Umbwe route

6-day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2008
The shortest, steepest and most challenging trail on Mt Kilimanjaro. Recommended for the seasoned travellers.
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Umbwe route

Daring experienced climbers seeking adventure and challenge will find just what they want on Umbwe. A short steep climb traversing all the climate zones - from tropical rainforest to eternal ice - will put your strength and endurance to the test. Like no other route on Kilimanjaro Umbwe gives a sense of achievement to those who reach the summit.

Your first day on the mountain will start from Umbwe Gate and continue with a lengthy trek to the first camp on your way - Umbwe camp. In spite of the challenge that Umbwe poses to hikers, well thought-out location of camps will contribute to proper acclimatization.

The trek through the Umbwe trail is available only as a 6-day program. Recommended only to experienced hikers in good physical shape, as the Umbwe route difficulty is quite high for inexperienced trekkers.

Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours via Umbwe route

Day 1 | Arrival

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Altezza Travel representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.


PLEASE NOTE:Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Day 2 | Trekking from Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

Your guide and climbing support crew will arrive at your hotel in the morning. Introductions and the final brief equipment check will precede your drive to the Umbwe Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. This entrance, situated at 1,800m/5905f above sea level, is where your trek starts. The chief guide will finalize the permits and registration for search and rescue services.

Your first day of trekking is meant to bring you to Umbwe Camp for your first overnight camping. Climbing up to 2,850m/9350f is a long haul with a significant increase in altitude, so find the right pace for the whole group and stick with it. As this part of the Umbwe route goes through the rainforest, there is a high probability of rain showers - do not forget your raincoat! Your support crew will have prepared the camp and dinner by the time you arrive at the camp.

PLEASE NOTE:This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

  • Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine;
  • Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
  • Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip to discuss potential allergies.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Elevation
1,640 m to 2,930 m
Hiking time
5-7 hours
Distance
11 km
Difficulty
High
Habitat
Rainforest
Day 3 | Trekking from Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

This day starts with an early wake-up and filling breakfast before your team starts the trek to Barranco Camp. The rainforest will quickly give way to moorland, and if it is not too cloudy you will be able to see Meru Volcano for the first time. This day's trek is moderate in length and around lunchtime it is expected that you will reach Barranco Camp (3,900m/12795f), which is nestled inside a huge volcanic fault. Lunch will be provided here, and then you will have the opportunity to relax for the rest of the day, which significantly facilitates the acclimatization process.

Elevation
2,930 m to 3,960 m
Hiking time
4-5 hours
Distance
6 km
Difficulty
Medium
Habitat
Moorland
Day 4 | Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

This day begins with another early wake-up and a filling breakfast before your group starts to climb Barranco Wall. We recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid other groups and crowds on the way, which can slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.

Then you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will have to go on an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200-meter (656-foot) gain in altitude and then descend back down to the camp.


PLEASE NOTE:The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: 
Karanga Camp (3,995m/13107f)
Destination point en route to Barafu Camp (4,270m/14009f)
Hiking distance: 
2.5 km (1.5mi)
Hiking time: 
1–2 hours
Elevation
3,960 m to 4,035 m
Hiking time
4-5 hours
Distance
5 km
Difficulty
Medium
Habitat
Moorland
Day 5 | Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

In the morning after breakfast, you will begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp (4,673m/15331f), the starting point for the night summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m19340f). Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax as soon as you arrive. After regaining strength, you will need to go on an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870m/15978f) and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.

Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: 
Barafu Camp (4,673m/15331f)
Kosovo Camp (4,870m/15977f)
Hiking distance: 
2 km (1.2 mi)
Hiking time: 
1–2 hours
Elevation
4,035 m to 4,640 m
Hiking time
4-5 hours
Distance
6 km
Difficulty
Medium
Habitat
Alpine desert
Day 6 | Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

The group leaves Barafu Camp at around midnight. This night you will climb to the top of Kilimanjaro, to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19340f). Although the trek itself is not difficult, the high altitude means that even regular physical activity feels strenuous. For the final summit, we pair every two climbers with a personal guide whose responsibility it is to monitor their physical and mental well-being more closely. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak you may choose to walk to one of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. The group will then return to Barafu Camp for a 2-hour rest before the descent to the Millennium Camp at 3,950m/12959f.

Please note that while descent brings relief from high altitude, it is also where most accidents and injuries (as much as 90%) happen. It is easy to avoid falling and possibly breaking a limb, as well as damaging your toenails if you just watch your step.

Elevation
4,640 m to 5,895 m
5,895 m to 3,820 m
Hiking time
8-12 hours
Distance
15 km
Difficulty
High
Habitat
Arctic
Day 7 | Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Millennium Camp sits amidst a rainforest. The lower altitude, as well as the realization of having reached your goal, make for a good night's sleep. The group will set out on the last leg of the journey towards Mweka Gate - national park exit (1,640m/5381) upon finishing breakfast. This will be your last opportunity to share memories of the climb with your guides and support team. You will receive your certificates of accomplishment at our offices before being driven back to your hotel.

Elevation
3,820 m to 1,640 m
Hiking time
4-5 hours
Distance
12 km
Difficulty
Low
Habitat
Rainforest
Day 8 | Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.


PLEASE NOTE:Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

Prices for Umbwe route

All payments in Tanzania are in USD only. The prices in other currencies are given for comparison only.
All payments in Tanzania are in USD only. The prices in other currencies are given for comparison only.

Our classic adventures are what the majority of climbers are looking for. The combination of great comfort and high safety standards makes our classic Kilimanjaro hikes enjoyable and memorable. This is the most popular option among our clients.

This climbing package includes everything that a climber may need for the hike - our experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, nutritionist-designed meals. Our safety protocols, though, are the same for all our hiking adventures - only the guides with Wilderness First Responder certification are assigned to lead a party. Other safety measures include a supply of oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).

The progress of each trekking party is tracked with GPS device. You may share the link with your family and friends, who will be able to monitor your progress in a real-time mode.

Before and after the adventure you will stay in a good hotel with caring staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool.

6-day climb + 2 days in a hotel
1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax 6 pax 7 pax 8+ pax
Umbwe route
Umbwe route
$3 130 $2 496 $2 253 $2 210 $2 151 $2 119 $2 057 $2 008 Compare prices
6-day climb + 2 days in a hotel
Umbwe route
Umbwe route
1 pax
$3 130
2 pax
$2 496
3 pax
$2 253
4 pax
$2 210
5 pax
$2 151
6 pax
$2 119
7 pax
$2 057
8 pax
$2 008
Compare prices
The climb cost includes:

Transfers:

  • Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi;
  • Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Entry fees:

  • Park Fees: all park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others). 

Accommodation:

  • Accommodation at 3* hotel (Aishi Machame Hotel or Brubru Lodge) one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season North Face VE-25 tents);

Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single supplement is available upon request.

Meals:

  • Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
  • All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
  • All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

Hiking and safety equipment:

  • 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
  • All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
  • GPS-tracking service;
  • Complete medical kits.

Climbing crew:

  • Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

We are proud to be the members of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project). It is an unbiased evaluation of our commitment to fair treatment of our mountain crews. Of all operators Altezza is paying the highest wages to the porters, guides, cooks and other Kilimanjaro teammates. You may read more about our Kilimanjaro crews here.

Taxes:

  • 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. Altezza Travel is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The climb cost excludes:
  • International flights;
  • Tips (250-300 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew);
  • Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
  • Personal gear rentals;
  • Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);
  • Portable toilets (if required - 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3 people);
  • Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.
All payments in Tanzania are in USD only. The prices in other currencies are given for comparison only.

Our premium Kilimanjaro adventures include extra features such as spacious walk-in tents, advanced meal plan on the hike, portable toilet, camping cots, satellite phone to stay in touch with your family and friends and some other upgrades on Kilimanjaro. It is the highest quality service a luxury-focused climber can get here!

Safety protocols for the premium adventures include mandatory Wilderness First Responder Certification of all our guides, oxygen cylinders, medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).

Before and after your trip you will be staying in a 5* hotel in Arusha (breakfast and dinner included).

6-day climb + 2 days in a hotel
1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax 6 pax 7 pax 8+ pax
Umbwe route
Umbwe route
$7 249 $4 986 $4 535 $4 341 $4 228 $4 100 $3 925 $3 833 Compare prices
6-day climb + 2 days in a hotel
Umbwe route
Umbwe route
1 pax
$7 249
2 pax
$4 986
3 pax
$4 535
4 pax
$4 341
5 pax
$4 228
6 pax
$4 100
7 pax
$3 925
8 pax
$3 833
Compare prices
The climb cost includes:

Transfers:

  • Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation;
  • Return transfer from accommodation to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Accommodation:

  • Accommodation at 5* Legendary Lodge (Arusha) one night before and one night after the expedition. Legendary Lodge is the ultimate premium retreat with the highest service standards to be found in northern Tanzania;
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (spacious, custom-designed, 4-season walk-in tents).

Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. Single occupancy is available upon request.

Park Fees:

  • All park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

Meals:

  • Breakfast and dinner at the hotel before and after the climb, including soft drinks from the minibar in your room;
  • All meals on the hike. Our premium Kilimanjaro packages feature enhanced meals with a wider variety of cheeses, nuts, desserts, snacks, yoghurts, local and imported fresh fruit and berries. We guarantee top-notch catering in camping conditions. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
  • All drinks on the hike (juices, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water);
  • Bottled water for the whole climb.

Hiking and Safety Equipment:

  • 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
  • Camping cots;
  • All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
  • Sleeping bag Mountain Hardwear Lamina (Comfort -29°C/-20F);
  • Portable toilet;
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
  • GPS-tracking service;
  • Complete medical kits;
  • Satellite phone (20 min credit included, 3 USD per every extra min);
  • Complete medical kits.

Climbing Crew:

  • Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

We are proud to be the members of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project). It is an unbiased evaluation of our commitment to fair treatment of our mountain crews. Of all operators Altezza is paying the highest wages to the porters, guides, cooks and other Kilimanjaro teammates. You may read more about our Kilimanjaro crews here.

Taxes:

  • 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. Altezza Travel is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The climb cost excludes:
  • International flights;
  • Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
  • Personal gear rentals;
  • Tips (450–600 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew);
  • Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.
SUPERB ACCLIMATIZATION
SUPERB ACCLIMATIZATION
Our climbing itineraries are crafted in a way that ensures the smoothest acclimatization transition.
STUNNING SCENERIES
STUNNING SCENERIES
Mesmerizing scenic vistas of Mt Kilimanjaro await you. Visual euphoria and amazing photos guaranteed.
BOTTLED OXYGEN
BOTTLED OXYGEN
Each expedition is supplied with unlimited bottled oxygen for making acclimatization less stressful.

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