6 Days Umbwe Route – Kilimanjaro Climbing

Mount Kilimanjaro

From

$ 1810

Duration

6 days
As Rated on TripAdvisor

Overview

Kilimanjaro Umbwe route is a short route, providing challenges as it is very difficult to climb due to its steepness. It is arguably the least frequented route on Kilimanjaro passes through the tropical rainforest and runs long the Machame Route, joining it at Barranco Camp. The traffic in this route is very low and unless a day is added to the climb. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, but seven days is preferred. This route also merges along with Machame, Lemosho, and Shira Route. If one wants more adventure, then one can approach the Western Breach route -risky and dangerous.

It requires some scrambling (climbing on hands and feet) at certain points. This path is very beautiful but also very challenging due to its rocks formations and its steep slope. The Western Beach was gaining popularity by climbers using the Umbwe route, Lemosho, Shira and Machame routes until a rock fall claimed the lives of three climbers in January 2006. In response, Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) closed the Western Breach Route, but in 2007 KINAPA opened it again with the conditions that all clients and their supporting members who want to use this option must sign at the entrance gate that they are doing for their own risk.

INCLUDE / EXCLUDE

  • National park entry fee
  • Camping / hut fee
  • Rescue service
  • All meals while on the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • Fair wages for mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro national park and Kilimanjaro association tour operator
  • Round trip airport transfers between Moshi and JRO
  • Round trip transfers between Moshi and mountain gates
  • Hotel stays in Moshi for pre and post trek (2 nights in total) on bed and breakfast
  • 4 Season mountain tents.
  • Double layered sleeping mats
  • Private portable toilet
  • Wash basins with hot water each morning and evening
  • Treated drinking water 3L or more everyday
  • Portable oxygen tanks and ox-meter.
  • Emergence first aid kit.
  • International or Local flights
  • Rental gears
  • Tips for guides, porters and other staff
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
  • Laundry [available in hotel]
  • Personal items at toiletries.
  • Meals and drinks at the hotel in Arusha
  • Travel Insurance, Visa and Medical Insurance

REQUEST THIS TOUR

Book Now Pay Later

Need Help? Whatsapp Us!

Reasons to Book with Uphill Treks

SAFETY FIRST

We use equipment of international standards & our guides are trained in First aid & personal protection equipment

CUSTOMER SATISFICATION

We reward our staff based on your feedback & that results in all of us working towards making your trip memorable

Personalized Service

Our guides are trained to pay attention to each clients requirements & situation & customize the program accordingly

Easy Booking

Book by paying advance by card on our website. Balance can be paid upon arrival, before the tour

FULL ITINERARY

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro international airport and transferred to your hotel in moshi town, you will meet your Kilimanjaro guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek (Challenging Kilimanjaro Route Climb, Umbwe Route). Our Kilimanjaro Guide will do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day .

Meals: no lunch & dinner included.

TO CAVE BIVOUAC CAMP (2,850M/9,350FT)
ELEVATION GAIN:1,050 METERS, 3,445 FEET
HIKING TIME: 4 TO 6 HOURS

At 8am leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places. Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

TO BARRANCO CAMP (3,950M/12,960FT)
TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 1,100 METERS, 3,610 FEET
HIKING TIME: 5 TO 7 HOURS

The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

TO KARANGA VALLEY (4,200M/13,780FT)
ELEVATION GAIN: 250 METERS, 820 FEET
DISTANCE: 7 KILOMETERS
HIKING TIME: 3 TO 5 HOURS

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

TO BARAFU CAMP (4,600M/15,100FT)
ELEVATION GAIN: 400 METERS, 1,320 FEET
DISTANCE: 6 KILOMETERS
HIKING TIME: 3 TO 5 HOURS

After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep after finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

TO UHURU PEAK (5,895M/19,340FT)
TO MWEKA CAMP (3,100M/10,170FT)
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,295 METERS, 4,240 FEET
ELEVATION LOSS: 2,795 METERS, 9,170 FEET
HIKING TIME: 6 HOURS TO THE RIM, 1 HOUR TO UHURU, 3 TO 4 HOURS BACK TO BARAFU, 4 HOURS TO MWEKA

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point. The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers. At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

TO MWEKA GATE (1,500M/4,920FT)
ELEVATION LOSS: 1,600 METERS, 5,250 FEET
HIKING TIME: 4 HOURS

After breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.

Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi, where it is definitely time for celebration!

Breakfast and lunch. included.

DEPARTURE DATES

The departure dates for all our African safaris and trekking packages are totally flexible according to your own personal needs. Please contact us for further and more detailed info, as well as information on photographic safaris and Kilimanjaro trekking packages.

SIMILAR TOURS YOU MAY LIKE

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US

Verified
Spectacular Experience with Rafiki Guides A trip of a lifetime; an experience of a lifetime! We did a six day trek up the Machame Route to the top of Kilimanjaro. Lazaro, Thadeus, and Abdullah were amazing guides as were their entire crew. Each day started with tea in our tents followed by amazing sit down meals 3 times a day. We were fed like queens at breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Amazing soups, fresh vegetables and high quality meats and fish! Two of our team were GF and they bent over backwards to keep up healthy and satisfied. On day two, we had formal introductions from the crew. There was amazing singing and dancing. I smiled so hard, my heart was so full, I admit I cried a bit. People from other camps came to watch. We were so lucky to have such a great crew that made us feel welcomed. As we climbed together day after day, I realized that the pace was intentional. We were all well trained, but the slow pace gave us time to be relational and learn about each other, learn the history of the mountain, enjoy the unique flora and fauna and feel strong heading up. "Pole, Pole" all the way to the tippy top of Africa. The guides were encouraging, knowledgable, joyful, patient and strong in character and pride. I can't recommend them enough. Go do it! Go climb Kilimanjaro with this amazing team! You won't, I promise, regret it!!!
Lexi C
Lexi C
2022-11-02
Verified
Exhilarating day trek on Mt Kilimanjaro If you'd like a taste of the Mt Kilimanjaro trail without the multi-day commitment, I highly recommend a day trip on the Marangu route with Uphill Treks! My husband Jim and I were guided by Lazaro for a delightful trek through the rain forest up to the first set of overnight Mandara Huts. After a tasty box lunch we continued over and down through the near by crater before heading back down to the gate. The trek gave us a sense of the majesty of the mountain and its climbing challenge at a pleasant pace. The scenery was majestic.
JRW1950
JRW1950
2022-10-30
Verified
Lemosho 8 day Amazing experience. Lazaro and his team were absolutely incredibly. Lazaro is so professional and runs a tight ship. He puts safety first and foremost. I felt so safe and taken care of the entire time. The guides, cook and porters went above and beyond to take care of any need that arose. I felt like royalty the entire trek. We weren’t allowed to do anything at all (in the best way possible) beyond hiking from camp to camp. The entire team took care of every one of our needs. They were all so friendly, kind and happy. The food was so wonderful. We were extremely well fed. They definitely didn’t hold back on portion sizes! Lazaro wants you to succeed, so he does everything in his power to set you up for success. I highly recommend Uphill Treks and Safaris. Thank you, Kaka!
colleenpaquet
colleenpaquet
2022-10-30
Verified
Magical Trekking Company My mom and I booked the Machame route to Kilimanjaro summit and loved it. Uphill trekking stafss were our guides and they were fantastic. They made us feel safe and comfortable. The team of 10 porters, chef, and 2 guides was a hoot. Everyone was joking and laughing for the whole 6 days!!My mom and I also booked a 6-day Safari with Lion King Adventures and we were blown away! Our guide, Saleh, was very professional, knowledgeable, and kind. Saleh made our dreams come true seeing The Big 5 and made us feel very comfortable, safe, and welcome. I also really appriciated the respect Saleh showed toward the animals - he did not frighten or impose on theThe accomodations were absolutely beautiful and the food was plentiful and delicious. Uphill Treks & Safaris made our trip completely stress free!! I cannot recommend Uphill Treks & Safaris enough. What are you waiting for? BOOK NOW!! ♡
Aniel G
Aniel G
2022-09-15
Verified
Amazing Kilimanjaro hiking week, highly recommend Uphill Treks We took a 7 day Lemosho route to Kilimanjaro summit with Lazaro and his team and we enjoyed every moment of the hike! Not only the team was very professional, but we also felt like family at the end of the hike. We got all the guidance, support and help we needed and fully trusted the team. Our guides, Lazaro, Ezekiel and Evans, were regularly checking if each member of the group (we were 6) feel good both physically and mentally to make sure we make it to the summit. A couple people in our group had some symptoms of altitude sickness and despite this we all made it to the summit mainly thanks to their very proactive approach in resolving any issue quickly and efficiently, and also thanks to helping setting our minds in the right way to overcome any challenges. The food was of exceptional taste and quality and felt like home made, the team always made sure we eat well and drink enough.We also always felt very welcomed all the time and had a great time together getting to know Tanzanian culture, traditions and lifestyle. I was very happy with our experience and highly recommend doing the hike with Uphill Treks & Safaris!
Elvira A
Elvira A
2022-08-30
Verified
Estupenda excursión lemosho 7 días He subido al Kilimanjaro por la vía Lemosho en 7 días. La experiencia es inolvidable, los paisajes son estupendos, desde la foresta tropical hasta la cumbre en Uhuru peak. Los guías son excelentes, siempre atentos a nuestra seguridad, con buenos consejos para enfrentarnos a la altura y a las dificultades del recorrido. Aconsejado cien por cien, veniros a Tanzania y subir al Kilimanjaro, no podréis arrepentiros!
Marcello S
Marcello S
2022-08-29
Verified
Extraordinaire expérience - Kilimandjaro 7 jours Lemosho route Unforgettable experience - Kilimandjaro in 7 days Nous avons gravi le Kilimandjaro via la route Lemosho en 7 jours entre amies venues des 4 coins d’Europe. Le trek était juste exceptionnel du début à la fin : Lazaro et son équipe de choc ont été incroyables et ont tout fait pour qu’on arrive au sommet dans les meilleures conditions. L’équipement était au top, sans parler de la nourriture qui était incroyable et en grande quantité. Je recommande chaudement uphill trek pour votre ascension, vous ne serez pas déçu! Encore un immense merci à toutes les personnes qui ont fait de ce trek un moment inoubliable. We have climbed Kilimandjaro via the Lemosho route in 7 days - we were 4 girlfriends from Europe. The hike was just exceptional from the beginning to the end: Lazaro and his dream team were amazing and did their best so that we could reach the summit in the best conditions. The equipment was very good and the food served was just over the top (huge quantity, you won’t be starving!!). I highly recommend uphill trek for your climb, you won’t be disappointed! A big thank to everyone who made this trek an unforgettable moment.
Marine A
Marine A
2022-08-29
Verified
Kilimanjaro - Lemosho 7 Day Trek Fantastic trip with Lazaro and his team! We did the 7 day Lemosho trek as a group of seven people. We all made it to the top of Kilimanjaro, thanks to this incredible team. It was a once in a lifetime experience!Lazaro and his team were extremely professional, kind and ensured that we were safe and comfortable at all times. I can highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants an adventure and a challenge. Loved every minute of it. Thank you so much brother! Asante sane kaka!
Isabel H
Isabel H
2022-08-29
Verified
Amazing Kilimanjaro Summit and Safari Experience! I did the 8 day Lemosho route to summit Kilimanjaro and a 2 day safari. I can't recommend Uphill Treks enough! They took care of absolutely everything, were incredibly professional, promptly responded to all of my questions, and made my entire experience in Tanzania flawless. I felt like I was part of their family. Would highly recommend!
Julia M
Julia M
2022-08-03
Verified
Lemosho Route 7 day hike to the top of Kilimanjaro We had a great experience hiking, our guides were the best. Lazaro and Ezquel always made us feel safe and guided us through it all out. It was an incredible experience the food, the tents and all our necessities were top. I would highly recommend Uphill.
Leen E
Leen E
2022-07-31