The Umbwe route, which is based in the south, is a classic 6 day tour and is by far the most difficult one offered on Kilimanjaro. The first two days are extremely steep, muddy and generally strenuous making it only suitable for well-training mountaineers. An acclimatization day is rarely offered on the standard program, but can be added whereby giving the climber an extra day in the Karanga Valley. The descent trail is the same as the Mweka Route
This tour can be customized
Minimum age of 12 years
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Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha or Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Half board accommodation at a Base Hotel in Moshi.
Elevation: 2940m (9500ft)
Distance: 8km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Montana Forest
The majority of the hike on this first day is through the Montana Forest. Lush vegetation with very old trees and lilts of ferns and mosses mark this is an area that gets reliable rain year around .the forest abounds with wildlife; small bushbuck and duikers as well as monkeys. There is also rich and varied birds’ life. The first three hours or so is on gently rising land before steepening for the last two hours. The camp for the night is in a small clearing on the trail.
Activities: Hiking
Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp
Elevation (m) 3860m (12800ft)
Distance: 8km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Shortly after starting the hike the forest gradually gives away to the giant heath. The trail has been following a ridge for some time and as it ascends through the heathland the ridge narrows and sharpens, finally becoming knife edge with steep drops on each side. As the height of the heath reduces there are stunning views of both Kilimanjaro southern flank and across the Mount Meru some 50 miles away. Wildlife changes with the vegetation, jackals may be heard barking and the huge lammergeyer saw circling overhead. The camp is overlooking the Barranco Valley with views up towards Arrow Glacier.
Activities: Hiking
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3860m to 4000m (12700ft to 13800ft)
Distance: 7km
hiking time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
On the eastern side of the valley, across the stream is the Barranco Wall – a 950 ft. the barrier of volcanic rock. Although it is tall and looks steep, it is very easy to climb. This is our first challenge of the day. The views from the wall are nothing less than magnificent. The rest of the day is spent skirting the base of Kibo peak over our left shoulder. We descend down into the Karanga Valley, where we rest up for the night before the tough climb up to Barafu hut.
Activities: Hiking
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Elevation: 4600m (15100ft)
Hiking time: 6hrs
Distance: 7km
Habitat: Alpine desert
From Karanga, the tour heads up a moraine ridge taking your time and going slowly. The views here can be spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it’s taken it very slowly. As with the day before you reach camp by around lunchtime leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent.
Activities: Hiking
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4600m to 5895m, and down to 3100m) (15100ft to 19300ft, and down to 10200ft)
Distance: 7km ascent/23km descent
Hiking time: 6-8 hours ascent/7-8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Redman and Razzle glaciers. You head in a northwestern direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m/ 18652ft), you will stop or a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want a clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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.
Activities: Hiking
Accommodation: Mweka Hut
Elevation: 3100m to 1830m (10200ft to 6000ft)
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 5 hours
Habitat: Forts
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). To the gate where you will be met by our driver and transfer back to Arusha town for overnight.
End of our services.
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