The Umbwe routes all approach from the South of the mountain, very spectacular, challenging but shortest compared to the rest of the routes and little used. It has steep gorges, glaciers and panoramic views. The trail gains altitude quickly and involves some tough scrambling. Climbers need a good level of fitness and must be prepared for a steep ascent, which may increase a problem of altitude sickness. Climbers need a good level of fitness and must be prepared for a steep ascent.
Why this itinerary?
The Umbwe routes all approach from the South of the mountain, very spectacular, challenging but shortest compared to the rest of the routes and little used. It has steep gorges, glaciers and panoramic views. The trail gains altitude quickly and involves some tough scrambling. Climbers need a good level of fitness and must be prepared for a steep ascent, which may increase a problem of altitude sickness. Climbers need a good level of fitness and must be prepared for a steep ascent.
You will be greeted on arrival by our friendly AFRICA GREATWALKS team who will transfer you to your hotel in either Moshi or Arusha. After meals or refreshments, mountain climbing briefing and climbing equipment inspection. Overnight at your Hotel on bed and breakfast basis.
Elevation: 1800m to 2800m,
Elevation (ft):5900ft to 9200ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours,
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate. Commence the climb through the rain forest with packed lunch on route. There is a challenging path called JIWE LA KAMBA at KIVULINI. Dinner and overnight at the first encampment at 2,800 meters CAVE CAMPSITE.
Elevation: 2800m to 3900m,
Elevation(ft): 9200ft to12,800 ft
Walking Time: 4-5hours,
Habitat: Semi-desert
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the forest and follow an ascending challenging path on the open moorland to the Barranco Hut located at 3,900 meters. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.
Elevation: 3860m to 4200m,
Elevation (ft):12,700ft to13,800 ft
Distance: 7km, HikingTime: 4hours,
Habitat: Alpine Desert. After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.
Elevation: 3860m to 4600m (Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 15,100ft)
Distance: 13km,
Hiking Time: 8 hours,
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Karanga Valley Campsite through Karanga Valley (4200m), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Elevation: 4600m to 5895m and down to 3100m (Elevation (ft):15,100ft to 19,300ft and down to 10,200ft)
Distance: 7km ascent/23km descent
Hiking Time: 6 – 8hours ascent / 7 – 8hours descent;
Habitat: Stone scream and ice-capped summit.
Very early in the morning (midnight at between 1 – 2am), we continue our way to the summit. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scream towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).
From Stella Point, you will encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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. Beer and soda may be available for purchase at the Mweka Hut — the only location on this route.
Season: the best times are June to March through December.
Elevation: 3100m to 1830m,
Elevation(ft): 10,200ft to 6000ft
Distance: 15 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
The perfect way to end your trekking and hiking in Tanzania is by making an add on tour program to Wildlife National Parks for animal viewing in their natural habitat, Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trails and cultural visits cannot be missed while visiting our Country. We can arrange transport and accommodation for a broad range of lodges, villas and hotels in the best resorts.
RATES: Budget, Semi-Luxury (Midrange), Luxury and VIP.