Umbwe route is the hardest but most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. Extra days can be added to our itinerary to explore or relax along the route or to camp in the Karanga River valley. Accommodation on the mountain is in tents; you will need a sleeping bag and mat. The porters will pitch the tents for you.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe route is among the hardest but most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. It follows a forested ridge to the moorlands, and then traverses below the Southern Icefields to reach the Barafu Route which is followed to the summit. An early start is made on the summit day to reach Stella Point, on the Crater Rim at dawn. Uhuru Peak lies a further 40 minutes along the rim.

Accommodation on the mountain is in tents which the porters will pitch for you; you will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a steep, tough and in places slightly exposed trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. An extra day can be added to our itinerary to explore or relax along the route, (best taken at the Barranco Hut). If you are not accustomed to camping and mountain walking you could consider the Marangu Route as the most suitable. This follows easy angled paths through magnificent rain forests to the Mandara Hut. Shortly beyond it passes Maundi Crater, a fine view point located at the edge of the forest belt. Above you enter the moorlands with their fine giant heathers stands, groundsels, lobelia and other exotic tropical high altitude plants. The next hut is the Horombo Hut, soon after this hut you reach the Saddle, a high altitude desert separating the rugged Mawenzi summit from Kibo. The final ascent starts from the Kibo Hut and involves steep paths on loose scree. There is fresh running water at all the huts apart from Kibo where it will be carried by your porters. You will be accommodated generally in 4 person clean huts with mattresses.

The other routes are all more demanding as regards steepness and in places involve some scrambling. Accommodation is in tents and there is no running water at the campsites though warm water for washing is provided. The scenery more than compensates for these difficulties. Whichever route you choose it is essential to allow enough time for acclimatization to the altitude.

Although Mt. Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year it is worth avoiding the two rainy seasons (late March to mid-June and October to the beginning of December) when the route becomes slippery. Probably the best time to visit is January to February and September to October when there is usually no cloud.

Mount Kilimanjaro (19340’) (5895m) lies just 3 degrees south of the equator and is one of the highest volcanoes in the world. It rises some (15000’) (4572m) above the surrounding plains and savannahs. The Kilimanjaro National Park covers some 1864 sq. Km (720 sq. miles) The base of this immense mountain has diameter of 80 Km (48 Miles) and the outstanding features are its three major volcanic centers: Shira (4160m) in the west. Mawenzi (5280 m) to the east and the permanently snow-capped Kibo in the middle.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe route, the terrain passes from a tropical to an artic clime in just a few days. The encircling rain forest ensures the fertility of the lower lying shambas and is rich in birdlife. Above the rain forest lies the Alpine Meadow, beautiful moorland, offering many splendid views. Exotic plants such as the giant Lobelia and the fork-like Groundsel are to be seen. The latter blooming once every 50 – 70 years. Leaving the Alpine Meadow we reach the Alpine Desert and eventually the ‘’snows of Kilimanjaro’’.  

It is strictly prohibited to sleep inside the caves since it has caused death to some climbers due to slight earthquakes.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach of Mount Kilimanjaro. Umbwe is one of probably the most scenic, non-technical routes on Kilimanjaro. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is quite demanding, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude, but the rewards are abundant. Fewer people, pristine forest and shorter walking distances make it a great option for fit hikers. Add to your experience – overnight in the crater floor. Be one of a few fortunate people to spend a night in Africa's largest volcano. This option is highly recommended, as 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 trench.

6 Days Trekking / Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route VIA Arrow Glacier – Day One

Umbwe Gate (1800m) - Bivouac (first) camp (2940m)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Habitat: Montane forest

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Umbwe Gate at 1800m, passing through Umbwe villages with coffee and banana plantations. On arrival at the Umbwe Parks Gate your guide and porters will meet you. Sign the register before you entre the park for your first step to accomplishing your dreams. 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 path offers some spectacular views of deep gorges and if you are lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.

6 Days Trekking / Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route VIA Arrow Glacier – Day Two

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

Early in the morning after breakfast you will leave the camp. The forest starts thinning and is replaced by rockier terrain, sparser undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path continues along a narrow, but spectacular ridge. 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.

6 Days Trekking / Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route VIA Arrow Glacier – Day Three

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

Early in the morning after breakfast you will start your hike towards Lava Tower, a famous landmark on Kilimanjaro. 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). This is taxing and symptoms of altitude sickness might become noticeable. 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.

From the Arrow Glacier camp steep scree and rocky outcrops requiring a scramble lead up the Western Breach to the crater floor (5700m). This day will be the toughest challenge by far. 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. Walk past this glacier to the Crater camp, situated at the crater rim. If time permits, you can climb to the Ash Pit (1 ½ hour). 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.

6 Days Trekking / Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route VIA Arrow Glacier – Day five

SUMMIT ATTEMPT
Crater (5700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka (3100m)
Hiking time: 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak
7/8 hours to descend to Mweka
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You will rise around 04:00, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the early morning darkness. From the crater floor you will probably encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. Time spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. 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 route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. 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.

6 Days Trekking / Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route VIA Arrow Glacier – Day six

Mweka camp (3100m)- Mweka Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: About 15 km's
Habitat: Forest

Price: US $ 1200. per person

Price includes:

2 transfers from Moshi to Umbwe gate – return.

3 meals per day while trekking – vegetarian/non-vegetarian.

6 days Kilimanjaro climb – Umbwe route.

5 nights accommodation in tents while trekking.

2 nights hotel accommodation bed & breakfast in Moshi before and after the climb.

All park entrance fees, and government levies.

English speaking mountain guide and assistant.

Porters – Minimum of 2 per client.

First Aid Kit including Oxygen Kit.

Camping Equipments including sleeping tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, chairs and table.