1. What is the Umbwe Route on Mt. Kilimanjaro, and why is it unique?

The Umbwe Route is one of the less traveled and more challenging paths to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is known for its steep and scenic terrain, offering a more secluded experience compared to other routes.

2. How long does the 7-day hiking expedition on the Umbwe Route typically take?

The 7-day hike on the Umbwe Route allows for gradual acclimatization, increasing the chances of reaching the summit successfully. It typically covers a distance of approximately 48-54 kilometers (30-33 miles).

3. What is the best time of year to undertake the Umbwe Route for hiking?

The best time for the Umbwe Route is during the dry seasons, which are from late June to October and from December to early March. These periods offer better weather conditions and clearer views.

4. Is it necessary to have prior hiking or mountaineering experience to join this expedition?

While prior hiking experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory. However, participants should be physically fit and prepared for challenging terrain and altitude.

5. What is the physical fitness level required to attempt the Umbwe Route on Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Participants should be in good physical condition, engage in regular cardio and strength training, and be able to hike for several hours each day. Training and preparation are crucial for a successful ascent.

6. What is the maximum altitude reached during this 7-day hike, and how do you manage altitude sickness?

The highest point on the Umbwe Route is Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). To manage altitude sickness, the itinerary includes acclimatization days, slow and steady pacing, and access to trained guides who monitor your health.

7. What kind of gear and equipment should I bring for the Umbwe Route hike?

You should bring appropriate clothing, footwear, sleeping gear, and a daypack. A detailed packing list will be provided, including essentials like hiking poles, a good-quality sleeping bag, and warm clothing.

8. Are there experienced guides and support staff provided for the expedition?

Yes, experienced guides, porters, and a support team accompany participants on the Umbwe Route expedition. They ensure your safety, provide guidance, and assist with logistics.

9. What is the cost of the 7-day hiking expedition, and what does it include?

The cost varies depending on the tour operator and the services included. Typically, it covers permits, meals, accommodation, guides, and support staff. Make sure to clarify the exact details with your chosen tour provider.

10. Are there any age restrictions or health considerations for participants in this hiking adventure?

There may be age restrictions, and participants should be in good health and disclose any medical conditions to the tour operator beforehand. A medical check-up before the hike is advisable to ensure readiness.

7 Days Summit to Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking via Umbwe Route

Price $1666 pp

Book this tour

7 Days Summit to Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking via Umbwe Route Tour

Undertake on an epic Mt. Kilimanjaro hiking adventure via the challenging Umbwe Route. This 7-day journey promises unparalleled vistas and a unique summit experience. Reach the summit in style!

Tour highlights

Day 1 : Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m/9,350ft).
Day 2 : Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m/9,350ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft).
Day 3 : Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft).
Day 4 : Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Camp (4,200m/13,780ft).
Day 5 : Karanga Camp (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft).
Day 6 : Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft).
Day 7 : Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft).

Day 1 : Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m/9,350ft).

Your Kilimanjaro adventure starts at 8 am in Moshi for Umbwe Gate. You'll meet your team of porters, guides, and cooks. After registering at the gate, you'll head to Umbwe Cave Camp, about 6 hours away. The steep and occasionally slippery trail takes you through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest, transitioning to heathers, grasses, and wildflowers. The porters and cooks set up camp for your arrival. Elevation Gain: 1,050 meters (3,445 feet). Hiking time: 4-6 hours. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included.

Accommodation for day 1

Umbwe Cave Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 2 : Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m/9,350ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft).

Today's journey continues along the ridge after departing from Umbwe Cave Camp. Leaving the forest behind, you'll traverse open moorlands until you reach Barranco Camp. Many consider Barranco to be the most picturesque campsite on the Umbwe Trail, nestled amidst giant senecios and lobelias. However, keep in mind that the sun rises a bit later here due to the valley's geography. Total Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters, 3,610 feet. Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation for day 2

Barranco Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

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

Today, you have an extra day for acclimatization. This additional day will help you adapt to the increasing altitude, making your ascent smoother and safer. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation for day 3

Barranco Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 4 : Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Camp (4,200m/13,780ft).

After breakfast at Barranco Camp, you'll head for Karanga Camp. Your day starts with a challenging 1.5-hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. In some sections, you may even need to use your hands to aid your ascent. After conquering this part, you'll hike through relatively level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the lush Karanga River Valley. Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet. Distance: 7 kilometers. Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation for day 4

Karanga Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 5 : Karanga Camp (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft).

Following breakfast, your journey leads you to Barafu Camp. Along the way, you'll catch glimpses of Kibo's glaciers and the junction connecting the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. Day four offers you breathtaking views of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu takes you through an alpine desert with minimal vegetation, the campsite itself offers stunning vistas of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. After dinner, try to get some rest, as you'll need to rise before midnight for your summit bid. Elevation Gain: 400 meters, 1,320 feet. Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation for day 5

Barafu Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 6 : Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft).

Engage on the final midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak, navigating with headlamp for 6 hours. The initial hike to the crater rim is physically demanding, with a steep trail sometimes requiring hand use. Hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is gradual but tiring due to high altitude, taking about 1 hour. Capture photos at Uhuru Peak before descending to Mweka Camp. Enjoy stunning views during descent to Barafu Camp. Have breakfast and a short break at Barafu Camp, followed by 3-5 hours of hiking to reach Mweka Camp. Elevation Gain: 1,295m (4,240ft). Elevation Loss: 2,795m (9,170ft). Hiking time: 6 hours to rim, 1 hour to Uhuru, 3-4 hours to Barafu, 4 hours to Mweka. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation for day 6

Mweka Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

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

After enjoying breakfast, conclude your hike with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. Keep an eye out for potentially slippery trails, especially if there has been rain. At the lower station of Mweka Gate, our vehicles will be waiting to transport you back to Moshi, marking the end of your remarkable Kilimanjaro adventure. Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters, 5,250 feet. Hiking time: 4 hours. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Included.

Accommodation for day 7

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Drinking water

Lunch

Costs for 7 Days Summit to Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking 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

OWL EYES EXPEDITION

1032 reviews | Moshi, Tanzania |

Website https://www.owleyesexpedition.com

OWL EYES EXPEDITION CO L.T.D specializes in providing a source experience for clients by connecting them with local people who are close to the land. We aim to create long term partnerships that are fair and transparent; allowing for structured but un-staged encounters. Book your Africa Tour Package with us.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are dietary restrictions addressed during bush breakfasts?

Most operators offer a range of meal options during bush breakfasts, including catering to dietary needs.

Can I bring my own bicycle for exploration during the Camping Group Join Safari?

Bicycles might not be suitable for Camping Group Join Safari exploration. Game drives and walks are the primary activities.

How are wildlife sightings communicated between guides?

Guides often communicate via radio or other means to share information about wildlife movements.

Can I request a specific type of Camping Group Join Safari tent at the lodges?

Some lodges offer different types of Camping Group Join Safari tents. Check with the operator for options.

Can I request a vegan meal during picnics?

Most operators can accommodate vegan meal requests during picnics.

Can I interact with local researchers during the Camping Group Join Safari?

Some lodges might have experts conducting research. Inquire about possible interactions.

How do I handle interactions with other participants during guided tours?

Respectful interactions with fellow participants enhance the overall Camping Group Join Safari experience.

Can I request a specific location for bush dinners?

Some operators offer customized bush dinner locations. Inquire about possibilities.

Can I bring my own musical instruments for campfire evenings?

Some campsites might allow musical instruments for entertainment. Check with the operator.

What's the policy on wildlife encounters at lodges and campsites?

Lodge and camp staff is trained to handle wildlife encounters to ensure your safety.