Kilimanjaro Trekking – Umbwe Route (8 Days)
1Wonder Expedition
Safari Highlights
Kilimanjaro Trekking
Detailed Itinerary
Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft – Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Distance: 11 km | 7 miles Habitat: Health
The day begins with a 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain -forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.
Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft – Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Distance: 6 km | 4 miles Habitat: Health
The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.
Elevation: 13,044 ft Habitat: Alpine Desert
Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft – Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft – Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Distance: 4 km | 2 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft – Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft – Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Arctic Distance: 12 km | 7 miles Habitat: Rain Forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft – Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Distance: 10 km | 6 miles Habitat: Rain-Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft – Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Distance: 10 km | 6 miles Habitat: Rain-Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
WHATS INCLUDED?
- All Entrance fees and Government taxes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
WHATS EXCLUDED?
- International and local airfare.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- Local transportation before and after the climb.
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Tips for the support team
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.