. These lower slopes of Kilimanjaro are now part of a National Park, teeming with lush rainforests and a variety of beautiful birds and animals. If you tread quietly, you may even have the privilege of spotting black and white colobus monkeys. As you steadily ascend, you'll eventually reach Umbwe Cave Camp at 2850 meters, where tents are nestled among lichen-covered trees.

Accommodation for day 1

Umbwe Cave Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 2 : Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp.

Your hiking continues, taking you through the forest and into the vast heather zone. You'll navigate through rocky terrain until you reach the campsite near the Barranco Camp at 3950 meters.

Accommodation for day 2

Barranco Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 3 : Acclimatization Day at Barranco Camp.

Today is a well-deserved rest day at Barranco Camp, situated at 3950 meters. You have the option to take a morning or afternoon walk uphill to an altitude of 3400 meters to aid in acclimatization. This camping area offers stunning views of the moorland zone, with rocky outcrops, giant lobelias, and picturesque scenery. Birds are a common sight around the camp, particularly the streaky seed eater and alpine chat. You may also spot the four-striped grass mouse foraging for food scraps.

Accommodation for day 3

Barranco Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.

The trail leads you up the imposing Barranco wall, which may appear daunting from a distance but proves manageable when approached closely. Your guides will assist in navigating a few exposed areas. Most of the trail is well-maintained, albeit steep. You'll reach the top of the wall in a little over an hour. The path then meanders southeastward, followed by a steep descent to the Karanga valley campsite at 4100 meters.

Accommodation for day 4

Karanga Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 5 : Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.

Today's route undulates from the Karanga valley to the junction of the Mweka route. From here, you face a final ascent to the Barafu Camp (Barafu means "ice" in Swahili), located at 4600 meters. Vegetation is sparse at this altitude, and tents are pitched among rocky outcrops. Despite the harsh environment, you'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the peak and Mawenzi in the east. The white-necked ravens, with their echoing croaks, are the primary birdlife in this region, scavenging for food.

Accommodation for day 5

Barafu Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 6 : Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp.

Today is the most challenging day of your hike, with 10-15 hours of walking at high altitude over steep terrain. The total ascent for the day is 1300 meters. You set off from Barafu Camp at 1:00 a.m. with head torches, ascending the steep scree slope to reach Stella Point on the crater rim at 5700 meters. This timing allows you to witness the breathtaking sunrise from the rim. From Stella Point, it's another 1-1.5 hours along the rim to reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters. Snow may be encountered on the screen slope, and walking poles prove useful for both ascent and descent. After the exhilaration of reaching the summit, you descend slowly to your overnight camp for a late breakfast and a well-deserved 2-hour rest in your tent. The guide will eventually encourage you to begin the lengthy descent to Mweka Camp, passing through the heather moorland. You'll reach the Mweka camping area in the late afternoon, ready for some much-needed rest.

Accommodation for day 6

Mweka Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 7 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.

On the final day of your hike, the hike from Mweka camp to the Mweka Gate takes about 4 to 6 hours. The terrain transitions from alpine to forest, covering around 8.5 kilometers. Some hikers might face knee issues, which could extend the descent time. It's crucial not to tip your porters until you and your gear safely reach the gate. At Mweka Gate, you'll sign in a register. Successful hikers receive summit certificates. Stella Point (5739 meters) achievers get green certificates, Uhuru Peak (5895 meters) conquerors receive gold certificates. After gate formalities, you'll descend to Mweka village, usually a muddy 3-kilometer hike taking about an hour. After signing out at the gate, you'll be transferred to a Moshi hotel for a hot shower and dinner. Alternatively, in the evening, you'll go to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.

Accommodation for day 7

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Drinking water

Lunch

Costs for 7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking Adventure via Umbwe Route

1 pax	2 pax	3 pax	4 pax	5 pax	6 pax	7 pax	8 pax	9 pax	10 pax
$ 1741	$ 1716	$ 1716	$ 1716	$ 1691	$ 1691	$ 1691	$ 1691	$ 1691	$ 1666

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

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

Tips: tipping guideline

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

Personal items

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

SEROL CLIMBERS

1032 reviews | Moshi, Tanzania |

Website https://www.serolclimbers.com

SEROL CLIMBERS CO LTD is proud to be voted as the best international Kilimanjaro Climbing tour operator in Tanzania tours during the Tourism excellence awards that were held on both times for worldwide Safaris and Kilimanjaro Climbing tours including Tanzania. The Company Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements of the tourism industry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Bringing your telescope for birdwatching is possible. Consider portability and local regulations.

Can I request a specific type of cultural activity during the Camping Group Join Safari?

Cultural activities are often pre-planned, but you can inquire if specific activities can be included.

What's the policy on interacting with wildlife during cultural performances?

Wildlife and cultural performances are separate experiences to ensure safety and respect for both.

Can I request a specific location for a photographic session?

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

Can I bring my own fitness equipment for workouts?

While lodges might have fitness facilities, you can bring small portable equipment for workouts if desired.

How are medical supplies handled during guided drives?

Guides often carry basic medical supplies for minor incidents during guided game drives.

Can I bring my own painting materials for creative sessions?

Bringing painting materials can be a wonderful way to engage in creative sessions during leisure time.

Can I request a specific animal encounter during guided walks?

Animal encounters during guided walks are natural occurrences and can't be specifically requested.

What's the policy on interacting with wildlife during cultural village visits?

Cultural village visits are separate from wildlife encounters to ensure safety for both humans and animals.

Can I request a specific location for a sunrise meditation?

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