Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on the Umbwe Route

Tour Feature:
This is the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro is the Umbwe route which is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. Fewer people, pristine forest and shorter walking distances make it a great option for fit hikers. This will be the only opportunity to get close to the beautiful and fascinating glaciers of Kilimanjaro and to be able to visit the ash pit.

Day 1: Arrival Nairobi / Kilimanjaro Airport
On arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta international Airport, you will be transferred to Arusha arriving ready for lunch and then to Moshi town where you will be accommodated ready for the climbing the next day. Alternatively, on arrival at the at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by out tour manager who will then transfer you to your hotel for overnight rest on bed and breakfast ready for next day climbing expedition.

Day 2: Umbwe Gate (1800m) - Bivouac (first) camp (2940m)

Habitat: Montane forest, Hiking time: 5 hours

After breakfast a drive to the Umbwe Gate at 1800m, by passing through villages with coffee and banana plantations. The air is thick with moisture and the path is usually muddy. The route initially follows a forestry track winding up through the natural rain forest. It then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, with huge trees surrounding you. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth, B,L,D.

Day 3: Bivouac (first) camp (2940m) - Barranco camp (3950m)
Habitat: Montane forest & Moorlands , Hiking time: 6 hours

As you gain higher altitude, catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you - etched against the blue sky. The path flattens as you approach Barranco Valley. From the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco camp. The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while your dinner is being prepared, B, L, and D.

Day 4: Barranco camp (3950m) - Lava Tower (4630m) - Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m)
Habitat: Moorland/Semi desert

The path is steep and rocky, with views of Mt. Meru, Kilimanjaro's little sister, punching her peak through the clouds. From Lava Tower you turn towards the Western Breach, a steep climb to Arrow Glacier camp (4800m). The campsite is spectacular. Vegetation has now all but disappeared, leaving only rock and scree in varying shades of brown and black. The campsite is very cold and you need to be prepared, B,L,D.

Day 5: Arrow Glacier (4800m) - Crater (5700m)

Distance: About 15 kms, Hiking time: 5 hours,Habitat: Semi desert/ Snowfields

After snowfalls the route can become icy and in these conditions an ice axe or ski stick may be required. When reaching the crater rim, you will be astonished by the view of snow and glaciers. Visible to you left is the Northern Ice fields of Kilimanjaro with the Furtwangler Glacier in front of you. If time permits, you can climb to the Ash Pit (1hour). The Ash Pit is 340m across, 120m deep and is one of the most perfect-formed examples in the world. The campsite is very cold as snow might occur. Be one of a fortunate few to spend a night in the inner crater of Kilimanjaro, B, L, and D.

Day 6: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Crater (5700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka (3100m)

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit, Hiking time: 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak | 7/8 hours to descend to Mweka

Start the day at around 4 in the morining from the crater floor where you will probably encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. Time spent on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your live. The walk to Barafu camp from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest, before heading down to Millennium camp (3100m. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be provided as well as drinking water, B,L,D.

Day 7: Mweka camp (3100m) - Mweka Gate (1980m)

Distance: About 15 kms, Hiking time: 3 hours, Habitat: Forest

This is where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. Lunch will be served at Mweka village .

You will be received by your tour guide and taken for an overnight stay at your hotel at Moshi before departure or proceed to Arusha town if you are to either continue on a safari or depart via Jomo Kenyatta international Airport in Nairobi.

• Transport to and from Nairobi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport then to Moshi town and back
• Transport from your hotel to the Park Gate,
• Umbwe route trek as itinerary depicts
• All services begin and end at Nairobi / Kilimanjaro Airport as per the itinerary
• Accommodation and 3 meal plan while in mountain huts or tents when camping
• Service of an English speaking professional Mountain guide on the mountain, porters and skilled cook together with treated water on the trek
• All National Park entrance and camp site fees, Rescue fees, Hut fees,
• All food - breakfasts, lunches (packed if necessary) and evening meals prepared by our own cook.
• Return airport transfers from/to Nairobi / Kilimanjaro Airport
  

• Travel and personal accident insurance
• Tips, Visas, International flights and taxes
  
• Personal hiking equipment-sleeping bags, boots etc
  
• Expenditure on all drinks
  
• Medical evacuation insurance
  
• Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary.