Climbing Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route.
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Though Umbwe Route is one of the shortest routes up Kilimanjaro, it’s the steepest of all. Success rate is quite low on this end. Actually, due to the limited possibility of getting to the summit and the much determination and energy that one would require to manage it, the route is dubbed, ‘double whiskey,’ Due to the state of ascent, we only recommend it for experienced climbers who are used to very high altitudes.
Like on all the other routes, we will offer you a team of staff not only to give you company up the mountain, but also to offer you various services and assistance. These include professional climbing guides, cooks and porters.
Your pulse rate will be checked daily for health safety purposes even as you keep going up. Oxygen saturation is also checked to ensure you don’t harm yourself at the expense of leisure.
Once we confirm your booking, we will send you a packing list to assist you get ready for the climb.
Once you land at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, your tour guide will come pick you and take you to your hotel. This specialist will help you settle fast answering some of your introductory questions and at least help you get what it means to say, ‘Hujambo.’ Just relax and get ready for the climb the next morning. In case you would need a second day to rest, let us know so that we plan that for you. We recommend that you have an adequate time to rest- it increases your chances of managing to climb to the summit. Your hotel expenses are catered for, except for the first and last day. These two are left free so as to give you some liberty to explore and have a personal choice on where to be. The itineraries include bed and breakfast (@ $40 per person) on the basic package. In case, you would prefer more luxury, we can get you a more luxurious hotel still in Moshi.
We will send a driver to come pick you from the hotel in the morning. The drive will stop a Umbwe Gate for registrations. It is a time to trek in a thick forest in the beauty of fig trees. The sight and sounds of wild animals will give you company in this first section of your climb. These include, the white-and-black colubus monkey which is usually a rare species. Once you get to the ridge between two rivers, the trail steepens sharply. It also gets narrower hence needing extra energy from climbers. Due to its nature, Umbwe Route is also recommended for experienced climbers whose bodies are used to fast acclimatization on high altitudes. You will be able to enjoy the views of Kibo Peak from a distance and forestry valleys. This route is short, direct but quite steep. It will take you 5 to 6 hours to get to Umbwe Cave Camp.
Today the terrain gets rockier as the journey moves from the forest into the moorland. Moss-covered trees, dubbed, ‘goats beard’ lichen and sparse undergrowth are all you will see around. You will also have a glimpse of Kilimanjaro (Kibo Peak) from afar as elevation increases. The trail steepens at Umbwe Ridge, but it flattens as you approach Barranco Valley. The trek today takes you between 4 and 5 hours; dinner will be served at Barranco Camp and then you will spend the night here at the foot of the Barranco Wall.
Elevation gain- 350 m / 1,148 ft; Elevation loss: 250 m / 820 ft It would be unfair for you to get to the foot of the famous Barranco Wall and fail to climb it. It will be your number one challenge for the day. The top of the wall (about 850 feet high) offers you awesome views of Kibo Peak, Mount Meru and Barranco Valley. What follows is a descent on rocky ridges across alpine desert and you find yourself at Karranga Camp after 4-5 hours. The day is shorter and gives you a good window for acclimatization.
This segment leads you up gradually across the alpine desert. You will take a descent into a valley then hike uphill again. You meet the Mweka Trail at a junction then progress on a rocky terrain up to Barafu Hut- so far, you are done with the Southern Circuit. The journey to Barafu Camp is short as it takes you only 3 hours. From here, Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks are clearly visible. You will have an early dinner so as to have an ample resting time in readiness for the sinal stretch to the summit.
Elevation gain - 1,295 m / 4,248 ft; Elevation loss - 2,785 m / 9,317 ft This is your last segment of the climb, taking you between 6 and 8 hours. The journey starts at midnight; it’s therefore dark and cold due to the increased altitude. The sun will find you at the Stella Point as it rise - it’s an awe-inspiring view! One more hour trek and you get to the summit, Uhuru Peak. You just did it! Congratulations… There is no better way to celebrate your victory, than by just gazing down the expanse of breathtaking landscapes endowed with white snow and soaring peaks. Now that you’ve accomplished your summit goal, it’s time to start your journey down. The ascent will head back to the Stella Point and Barafu Camp then continue all the way to Mweka Camp. This takes about 6 hours. It is here that you will have your last dinner on the mountain. Once you are satisfied, enjoy a great reward in form of a sweet sleep for work well done. Due to its location, you might experience rains and much cold at Mweka Camp. Generally, the trail is tough but at the same time very exciting.
The trek descends through the forest for 2 to 3 hours all the way to Mweka Gate. You will not miss a company of monkeys enjoying themselves on those trees. Collect your certificate of recognition at Mweka Gate. You are officially done with your Mount Kilimnjaro climb! Congratulations… Your driver will then drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. It is your time to relax- a wholesome shower, a delicious dinner and a good sleep will go a long way to reward you for your victory.
Today, we chose to have nothing programmed for you to give you a good time to relax after the exhaustive adventure up Kilimanjaro. You can do some exploration in Moshi for the day. See what happens around this town, how the people are or just make it a day to just relax in the lounge. You can also decide to extend your visit and have a Tanzanian Safari, or you can decide to retreat on one of our beautiful islands, for example Zanzibar Island.
If you are ready to go home, and have no plans to extend your stay in Tanzania, our driver will get you safe to the airport for your departure home. Tanzania Safari Bookings wishes you a safe travel and is ready for you anytime in the future. Day 10 will see you home, happy to have fulfilled your dream of going up Kilimanjaro.
— 3 Delicious meals a days, boiled and filtered drinking water while on the mountain.
— All park entrance, camping and rescue fees
— Warm water for washing to be provided every morning and evening.
— Oxygen Cylinder – only for emergency
— English Speaking Guides (Wilderness First Responder certified), cook and porters
— Staff salaries and fees.
— Transport to/from national park gates.
— First aid kit and pulse oximeter.
— Emergency telephone between the guides and our office in Moshi town.
— 3 litres of bottled drinking water to be provided on the first day your hike, on the mountain porters will fetch water from the streams to be boiled and filtered for you..
— Prices do not include sleeping bags
— Gratuities
— Soda/alcohol unless otherwise noted
— Health insurance
— Visa fees
— International airfare
— Laundry
— All Meals and drinks in Moshi town
Our team is always here to help