Email us
WhatsApp
Arusha
MENU
Edit Content
ABOUT US
DESTINATIONS
PACKAGES
ARTICLES
COMMUNITY
NEWSLETTERS
CONTACT US
TAILOR MADE SAFARI

6-Days Kilimanjaro Adventure spirit of Umbwe Route

6-Days Kilimanjaro Adventure spirit of Umbwe Route

PAX 1PAX 2PAX 3PAX 4PAX 5PAX 6PAX 7PAX
Price $

Overview

The Umbwe Route, once considered a challenging trail, has gained recognition for its unique appeal. Though steeper in the initial two days, it remains accessible to many hikers. Starting from the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, it merges with the Lemosho and Machame routes on the third day before reaching the Barranco Wall. Notably, trekkers on Umbwe will encounter minimal crowds during the first two days. Available in both 6 and 7-day itineraries, the seven-day option is recommended for beginners lacking prior acclimatization. This route offers spectacular scenery, traversing all of Kilimanjaro’s climatic zones and showcasing its distinctive flora and fauna.

Itinerary

Edit Content

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by a Mateys Wild Tours representative and transferred to your hotel, where all necessary amenities for a pleasant stay will be provided, including comfortable rooms, hot water, courteous staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, our managers will conduct a briefing to ensure you are fully prepared for the climb. Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group, with additional charges for individual transfers. We recommend coordinating your group’s arrival and departure times to minimize extra costs.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodations: Stela Maris Lodge.

Edit Content

In the morning, your guide and climbing support crew will arrive at your hotel for introductions and a final equipment check before driving you to the Umbwe Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. Located at 1,800 meters (5,904 feet) above sea level, this is the starting point of your trek. The chief guide will handle the finalization of permits and registration for search and rescue services.

On the first day of trekking, you will ascend to Umbwe Camp, situated at 2,850 meters (9,348 feet). The climb is demanding due to the significant altitude gain, so it’s crucial to maintain a steady pace throughout. The route through the rainforest often experiences rain showers, so remember to bring your raincoat. By the time you reach the camp, your support crew will have set up and prepared dinner for you.

Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft | Habitat: Heath

Distance: 11 km | 7 miles | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Umbwe Camp

Edit Content

Begin your day with an early wake-up and a hearty breakfast before setting out for Barranco Camp. As you trek, the rainforest will transition to moorland, and if the skies are clear, you may catch your first glimpse of Meru Volcano. The trek is of moderate length, and you should arrive at Barranco Camp (3,900 m / 12,792 ft) by lunchtime. Nestled within a large volcanic fault, this camp offers a serene setting for your midday meal.

After lunch, you’ll have the afternoon to relax and acclimatize, which is crucial for your journey ahead. The rest of the day at Barranco Camp is designed to ease the acclimatization process, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.

Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft | Habitat: Heath

Distance: 6 km | 4 miles | Hiking: Time: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Barranco Camp.

Edit Content

Start the day with an early breakfast before tackling the Barranco Wall climb. We advise setting out early to avoid crowds, which can impede progress. The ascent of the gorge wall is relatively straightforward, taking about an hour, after which you can rest and capture photos of the Kibo volcano.

Following this, you’ll face a more challenging hike to Karanga Camp, marked by several ascents and descents. Rest assured that our guides are adept at managing the group’s pace. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm lunch, then proceed with an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, gaining 200 meters (656 feet) in altitude before returning to Karanga Camp.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Distance: 5 km | 3 miles | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Karanga Camp

Edit Content

After breakfast, you will start your ascent to Barafu Summit Camp (4,673 m / 15,327 ft), which serves as the base for your nighttime summit attempt of Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,336 ft). Our team will have the camp prepared for your arrival, including tents and sleeping bags, allowing you to settle in comfortably. Once you arrive and regain your strength, you’ll undertake an acclimatization hike towards Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870 m / 15,974 ft) before returning to Barafu Camp for a hot dinner.

It’s advisable to spend the rest of the day resting and sleeping to prepare for the nighttime summit.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Distance: 4 km | 2 miles | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Barafu Camp.

Edit Content

The group will depart from Barafu Camp around midnight, embarking on the ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,336 ft). Although the trek itself is not technically challenging, the high altitude can make even moderate activity feel demanding. To ensure safety, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a personal guide who will monitor their physical and mental well-being closely. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, climbers may opt to visit one of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers before returning to Barafu Camp for a 2-hour rest.

Descending from the peak to Millennium Camp at 3,950 m / 12,956 ft provides relief from high altitude, but this stage is where most accidents and injuries occur, often due to falls or toenail damage. Caution during the descent can help prevent such issues.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft | Habitat: Arctic

Distance: 5 km | 3 miles| Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft | Habitat: Rain Forest

Distance: 12 km | 7 miles | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Millennium Camp

Edit Content

Millennium Camp is nestled in a lush rainforest, providing a serene setting for a restful night’s sleep. The lower elevation and the sense of achievement from reaching your goal contribute to a peaceful evening. After breakfast, the group will proceed on the final leg of the journey to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,379 ft), the exit of the national park.

This will be the final opportunity to reminisce about the climb with your guides and support team. You’ll have the opportunity to share your climb experience with our Director or Manager. Finally, we’ll present you with your commemorative certificate and arrange for your transfer back to the hotel.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft | Habitat: Rain Forest

Distance: 10 km | 6 miles | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Stela Maris Lodge.

Edit Content

After a restful stay at the hotel, you’ll be transferred back to the airport. Our team will ensure a smooth and timely departure process.

Please note that shared airport transfers are included for private tour packages. For additional individual transfers, extra charges will apply. To avoid these extra costs, we recommend coordinating your group’s arrival and departure times.

Meals: Breakfast.  

Accommodation: To be confirmed on your request

What to Encounter on this route?
  • Very low Success Rate
  • Stunning Sceneries
  • High-Altitude Drop-Off
  • Superb Acclimatization
  • Bottled Oxygen

Inclusion

  • Round-trip Airport transfers.
  • All gate transfers to and from the park.
  • Accommodations as per itinerary.
  • Fair and sustainable salaries for the crew.
  • Complimentary Oxygen cylinder and Oxy-meters.
  • Large portions & freshly prepared nutritious meals each day of hiking.
  • Government TAX and VAT 18%
  • Fully-loaded medical kit.
  • Hot water for washings.
  • All Park fees
  • Rescue fees
  • Thick Sleeping mats.
  • Spacious mess tents.
  • Portable toilets.

Exclusion

  • Alcoholic Drinks at your accommodation
  • Personal needs and souvenirs.
  • Tips for the Guide are much appreciated.
  • VISA as per Our Visa attachment.
  • Insurance as per our insurance attachment.
  • Additional accommodations before & the end of the tour.
  • Extra potter as per terms & Conditions for luggage.
  • Tips for porters $10-15 per porter per day
  • Tips for chef $15-20 per day,
  • Tips for guides $20-25 per guide per day
  • Personal hire gear like sleeping bags, poles, etc.
  • Helicopter Transfer $300 for 2 people as per Insurance Document
  • Helicopter rescue and medical report pay in cash $5500 per person
  • Online payment 3.5% surcharge

Book This Tour

error: Content is protected !!