Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Trekking
Route Overview
Umbwe is a short route that provides challenges because it is difficult to climb due to its steepness. Because of the rapid ascension, this route does not allow enough time for altitude acclimatization, so moving slowly is essential. Although there is little traffic on this route, the chances of success are low unless an acclimatization day is added. The route is available for at least six days, but seven days is preferred. This route intersects with the Machame, Lemosho, and Shira routes along the way.
The Western Breach Route, an alternative route to the summit, approaches Uhuru Peak from the west. The difficult Western Breach climbs 850m in about 1.25 miles (2 km) and requires some scrambling (climbing on hands and feet) at some points. This path is both beautiful and difficult due to the rock formations and steep slope.
Climbers using the Umbwe, Lemosho, Shira, and Machame routes were flocking to Western Breach until three climbers were killed in a rock fall in January 2006. In response, Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) closed the Western Breach Route, but reopened it in 2007 with the condition that all clients and supporting members who want to use this option sign a waiver at the entrance gate stating that they are doing so at their own risk.
Include
- Airport Transfers
- Accommodation as per Itinerary – Semi Luxury Accommodation
- Meals
- All Park fees, walking safari, Ranger fee, and Concession fees
- Unlimited Water during game drives
- Coffees, tea, hot chocolate, and Soft Drinks
- Free WI-FI on Safari
- Government Taxes and levy
- All ground Handling and assistance
- Hiking & Safety Equipments
- Climbing Crew
Excluded
- Flights
- Travel & Mountaineering insurance
- Tips for Guides & Crew
- Personal expenses such as calls, laundry, and extra drinks at the lodge
- Portable toilets (if required - 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3-4 people)
Tour Itenerary
Welcome to the Land of Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar – Tanzania.
We will pick you up at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet and assist from your Lomo Tanzania safari guide who will be with you on your safari.
Depending on your arrival time, you will be welcomed with a cup of coffee, tea and hot chocolate served with some delicious snacks and a glass of champagne at your disposal.
Our guide will help you with luggage in your comfortable safari vehicle and safely start to drive for 1 hour to your hotel in Arusha town.
You will be assisted to check-in at your hotel, and if possible followed with a short safari briefing or it can be done tomorrow early morning.
The Accommodation – Moivaro Arusha Lodge
Moivaro Lodge is situated right in the heart of beautiful, natural scenery and yet is only 7 km from the town of Arusha: an ideal spot to enjoy the impressive flora and fauna of East Africa.
At the Lodge you will be ensured that you are looked after in a unique, friendly, and peaceful manner, helping you to prepare for your safaris and cosseting you on your return in the evening.
The spacious thatched brick cottages are set in a lovely tropical garden, with private verandas ensuring every visitor all the privacy needed. Relax and enjoy the beautiful views of Mount Meru from the comfortable veranda, go for a stroll around the Moivaro property, or laze at the pool nestling amid tropical trees and coffee plants.
Meal plan
Hot served dinner will be provided at Moivaro Arusha Lodge
Elevation: 1200m to 1700m to 2850m.
Distance: 10 km.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours.
Habitat: Montane forest.
We will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to the Umbwe gate. After completing the gate registration procedures, the trek begins through the rainforest to Umbwe cave campsite, where all tents are already set up, before stopping for dinner and overnight. Today you will walk through a dense forest, crossing ridges and valleys.
Elevation: 2850m to 3950m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane forest and heather
After breakfast, you will trek through the remaining forest to the moorland and heath zone, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the Barranco valleys and the ice cap on top of the mountain. Then you’ll get to Barranco Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Elevation: 3950m to 3900m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Moorland
Today is a short walk. In the morning, you will begin climbing the Barranco wall to 4200m for acclimatization before continuing across ridges and valleys to the Karanga campsite for a hot lunch. After lunch, you’ll get some rest and another acclimatization hike up the scree slopes towards the southern ice field. You’ll then return to camp for supper and an overnight stay.
Elevation: 3900m to 4620m.
Distance: 8 km.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
The ascent to the Barafu ridge campsite is difficult on this day due to the altitude. Because of the short distance, the walk only takes a few hours, but it is steep and requires a slow pace to avoid fatigue. You’ll be trekking through an alpine desert. A strong, cold wind is likely to blow from Kibo peak and its ice. You’ll eat dinner at 4620 meters, then rest until midnight, when you’ll attack the summit.
Elevation: 4620m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 10 – 12 hours
Habitat: Desert and ice.
After a light breakfast at midnight, prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise by climbing before dawn. The trail is a series of switchbacks up steep scree or possibly snow to Stella Point on the crater rim between 4 and 5 AM. At this point, you will have views of the fabled crater and its glaciers in front of you. After an hour of hiking along the Kibo crater rim near the famous snows, you will reach Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak. You will spend some time here taking photographs, but this will depend on how you feel.
After completing your summit activities, you will return to the Barafu campsite for lunch, rest, and equipment collection before continuing down through moorland and heath zone to the Mweka campsite. Mweka Campsite for dinner and overnight.
Elevation: 3100m to 1700m
Distance: 9km
Descending time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest.
This is your final day on the mountain. After breakfast, you will walk through Montane forest to the Mweka park gate. This descent will take approximately 3-4 hours. Sign out at the gate and prepare to board the vehicle for the transfer back to the hotel for your certificate presentation and well-deserved celebration.
Have Any Question?
Contact Us for more Information and Our Team will be Available to Assists you
Affordable Prices
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Tailormade Experiences
Our trips are tailor made, You tell us your wishes and we build the itinerary that suits your Needs Perfectly, We help you accomplish your Dream Safari
Less of Ourselves More on Others
Lomo Tanzania Safari is a Community Oriented Company Part of our Tour Profits goes back to help the Community in need.