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7 Days Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Climb

From $2575

Duration

7 days

Max People

15

Min Age

13+

Tour Type

Kilimanjaro Climb

Reviews

4.63 /5

The Oserok Way

Description

Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Climb 7 Days

The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. The Umbwe route should only be attempted by those who are very strong hikers and are confident in their ability to acclimatize. However, overall, the Umbwe route is not recommended and we discourage its usage for our clients.

Highlights

Low traffic
Fast ascent
Difficult trail

Tour Plan

Expand All

Day 1 Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Cave Bivouac Camp (2,850m/9,350ft)

At 8am leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places.Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.

Day 2 Cave Bivouac (2,850m/9,350ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)

The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps.

Day 3 Barranco Camp (3,900 m/12,800 ft)

Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization.

Day 4 Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.

Day 5 Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)

After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep after finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.

Day 6 Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point. The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers. At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

Day 7 Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)

After breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.

Tour Map

Is This Trip for Me?

Yes ! This tour is designed for anyone, you can book this tours as solo traveler, couple & also Oserok Trips offers this tour to small & large groups who are willing to travel together. Do not hesitate to contact us and our specialist will be ready to help you plan your holiday to Africa.

Tour Includes

Park fees, camping fees, Hut fees & rescue fees
Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope with basic first kit
Oxygen Cylinder
Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
18% Value Added Tax on tour fees & services
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mat, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent & cutlery for meals) and 3 Season mountain tents
Airport pick up and drop off
Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Medically qualified mountain guides, cooks and porters
3 Meals while on the mountain + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
Hot water for washing up daily and treated water for drink while climbing.
Pre & Post Trek accommodation in Moshi. Bed & Breakfast Basis with storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.

Tour Excludes

Flights (International)
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Tips for porters & guide
Personal expenses in nature such as money for souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees etc.
Visa fees (100 USD for American and 50 USD for non-American)
Immunization documents (yellow fever recommended for visa processing on arrivals)
Government imposed increase of taxes and /or park fees

INQUIRE THIS TOUR

Get in touch with us today and we will help build your experience of a lifetime to Tanzania.

Words From Our Happy Clients

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 145 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Bob H 
 
 
 
 Verified Serengeti safari without the rush
It was a 7 day family safari with us and our 2 adult children. We all had a fantastic time helped by Alpha and Josephete being excellent driver and guides. They seemed to be able to predict where animals were heading and be there. Rather than using the radio and following the crowd, we took it slow and saw so many more animals and birds that we would have otherwise missed. We stopped for a bird, saw several others, then realised we were right next to 6 dik diks that were almost invisible in the scrub. We saw 2 crossing events and other unexpected interactions like an elephant chasing off 3 lions and elephant baby’s cavorting and playing with each other. We saw a serval cat and followed it for a while then saw it pounce and catch dinner. Circle of life in action. The daughters got right into bird spotting and both the guides were very knowledgeable and helpful and quick with identifying, while not being worried to contradict and make suggestions. Both of them were conscientious and sensitive to our needs on the whole safari and we had a wonderful time. I would recommend them to anyone wanting a great safari experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ambassador710997 
 
 
 
 Verified Expertise and care by a true professional.
We had an incredible family trip to Marangu waterfalls and a safari in Tarangire National Park, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Alpha. From the very beginning, Alpha took the time to understand what we wanted from our trip. Rather than pushing a particular itinerary, he gave us all the information we needed, explained our options, and helped us choose what would work best for our family and the time we had. Throughout the trip, he embodied the warmth, kindness, and hospitality of the Tanzanian people. His knowledge of the wildlife, culture, plants and local area made every part of the journey more meaningful. He is Masai after all!). He welcomed our endless questions, never rushed us, and always made sure we had plenty of time to enjoy each stop and capture great photos from the best locations. On safari, Alpha and his team were exceptional. Their ability to spot wildlife was incredible- they noticed animals we would never have seen on our own. They thoughtfully chose different routes to avoid the crowds, giving us better viewing opportunities and a much more authentic experience. Thanks to their expertise, we saw an amazing variety of wildlife and had far lots of great sightings. What impressed us most was that their care extended beyond the tour itself. When we experienced a hotel mishap, Alpha stepped in to help, even though it wasn’t his responsibility. That level of genuine care says a great deal about the kind of person he is. His entire team was equally friendly, professional, and dedicated to making our experience special. Together they made our visit to Tanzania truly unforgettable. We wholeheartedly recommend Alpha to anyone visiting Tanzania. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, genuinely caring, and passionate about sharing his country, look no further. We will definitely be back, and when we do, Alpha will be our first call
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Martin M 
 
 
 
 Verified An unforgettable Kilimanjaro trip
We chose Oserok Trips for our 7-day hike in Kilimanjaro. We wanted to do this adventure with a local company and we were not disappointed. The guides from Oserok, Francis and Daniel, were great as was the rest of the team who had a great time with us. I remember only fond memories of this experience with a small professional team that put us in a family atmosphere during this incredible week. Asante sana kaka!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Fatiha B 
 
 
 
 Verified Go with your eyes closed
Stayed in June 2023 and June 2024. Very nice meeting! Top organization. Alpha introduced us to its culture and region, with such kindness. We shared some great moments. Very nice discovery. I recommend. Asante sana. Fatiha
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   David R 
 
 
 
 Verified Hiking on Mount Kilimanjaro
My father and I went on a tour to the Materuni Falls with Alpha, our guide and had a wonderful time 😎 Alpha has allowed us a fantastic guided tour of the magnificent surroundings of Mount Kilimanjaro!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Inoek V 
 
 
 
 Verified Had a great day
Together with my daughter we did trips and tour to the waterfall with Alpha van Oserok, with lunch at a Chagga tribe and with a coffee ceremony. Alpha picked us up at our hotel and together we walked to the waterfall. Along the way he explained a lot about all the plants, trees and animals that could be seen there. He is a relaxed and extremely experienced guide and we had a great day.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jen K 
 
 
 
 Verified Trip of a lifetime!
Thank you Alfa!! We cannot say enough about our incredible Tanzania adventure safari!! Alfa curated an 8-day safari to include a first day visit to the hot springs and local eatery, then 6 days on safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Mayanara, and a visit with a bush tribe and an iron working tribe. The lodgings and food were lovely and the weather was perfect! It was an amazing cultural experience for our family as well as a stunning photo safari in this lovely country. We saw the Big 5 in close proximity and countless other animals. Alfa and his driver Renatos were knowledgeable, attentive, engaging and professional….they made the trip extra special and we are extremely grateful for the memories we made. Asante sana!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Travel543451 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect activity, amazing tour leaders
We were a group of 5 people with just half-day until leave Moshi. We made a walking tour in Rau Forest. We enjoy a lot lesrnig about nature and species (birds, monkeys, ancient trees). Alpha and his team (lebahati) adjust our activity according our plans and we were always in touch to make It Easy. 100% recommendable
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Julieta J 
 
 
 
 Verified This place is not very touristy yet, but we went to it thanks to the agency that knows unknown places
We also did our tour to Lake Chala with the Oseroktrips agency and our guide was Alfa. I was amazed by this walk full of incredible views. We always walked at our own pace and always felt safe. Beautiful views and wonderful memories will live in our hearts
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Julieta J 
 
 
 
 Verified A long walk but with a path full of beautiful views and nature
“This tour was a fabulous day. I would recommend it to anyone. Francis and Jackie, the tour guides, were very kind, friendly and knowledgeable about all aspects of the tour. Happy with this tour and many thanks to Oseroktrips, the best travel agency.

OSEROK WAY

TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE

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POPULAR PLACES TO VISIT

WHO WE ARE

7 Days Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Climb

The Oserok Way