7 Days Umbwe Route – Kilimanjaro Climbing

Mount Kilimanjaro

From

$ 2220

Duration

7 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.

Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and an hour drive from Moshi to Umbwe Village (1,490 m/4,890 ft) where your guides and porters pack your equipment and supplies, and give you a lunch pack. You start your ascent at the small Umbwe Gate just above the village and follow a gentle winding vehicle track for an hour to a signboard that announces the small steep Umbwe trail. The introduction is over, and you now climb up for several hours through a dense forest of rubber trees and giant fig trees. In places, you must scamper up steep sections of roots and rock. The Umbwe Camp is in the forest, and there are some caves nearby. You will be greeted here with a graciously served hot meal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Your day starts early with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. After breakfast, you will climb steeply through thinning forest glades to Giant Erica, Heather, and drier air. You continue up a ridge that drops steeply on both sides, and hopefully, the clouds will part to reward you with a view of Uhuru Peak looming overhead. After lunch, you enter a zone of giant groundsels (Scenario Kilimanjaro) that seem to guard the heights, and this garden is one of Kilimanjaros special treasures.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

After breakfast, we continue up a steep ridge to the great Barranco Wall, and then you climb this imposing obstacle, which turns out to be easier than it looks. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you can now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. With Kibo's glaciers soaring overhead, you descend into the lush Karanga Valley to the Karanga Valley campsite. From the camp, you can look east and see the jagged peaks of Mawenzi jutting into the African sky. After a hot lunch in camp, your afternoon is at leisure for resting or exploring. This short day is very important for your acclimatization, since your summit push is about to start. Scramble easily to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over screes and ridges to the Karanga Valley campsite (3h, 4000m.), beneath the icefalls of the Southern Glaciers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

In the morning, you hike east over intervening ridges and valleys to join the Mweka Route, which will be your descent route. Turn left toward the mountain and hike up the ridge through a sparse landscape for another hour to the Barafu Hut where you will receive a hot lunch. The last water on the route is in the Karanga Valley; there is no water at Barafu Camp, even though Barafu is the Swahili word for ice. The famous snows of Kilimanjaro are far above Barafu Camp near the summit of the mountain. Your tent will be pitched on a narrow, stony, wind-swept ridge, so make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. Prepare your equipment and warm clothing for your summit climb, and drink a lot of fluids. After an early dinner, go to bed for a few hours of precious sleep

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

You will rise around 11:30 PM, and after some steaming tea and biscuits, you shuffle off into the night. Your 6-hour climb northwest up through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. At Stella Point (5,685 m/18,650 ft) you stop for a short rest and a chance to see a supremely sanguine sunrise. At Stella Point you join the top part of the Marangu Route, but do not stop here too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Depending on the season and recent storms, you may encounter snow on your remaining hike along the rim to Uhuru Peak.

On the summit, you can enjoy your accomplishment and know that you are creating a day that you will remember for the rest of your life. After your 3-hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, you will have a well-earned but short rest, collect your gear, and hike down a rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft). This camp is in the upper forest, so you can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. Dinner, and washing water will be prepared, and the camp office sells drinking water, soft drinks, chocolates, and beer!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

After a well-deserved breakfast, it is a short, scenic, 3-hour hike back to the park gate. Don't give your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely, but do remember to tip your staff at the gate. At Mweka Gate, you can sign your name and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate, you will continue down to the Mweka Village, possibly a muddy, 3 km, 1 hour hike if the road is too muddy for vehicles. In the Mweka Village you will be served a delicious hot lunch after which you are driven back to Moshi for an overdue hot shower and comfortable night at your hotel in 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