Kilimanjaro climb - Umbwe Route: 8 days
Kilimanjaro climbing - Umbwe Route: Tanzania
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Kilimanjaro climb - Umbwe Route: 8 days
The Umbwe Route is the least used, least crowded route on the mountain. For good reason, it is also the most difficult route on the mountain. Umbwe is a steep, constant, straight climb to the top.
Umbwe is mostly avoided because the ascent profile does not give climbers much time to adjust to the altitude. The success rate is very low.
The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain. Umbwe is not as scenically varied as Machame, Lemosho and Shira, because the path up and down is nearby.
The Umbwe is ideal for those who want a challenging climb, and are very confident in their ability trek over consistently steep slopes. Also, Umbwe is for those who are experienced at altitude and thus are confident that the punishing schedule of Umbwe will not impede their ability to adjust to altitude. Umbwe is also for those who want a secluded hike
Day | Location | Accommodation | Board |
|
|
|
|
1 | Arusha | Oasis Lodge | D |
2 | Kilimanjaro | Umbwe Cave | FB |
3 | Kilimanjaro | Barranco Camp | FB |
4 | Kilimanjaro | Barranco Camp | FB |
5 | Kilimanjaro | Arrow Glacier | FB |
6 | Kilimanjaro | Kibo hut (summit), Mweka Hut | FB |
7 | Arusha | Oasis Lodge | FB |
8 | Arusha | departure | B |
Umbwe Route Itinerary, Info & Prices
Day 1: Arrival day in Moshi/Arusha
Upon our arrival in Arusha we’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to the Oasis Lodge, for an introductory briefing. Dinner and overnight in the Oasis Lodge.
Day 2: Umbwe gate to Umbwe Cave
At 7:30 a.m., we’ll transfer you to the Umbwe Park Gate at 2,100m. The path begins an a narrow ridge crest between the Lonzo River to the West and the Umbwe River to the East. It is easy to follow as it continues up through the dense forest. The path continues to follow the ridge, rising steadily with some steep sections and scramble rocks. The route takes you to the first tented camp Umbwe Cave (at 2,940m) in 5 to 6 hrs.
Day 3: Umbwe Cave to Barranco
We follow the trail through steep and scramble rock across rainforest to moorland. The path proceed steep to the Southern Glacier Branches, at 4000m we reach our campsite, Barranco, were we overnight. (6-7 hrs)
Day 4: Barranco Acclimatization
This is a good place to rest a day to acclimatize; you may spend your time at camp relaxing or you nay explore the surroundings. This acclimatization day is important for you to get used to the height and increases the chances of reaching the summit.
Day 5: Barranco to Arrow Glacier
The route leads to the Western Breach and continue up to Umbwe ridge, which becomes the western lateral moraine of the peak. The route goes straight towards the Western Breach and then reaches Arrow Glacier which is at 4,800m.
Day 6: Arrow Glacier to Kibo Hut, then ascend to Mweka Hut.
To ascent to summit and descend on this day you may involve between 10 1/2 or 14 1/2 hrs of climbing. We start right after midnight, to see the sunrise from the summit, also to avoid the mist, and the snow on the ascent will still be frozen. So after 3 km. and 6 – 8 hours (an ascend of 1100m) you will reach the top and descent through Barafu to 2800m. The descent to Mweka hut takes 4 – 7 hours of walking.
Day 7: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate, Oasis Lodge
After breakfast descend steeply through the forest on a narrow path, after 3 – 4 hours walking we will reach Mweka Gate at 1400m. From here we will bring you to Arusha, to the Oasis Lodge, for dinner and overnight
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast transfer to airport of Safari extension.
Kilimanjaro Tanzania – best time to climb, precautions, checklist, medicine, tips
Prices in USD | Per Person | per person | |
Price for 2 clients | per person | ||
Year 2023 | Departure Dates | Daily Departure from Arusha | |
Group Size | 2 – 6 persons + | ||
This Climb: Inclusions and Exclusions
SAFARIS INCLUDES
all meals during the climb
1 night hotel accommodation
transfers to and from hotel in Arusha
mountain tent accommodation,
climb and park fees, porters,
English speaking, professional guide,
full briefing,
AAR Emergency Rescue & Evacuation Insurance
Kilimanjaro certificate.
NOT INCLUDED
International airfare & flights
All items of a personal nature
Tips to guides and porters
Airport departure tax
Travel insurance
Visa and Passport fees
Laundry services while out of camp
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and beverages in Camps & lodges
We are dedicated to plan your perfect personal Tanzania Safari
We are a Tanzania based tour operator and have been in the travel business for over 20 years specializing in Tanzania travel. Our staff originates from the region, with perfect knowledge about African wildlife and the different cultures. We are dedicated to helping you plan your perfect private Safari, with expert, informed advice whether you are a first time or experienced traveler. At African Legends, we do not have regular departures like most tour operators in Tanzania, instead we customise each itinerary to suit the individual’s or group’s wishes. Your timings are only limited by flight schedules – and your imagination!
We are specialised in honeymoon travel, Safari in an exclusive African style and Zanzibar holidays in romantic hotels on Zanzibar, furthermore in group travel, family Safaris and budget camping Safaris. Click here for our Safaris in Tanzania.
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