MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREKKING FOR 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS UMBWE ROUTE:

The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low.

The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route.

The Umbwe route should only be attempted by those who are very strong hikers and are confident in their ability to acclimatize. However, overall, the Umbwe route is not recommended and we discourage its

usage for our clients.

DAY 1

Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

Elevation: 2,173m

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Heath – Thick Forest

The day begins with drive from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth. Then dinner and overnight.

DAY 2

Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 3950m

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath – Thick Forest - Moorland

The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest. Again dinner and overnight.

DAY 3

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3930m

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 150m cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization. You arrive on time for hot lunch, relax, dinner and overnight.

DAY 4

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4672m

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. You have early dinner and final brief for the last push to the summit with few hours for sleeping up to 23:30pm.

DAY 5

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 5895m

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 6- 7hours

Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short breaks. Near Stella Point (5756m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak (5895m) - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for late breakfast or brunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. 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.

DAY 6

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 1850m

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates and celebrate with our mountain team, offering tips and say goodbye. After that we board our vehicle and drive Mweka Village to have lunch and continue with the driving to our booked hotel in Moshi or Arusha for long hot shower, relax followed by dinner and overnight.

QUTATION PER PERSON 6 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE:

We charge US $2,100 per person for a group from 2 - 5 people all inclusive. For a group from 6 people and above the price US $1,620 per person all inclusive.

Extra Day up the mountain charge US $270

INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE:

• Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary

• Professional, English-speaking

• Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)

• Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)

• Airport Transfers

• Meals according to the itinerary

• Drinking water and Full Board meals

• All National Park & camping Fees, Crew Permits and Value Added Tax 18%

• Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages

• Gate Transfers

• Oxygen Cylinder

• Quality Imported Equipment

EXCLUDED FROM TREKKING PACKAGE:

• Flights

• Visa fees

• Travel or Medical

• Gamow Bag

• Medication

• Tips for porters and mountain crew

• Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.

• Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks

• Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.