GO WILD WITH US
GO WILD WITH US
TANZANIA CLIMBING ADVENTURESThe Umbwe route is the most physically taxing and least used up Mount Kilimanjaro. On the first two days you will have a steep uphill climb almost the whole way and breathtaking views off the ridges, all without the clutter of other climbers – sweet reward for the physical demands on your legs that the route makes. You eventually join trails with those coming from the Machame route and Lemosho route, and carry on up the Great Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley and Barafu Camp before your summit push to Uhuru Peak in the wee hours of the morning of your 5th day on the mountain.
9 days / 8 nights (6 days on the mountain)
Route climbable year-round. January through March and mid-June through October are driest months.
Demanding route for those seeking to push themselves in fewer days than advised and seeking solitude on the lower sections.
We pick you up upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and bring you to the Hotel in moshi, approximately 45 minute from the airport
Overnight: Moshi
You have the morning to rest and relax. Enjoy delicious breakfast/day hiking to Materuni waterfall including coffee tour/ Your trip leader provides a climb orientation and equipment check.
Overnight: Moshi town
Meals: B
Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
After breakfast and obtaining climb permits from the Marangu Gate nearby Mbahe, we drive to the Umbwe Gate, just a few kilometers west of Mbahe as the crow flies, but a two-hour drive by road off the mountain, through Moshi Town and back up the mountain. Here you will meet your other guides and mountain crew and enter the Kilimanjaro National Park. We begin our climb by walking through a stunning rainforest on a steep and rugged trail, using the many tree roots across the path as steps up the slope. Eventually, we reach a ridge and begin hiking along it before coming to the cave where our first night’s camp is located.
Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp.
Meals: B,L,D.
Elevation: 2850m/9350ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Another steep uphill climb along several ridges, including a rock scramble over Jiwe Kamba. We move from the forest, through a beautiful stretch of lichen-laden heather, and into the moorland zone, where you encounter the giant groundsels and senecios, two of the more unusual species of flora on Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Barranco Camp.
Meals: B,L,D.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Today we start by climbing the Great Barranco Wall – not too steep but still an exhilarating challenge – which our guides make safe and accessible for everyone by ascending pole pole (meaning “slowly” in Kiswahili). You will be able to see the remarkable Heim Glacier from the top of the Wall. Descend into the Karanga Valley and then climb again to our camp on a ridge above the Valley, where you will enjoy a well-deserved rest and your daily afternoon tea and snacks.
Overnight: Karanga Camp.
Meals: B,L,D.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
As we begin hiking today the trail turns steadily uphill. Temperatures are noticeably colder and the landscape more sparse as we work our way to Barafu camp. Barafu means “ice” in Kiswahili. Hiking time is 4 to 5 hours. The camp is set on an exposed ridge and is the staging point for our push to the summit. After an early dinner, we have a summit briefing and prepare our equipment before resting.
Overnight: Barafu Camp.
Meals: B,L,D.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Rise at midnight for a warm and hearty early breakfast in preparation for the long day ahead. We ascend pole pole under the stars on the steep switchback trail, drinking plenty of water and refueling with small snacks, and enjoying the trek to Uhuru, the summit of Kilimanjaro, which we expect to reach shortly after daybreak. At this early hour, before the clouds close in, you will have spectacular views of Africa in all directions. After a brief stay for photos, hugs, and high fives, we descend 2 to 3 hours to Barafu Camp for lunch, rest, and to pick up belongings. Continuing downhill 3 to 4 hours to the edge of the Mweka Forest, we reach the final night’s camp – 7,000 feet below the summit! Eat, share your experiences of the climb, and sleep soundly. Congratulations, you touched the Roof of Africa!
Overnight: Millennium Camp.
Meals: B,L,D.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Our last day is another descent of 7,000 feet with 4 to 5 hours of hiking to the exit at Mweka Gate. The trail is steep in places and within the forest may be slippery if wet. After a hearty celebration lunch with the whole team on private MW Expeditions land near the exit gate to say goodbye to the mountain crew, the trip leaders bring you to your hotel in Moshi Town to relax, have dinner, and enjoy its spacious garden and swimming pool. (Those going on safari tomorrow will overnight at a hotel in Arusha, closer to the wildlife parks.)
Meals: B,L,D.
Overnight: Ameg Lodge or Pink Flamingo Hotel.
Those heading out on safari or to Zanzibar will depart after breakfast to continue your African adventure. For those returning home, we offer you a guided tour of Moshi Town with its colorful market and curio shops. You may eat lunch in town or back at the Hotel (lunch not included). Transfer by our driver to the Kilimanjaro Airport.
Meals: B.
Trip prices are based on MW Expeditions costs, fees, and supplier prices in effect at the time of booking. MW Expeditions reserves the right to alter trip prices should inflation, cost of fuel, labor, materials, or exchange rates change. If the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) raises park fees, or any hotel, lodge, camp, airline, or any other service provider raises their rates, MW Expeditions reserves the right to require additional payment from the client.
