9 days climbing kilimanjaro expedition – umbwe route in 6 days!
This route is known as one of the shortest and steepest Kilimanjaro routes. Due to its rapid ascent the success rate is much lower. This route is nicknamed the “double whisky” since it is a very tough and demanding climb. It is the least used and least crowded route on the mountain. We advise only experienced mountain climbers, who are used to high altitudes, to climb this route.
During your climb a professional team of guides, porters and cooks assist you. Zebras-Safaris have selected the best guides with the highest safety record and client success rate. To secure your safety, they check your pulse and oxygen saturation each day.
After your booking is confirmed, we will send you a comprehensive Kilimanjaro Packing List.
For an overview of all the options check https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Kilimanjaro_climbing_routes
Day 1: arrival Kilimanjaro – moshi
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will transfer you to the hotel. Settle in and take time to relax and to get used to the African atmosphere. It is possible to book an extra rest day prior to the climb, to give you ample time to acclimatize and recover from the flight. This extra day increases your chances of reaching the summit.
NOTE: The hotel below is a suggestion for the first and last night. Depending on your preference we can offer you various options in Moshi, from basic to luxurious accommodations. The choice is yours!
Accommodations:
Categorie A: Kilemakyaro Mountain Lodge
Categorie B: House of West Kili – http://houseofwestkili.com/
Categorie C: Weru Weru River Lodge – http://www.weruweruriverlodge.com/
Day 2: umbwe gate (1.400 m) – umbwe cave camp (3.000 m)
Elevation gain: 1,600 meters
Today your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Moshi and drive you to Umbwe Gate to arrange entry formalities. Your climb begins in dense rainforest with giant fig trees. You can hear and see different kind of animals such as the rare black-and-white colobus monkey. At the Umbwe River the route steepens and requires more energy.
Day 3: umbwe cave camp (3.000 m / 9.842 ft) – barranco camp (3.850 m / 12.631 ft)
Elevation gain: 850 meter / 2,788 feet
Today you leave the forest behind and enter the moorland with rocky outcrops and valleys around you. You will pass moss-entwined trees, also called ‘goat’s beard’ lichen. The ascent steepens at the Umbwe Route Ridge and flattens out close to the Barranco Valley. Once in a while you get a glimpse of Kibo peak in the distance. After a 4-5 hours trek, dinner and overnight stay are at Barranco Camp, located in the valley below the Barranco Wall.
Day 4: barranco camp (3.850 m / 12.631 ft) – karranga camp (3.950 m / 12.959 ft) naar barranco wall (4.200 m / 13.779 ft)
Elevation gain: 350 meter / 1,148 feet
Elevation loss: 250 meter / 820 feet
Today you continue your journey by climbing the impressive Barranco Wall. The steep ascent and narrow trail are quite a challenge. From the top of the wall you have incredible views of Barranca Valley, Mount Meru and Kibo. Each direction will give another beautiful view. The descent is across rocks and ridges through alpine desert towards Karranga Valley. After 3-4 hours you arrive at Karranga Camp.
Day 5: karranga camp (3.950 m / 12.959 ft) – barafu camp (4.600m / 15.091 ft)
Elevation gain: 650 meter / 2,132 feet
The route takes you up a gradual climb through the dry alpine desert, before hiking downhill into a valley and uphill to Barafu Camp. Barufu means ‘ice’ in Swahili. After 3 hours you arrive at Barafu camp, situated on a rocky ridge with amazing panoramic views. Rest as much as possible this afternoon and prepare yourself for the ‘summit day’ tomorrow.
Day 6: barafu camp (4.600 m / 15.091 ft) – uhuru peak (5.895 m / 19.340 ft) naar mweka camp (3.110 m / 10.203 ft)
Around midnight you start the last part of the journey, 6-8 hours upwards to the Uhuru Peak (summit). This is the most challenging part of the trek due to the altitude increase, cold and darkness. You arrive at Stella Point when the sun rises. A breathtaking view to see the red sunrise over Mawenzi Peak that slowly turns yellow. After another hour walking you arrive at the highest point of Kilimanjaro, the Uhuru Peak. Celebrate your accomplishment at the summit while looking out onto an incredible vast landscape of white snow and towering peaks. From the summit you start your descent a rocky trail to Stella Point and Barafu Camp, before arriving at Mweke Camp after 6 hours. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain, a beer/soda (sometimes for sale) and a good night sleep.
Day 7: mweka camp (3.110 m / 10.203 ft) – mweka gate (1.830 m / 6000 ft)
Elevation loss: 1280 meter / 4,199 feet
This last trek down takes you in 2-3 hours through the beautiful forest to the Mweka Gate. You have the chance to spot monkeys. At the gate you can collect your summit certificate. Your driver brings you back to your hotel in Moshi to relax, have a shower and enjoy a delicious dinner and good night sleep.
Day 8 and 9: moshi airport
Today you can relax at the lodge or explore the surrounding area. You can choose to extend your journey with a beautiful Tanzania Safari. Another option is to unwind on the tropical Zanzibar Island or one of the other exotic beach destinations Pemba Island and Mafia Island. If you choose to go home after your Kilimanjaro trek, you fly back home on day 9.
How fit do you need to be to climb kilimanjaro via the umbwe route?
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a real challenge due to the altitude, rate of ascent and different temperatures. During an average climbing day, you will walk 6-7 hours. If you are healthy and fit it is absolutely achievable. There are many things you can do to increase your chances to reach the summit and to make sure you enjoy the trek. It’s important you take your time. Don’t hike too fast so your body has time to adapt and acclimatize. Being in good shape also makes the climb much easier. Go hiking a few months before the climb, especially multiple day hikes are excellent training. But also, running and aerobic exercise are a good preparation. It is always difficult to predict who will be affected by altitude sickness. Due to its rapid ascent the success rate of this route is much lower. We advise only experienced mountain climbers, who are used to high altitudes, to climb Umbwe route.
By adding 1 extra day to your climb, you will reduce the chance to get altitude sickness. Because you spread the climb over more days and your body gets more time to get used to the higher altitude. We do really advice to do this to increase the chance of making it to the top. The costs of this extra day are 420,- per person.
If you would like advice on how to prepare yourself for climbing Kilimanjaro, you can always contact us.
Umbwe price information
Prices per person
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- Pick up at Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to lodge/hotel
- Transfer lodge/hotel to Kilimanjaro Airport
- Private guide speaking fluent English
- Private cook speaking fluen English
- Park Fees for national park
- Porters who carry your luggage
- High quality tents
- Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Dinner-tent
- Rescue fee
- All government taxes and fees.
- 24/7 service from our local office in Tanzania or The Netherlands
EXCLUDED
- International flight tickets and tourist visa
- Accommodation on day of arrival and departure
- Insurances (travel, flying doctors etc)
- Covid-19 form
- Reservation costs
want to relax?
After all the hard work, enjoy a few days at the beach!