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Umbwe route 6 days 5 nights
Overview
It is a six-day, five nights hike. Get all the right gear and get hiking. It is of course a challenge but that is exactly what guests look for in a Kilimanjaro hiking expedition. We will even go as far as stating that the challenge is what makes the hike interesting and adventurous and as a bonus guests get to hold a certificate on reaching the summit at Kibo.
Highlights
- See one of the few snow cupped summits in Africa
- Engage in birding with several bird species inhabiting the Kilimanjaro forest vegetation
- Experience different climatic conditions
- Hike to the highest point on the African continent
- Own a certificate on the completion of the hike to the summit of the mountain
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp (9,500ft) 6 hours
Meet your guides and mountain crew as we take care of all National Park formalities, registering all climbers and the weighing of all duffle bags to ensure the load carried by each porter does not exceed the mandatory 20kgs limit. Our trek begins following a forestry track winding through natural rain forest under the canopy of moss-coated vines where you will hear the calls of many exotic birds and the grunting calls of the magnificent black colobus monkeys. Proceeding ever upwards, the path narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, with huge trees surrounding you. The path offers spectacular views of deep gorges to either side as we make our way to the Umbwe Caves camp located in the lower heather zone.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp (13,000ft) 7 hours.
Shortly after leaving camp the forest starts thinning and is replaced by rockier terrain, sparser under-growth and straggly, moss-covered trees and Giant Heather and Erica. The path continues along a narrow, but spectacular ridge. As you gain higher altitude you may catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you – etched against the blue sky. Transitioning to the moorland zone you will encounter giant lobelia and groundsels. As you approach the Barranco Valley the path flattens along the Umbwe ridge and then you descend a short distance to Barranco Camp.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp (13,000) 4 hours.
Today we undertake the Great Barranco Wall – an imposing face above Barranco camp. A steady climb up the eastern wall takes us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some breathtaking views of the Heim Glacier and Mt. Kilimanjaro depending upon the weather and any cloud cover. Our trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, where we finish this second acclimatization day at Karanga Camp (4046m).
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (15,200 Ft).
The lovely scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on alpine desert terrain; a mainly mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Mawenzi Peak towers majestically to the right and Kibo Peak seems just a stone’s throw away. Arrival at Barafu camp around 4:30 p.m. Climbers who wish to attempt the summit should retire early tonight, as the next day is the longest of the whole climb.
Day 5: Ascent to Summit (19,430 Ft) / Descent to Mweka Camp (10,200 Ft).
It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult and hikers should carry as little as possible for this stage which starts at midnight. Temperatures range from -4 degrees to 5 degrees, in about six hours the climb will bring you to the edge of the crater between Stella and Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit. Uhuru towers at 19,340 ft and is the highest point on the continent of Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to the Gate
Congratulate yourself today on your great achievement! The descent to the gate takes approximately five hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at the gate, you will be rewarded with a certificate attesting your success. After lunch transfer to Moshi/Arusha for overnight or to the airport for your flight back home.
