As compared to the Machame Route, Umbwe is steeper and shorter. Once you arrive at the Barranco Hut, you can join other fellow trekkers who arrived via the Machame route. You then descent down the Mweka trail.Since it is a very short and direct route, it is not recommended for people with little altitude experience.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will be waiting for you. He will take you to the Tulia hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to explore the town of Arusha (taxi required) or just relax at the lodge. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour. You will spend the night will do this briefing depend on your arrive time accommodation will be at.
Accommodation: Karibu Heritage House
The day begins with a 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.
Meal Plan: LD Budget
Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
Distance: 11km/7miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.
Meal Plan: BLD
Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 6km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Meal Plan: BLD
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Meal Plan: BLD
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4km / 2miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Elevation : 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance : 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time : 7-8 hours
Habitat : Arctic
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha. https://www.tuliahotelandspa.com/
Meal Plan: Full Board
Elevation : 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance : 10 km/12 miles
Hiking Time : 3-4 hours
Habitat : Rain Forest
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Arusha town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport. *Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania End of Our 6 Days Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Climb Safari.
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