Climbing Overview

The Umbwe Route provides the shortest route, and toughest, to the Southern Glaciers of Kilimanjaro and Western Breach of Kibo. An ascent of Kibo by Umbwe route is one of the finest non-technical mountaineering expeditions. It is a challenging route, unsuitable for the solitary or the inexperienced, and a route off the beaten track.

Climbing Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi or Arusha

Meet and greet on arrival transfer to Arusha to a Hotel / Lodge, for an introductory briefing. Dinner and overnight in Arusha.

Day 2: Umbwe gate to Umbwe Cave

At 7:30 a.m., we’ll transfer you to the Umbwe Park Gate at 2,100m. The path begins an a narrow ridge crest between the Lonzo River to the West and the Umbwe River to the East. It is easy to follow as it continues up through the dense forest. The path continues to follow the ridge, rising steadily with some steep sections and scramble rocks. The route takes you to the first tented camp Umbwe Cave (at 2,940m) in 5 to 6 hrs.

Day 3: Umbwe Cave to Barranco

We follow the trail through steep and scramble rock across rainforest to moorland. The path proceed steep to the Southern Glacier Branches, at 4000m we reach our campsite, Barranco, were we overnight. (6-7 hrs)

Day 4: Barranco Acclimatization

This is a good place to rest a day to acclimatize; you may spend your time at camp relaxing or you nay explore the surroundings. This acclimatization day is important for you to get used to the height and increases the chances of reaching the summit.

Day 5: Barranco to Arrow Glacier

The route leads to the Western Breach and continue up to Umbwe ridge, which becomes the western lateral moraine of the peak. The route goes straight towards the Western Breach and then reaches Arrow Glacier which is at 4,800m.

Day 6: Arrow Glacier to Kibo Hut, then ascend to Mweka Hut.

To ascent to summit and descend on this day you may involve between 10 1/2 or 14 1/2 hrs of climbing. We start right after midnight, to see the sunrise from the summit, also to avoid the mist, and the snow on the ascent will still be frozen. So after 3 km. and 6 – 8 hours (an ascend of 1100m) you will reach the top and descent through Barafu to 2800m. The descent to Mweka hut takes 4 – 7 hours of walking.

Day 7: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate, Oasis Lodge

After breakfast descend steeply through the forest on a narrow path, after 3 – 4 hours walking we will reach Mweka Gate at 1400m. From here we will bring you to Arusha, to the Oasis Lodge, for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Departure

after breakfast transfer to airport of Safari extension.

 

Save

Climbing Pricing Terms

Price Includes the Following:

  1. Local Taxes and park fees
  2. Transfers to and from Airport
  3. Hotel a night before and after the climb (BB)
  4. Transfer from your hotel to and from starting point
  5. Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
  6. Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
  7. Qualified English Mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook (Other languages on special request)
  8. Salaries for mountain crew as per guidelines set by Kilimanjaro National Park
  9. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
  10. Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables)
  11. Water for washing up daily
  12. Porter to carry your duffel bag (max weight 15kg / 32 lbs) from one camp to the next camp.
  13. Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt

The Price Excludes the Following:

  1. Flights and airport taxes
  2. Compulsory tips for guides, porters and cook
  3. Highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
  4. Personal hiking/trekking gear – we can rent some of the gear from our equipment store in Tanzania
  5. Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets
  6. Any items and or requirements of a personal nature