The Ultimate Challenge for Serious Trekkers
Umbwe route is one of the most challenging paths and is suitable for experienced trekkers. This is a very steep route, first taking you through beautiful forest before culminating in a challenging approach to the summit. Ice and mud can be expected on this track at any time of the year, and as this is such a direct route, it’s advised not to rush this trek.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi / Moshi
Depart Nairobi early this morning with a shuttle/private van to Moshi town, over the Tanzanian border. Upon your arrival, you can visit the colorful Moshi Market, take a walking safari, or you may prefer to relax in your comfortable hotel for the rest of the afternoon, in preparation for your trek tomorrow.
Day 2: Moshi / Umbwe Cave
After breakfast at your hotel, we can drive to Umbwe park gate, where we can begin to trek through thick rainforest to Umbwe Cave camp at 3000m, a 6- 7 hour climb. We will have dinner and spend the night here.
Day 3: Umbwe Cave / Baranco
We can begin to climb after breakfast to our Baranco camp for the night, stopping for a picnic lunch on the way. This walk is very steep through the ridge of both sides of the valleys; however, the scenic views make the climb well worthwhile. We will arrive at Baranco camp at 3950m, set in beautiful moorlands, in time for dinner.
Day 4: Baranco / Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we can begin a 3- 4 hour ascent of the Baranco Walls reaching 4250m, before arriving at Karanga camp, at an altitude of 4000m, arriving in time for a hot lunch. After a rest, we can walk around to help us acclimatize to the altitude, before dinner at our Karanga camp.
Day 5: Karanga / Barafu camp
This morning, we can continue our hike to Barafu camp at 4600m, which will take us 3- 4 hours before we arrive in time for a hot lunch, a rest, and an early dinner. At 11 pm, we will wake for a hot drink and snacks, ready to set out on our final trek to the summit, which will take us about 6- 7 hours.
Day 6: Barafu / Uhuru peak (5895m) / Mweka camp
By very early morning, we will be passing Stella point at 5750m, before arriving at the Uhuru summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, standing at a majestic 5895m, in time for the sunset!! After celebrating our conquest, we can return to Barafu camp, which will take us about 3 hours to arrive in time for lunch. After a well-deserved rest, we can continue our descent towards Mweka camp, to arrive a couple of hours later in time for dinner, now at an altitude of 3100m.
Day 7: Mweka / Moshi
After breakfast, we can make our final descent through lush rainforest to Mweka gate, which will take us about 2- 3 hours. You should arrive at your Moshi hotel in time for a hot shower before lunch. From here, our driver will bring you to the airport from where you will take your flight back home. If you’ve decided to go on a safari – well, that’s a different adventure and we’ll take care of that for you!
Important Information
Safari Inclusions:
- Professional licensed mountain guides, porters & cooks
- Kilimanjaro National Park entrance & camping fees
- Full board meals throughout the trek
- Accommodation in mountain tents
- Transfers from/to Nairobi and Moshi
- Rescue coordination and emergency support
- Hotel accommodation before and after the climb in Moshi
What to Bring:
- Warm layered clothing for summit night
- Waterproof gear (jacket, pants, gaiters)
- Sturdy trekking boots
- Sleeping bag rated to -10°C
- Headlamp, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Water bottles or a hydration system
- Personal medications & first-aid kit
- Camera for summit shots!
