Umbwe route is a short, steep, and direct route based in the south and is said to be the most scenic and difficult one offered on Kilimanjaro. The main reason that the Umbwe route is considered to be very hard is its steepness in the first two days with extremely muddy. Although the traffic on this route is low, the chances of success are also low. This route is only recommended for experienced and well-trained climbers.
Umbwe Route
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by an Omura representative who will transfer you to your hotel. There, you will be given time to settle in before a meet and greet with your guides. In this meeting, we will brief you on what to expect on Mount Kilimanjaro and answer any last-minute questions you may have. After the briefing, we recommend an early night for an early pick-up the following day.
On day one this morning, a guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing with equipment check precede, you will be driven to the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park, where registration takes place. From there, trekkers are transferred to the Umbwe Gate at 1,600 meters. Here you will start your trek with your guide and porters. The route follows a forestry track through the rainforest before steepening between the Lonzo and Umbwe Rivers. If the weather is clear you will get a good view of Kibo in the distance. As this part of the Umbwe route goes through the rainforest with its probability of rain showers do not forget your raincoat. Your support crew will have prepared the camp and dinner by the time you get there.
Elevation: 1,600m (5,249ft) to 2,940m (9,646ft)
Distance: 9.5km (7 miles)
Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
On day two the path gets steeper on this section, as you get out of the forest along the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco camp situated in the valley. You will notice the camp is pretty busy. This is because you will be joining hikers from the Machame, Lemosho, and Shira Route here. Therefore the population will be bigger.
EElevation: 2,940m (9,646ft) to 3,976m (13,044ft)
Distance: 7.5km (4.9 miles)
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest and Low Alpine Zone
After an early breakfast, we start the steep climb of summiting Barranco Wall. Whilst hiking up the gorge, experience the kissing rock alongside spectacular views of the valley. After the climb, we take a short break allowing you to take photos in front of the Kibo volcano. After the break, you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route.
Elevation: 3,976m (13,044ft) to 3,995m (13,106ft)
Distance: 5.5km (3.4 miles)
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Low Alpine and High Alpine
Today you trek to Barafu Summit Camp, the starting point for a night summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895m). You will climb steep desolate slopes before reaching base camp. After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) and then back to Barafu Camp. After an early dinner, we recommend resting and sleeping before being awoken at 11 pm to prepare for the summit climb.
Elevation: 3,995m (13,106ft) to 4,673m (15,331ft)
Distance: 3km (1.9 miles)
Trekking Time: 3 hours
Vegetation Zone: High Alpine
We start the summit climb at midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing slowly but gain incredible height over a short distance. We will reach the crater rim at Stella Point (5,739m) as the first rays of sunlight begin to show. Here we will take a short break to watch the sunrise over Africa. You will have spectacular views of the ice cliffs within the crater surrounding us and views of Mawenzi Peak. We continue for another hour up to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending down a separate track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast. After a short rest, you will continue to descend to Mweka Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Elevation: 4,673m (15,331ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) to 3,068m (10,065ft)
Distance: 16km (9.6 miles)
Trekking Time: 13-15 hours
Vegetation Zone: Glacial, High Alpine, Low Alpine, Rainforest
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and present you with a certificate confirming you summited Mount Kilimanjaro. We are then met by our vehicles and transferred back to your hotel for a well-earned rest and celebration with your guides.
Elevation: 3,068m (10,065ft) to 3,068m (10,065ft)
Distance: 9.1km (7.5 miles)
Trekking Time: 3-5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast, a vehicle will transfer you to your next destination. If you have additional time we recommend you extend your stay. Omura offers safari packages to see nature at its finest or maybe a relaxing beach trip to Zanzibar.
Umbwe Climb (inc. 2 nights hotel stay)
Price Per Person ($USD)
1 Pers
2 Pers
3 Pers
4 Pers
5 Pers
6 Pers
7 Pers
8+ Pers
Umbwe Route 6-days
$3,140
$2,460
$2,200
$2,080
$1,970
$1,920
$1,880
$1,865
Umbwe Route
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to lodge (return).
Half-board lodge accommodation 1 night before the Mount Kilimanjaro climb begins and 1 night after the Mount Kilimanjaro climb (this includes meals and taxes as required).
Transfer fees from the lodge to the Mount Kilimanjaro entry gate (day 1) and transfer from the Mount Kilimanjaro exit gate back to the lodge (day 7).
All Mount Kilimanjaro park fees (as required by Tanzanian law).
All salaries for Guides, Chefs, and Porters on the mountain climb.
Equipment costs, including tents (twin share), camping mattresses, dining tent, kitchen tent, chairs, table, and dining utensils.
Private toilet hire (recommended. Public toilets are provided on the mountain, however, they are used by everyone and are your standard camping drop toilets).
Food on the mountain (3 meals per person per day, excluding breakfast on day 1, which is provided by the lodge, and dinner on day 7, which is again provided by the lodge).
Exclusions
International airfare tickets from your origin to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Visa entry requirement fees as required by Tanzanian law (You can apply for a visa at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, however, we suggest getting pre-approval as it is quicker upon arrival).
Travel insurance: Please ensure your insurance covers mountain climbing up to 6,000 meters.
Any pre-medical requirements (including any required Covid tests).
Tips for guides, chefs, and porters. We recommend tipping the guides $20 per day each, the chef $15 per day, and the porters $10 per day; however, please feel free to tip how you see fit.
If you are interested in eating outside of your lodge during your stay in Arusha city, you will be required to cover this cost.
Any spending money. We will stop at several places to give you the opportunity to buy souvenirs.
If you are interested in drinking during your stay, alcohol is an additional cost as is any drink ordered at the lounge bar.
Omura’s Suggested Packing List
Having the correct gear for climbing a mountain is essential for ensuring safety and enhancing the overall experience. Proper footwear, such as sturdy hiking boots, provides necessary support and traction on varied terrain, while weather-appropriate clothing protects against the elements, keeping climbers warm and dry. Essential equipment, including a helmet, harness, and climbing ropes, can prevent accidents and injuries. Additionally, the right navigation tools and first aid supplies are crucial for responding to unexpected situations in remote environments. Investing in quality gear not only contributes to a successful ascent but also fosters a sense of confidence and preparedness for climbers venturing into challenging landscapes.
