6 Day Umbwe Route Trek Conquer Kilimanjaro’s Challenge - African Landscape Adventures

6 Day Umbwe Route Trek Conquer Kilimanjaro’s Challenge

6 Day Umbwe Route Trek

Overview

The 6-Day Umbwe Route is renowned as the most challenging and direct path to Kilimanjaro’s summit, ideal for experienced trekkers seeking an intense adventure. This route takes you through stunning landscapes, from lush rainforests to rugged moorlands and high-altitude deserts. Though steep and demanding, it offers unmatched rewards, including breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, Southern Icefields, and dramatic volcanic ridges. With fewer crowds and a shorter ascent, this trek emphasizes endurance and mental strength, making it a thrilling choice for those ready to conquer Africa’s highest peak in just five days.

Itinerary

Day 1-Arrival In Moshi

Welcome to Tanzania! A representative from African Landscape Adventures will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

Day 2-Trekking From Umbwe Gate To Umbwe Camp

In the morning, your guide and climbing support team will meet you at your hotel. After introductions and a final equipment check, you’ll drive to the Umbwe Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. This entry point, located at 1,800 m (5,904 ft) above sea level, marks the start of your trek. The chief guide will handle the necessary permits and registration for search and rescue services.

On your first day of hiking, you’ll ascend to Umbwe Camp at 2,850 m (9,348 ft), covering a significant elevation gain. This long trek requires maintaining a steady pace for the entire group. As the route passes through rainforest, rain showers are likely, so be sure to pack a raincoat. By the time you arrive at the camp, your support crew will have prepared dinner and set up the campsite.

➔Important Notes:

This is your first day at high altitude, so it’s essential to follow these guidelines:
- Drink over 4 liters of water daily in small, frequent sips.
- Consider preventive altitude medicine to ease symptoms of altitude sickness. Consult your doctor before the trip to discuss any medical precautions or potential allergies.
- During the night, you may experience discomfort from acclimatization, such as headaches or nausea due to reduced oxygen intake while sleeping. Monitor your symptoms and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.

➔Trekking Details:

Duration: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km

➔ Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park
➔ Meals & Drinks: All meals included, all drinks included.

➔Accommodations: Umbwe Camp

Day 3-Trekking From Umbwe Camp To Barranco Camp

The day begins with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to prepare you for the trek to Barranco Camp. As you ascend, the rainforest gradually transitions into moorland, and if the skies are clear, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Meru Volcano.

This trek is relatively moderate in length, and by midday, you’ll arrive at Barranco Camp, situated at 3,900 m (12,792 ft) within a massive volcanic fault. Upon reaching the camp, you’ll enjoy lunch and have the remainder of the day to relax, which plays a key role in helping your body acclimatize to the altitude.

➔Trekking Details:

Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km

➔ Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park
➔ Meals & Drinks: All meals included, all drinks included(Except liquor/spirits)

➔Accommodations: Barranco Camp

Day 4- Trekking From Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Your day starts with an early wake-up and a nutritious breakfast before tackling the climb up Barranco Wall. To avoid delays caused by other groups, it’s recommended to leave camp early. The climb itself is manageable and takes about an hour, offering plenty of opportunities to rest and snap photos with the stunning Kibo Volcano as a backdrop.

Following this, the trek to Karanga Camp begins. This section of the trail is more challenging, with several ascents and descents. However, your guides will ensure the group maintains an optimal pace to complete the hike comfortably. Upon reaching Karanga Camp (3,995 m / 13,107 ft), you’ll be treated to a warm lunch and some downtime.

Later, an acclimatization hike will take you partway toward Barafu Camp, reaching 4,270 m (14,009 ft) before descending back to Karanga Camp. This easy hike, with a gradual altitude gain, is crucial for acclimatization, improving your chances of successfully reaching the summit while minimizing altitude sickness.

➔Trekking Details:

Main Trek:
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5 km
Acclimatization Hike:
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Distance: 2.5 km
- Elevation Change: 275 m (902 ft) gain during the hike to 4,270 m (14,009 ft)

➔ Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park
➔ Meals & Drinks: All meals included, all drinks included.

➔Accommodations: Barafu Camp

Day 5- Trekking From Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Your day starts with an early wake-up and a nutritious breakfast before tackling the climb up Barranco Wall. To avoid delays caused by other groups, it’s recommended to leave camp early. The climb itself is manageable and takes about an hour, offering plenty of opportunities to rest and snap photos with the stunning Kibo Volcano as a backdrop.

Following this, the trek to Karanga Camp begins. This section of the trail is more challenging, with several ascents and descents. However, your guides will ensure the group maintains an optimal pace to complete the hike comfortably. Upon reaching Karanga Camp (3,995 m / 13,107 ft), you’ll be treated to a warm lunch and some downtime.

Later, an acclimatization hike will take you partway toward Barafu Camp, reaching 4,270 m (14,009 ft) before descending back to Karanga Camp. This easy hike, with a gradual altitude gain, is crucial for acclimatization, improving your chances of successfully reaching the summit while minimizing altitude sickness.

➔Trekking Details:

Main Trek:
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5 km
Acclimatization Hike:
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Distance: 2.5 km
- Elevation Change: 275 m (902 ft) gain during the hike to 4,270 m (14,009 ft)

➔ Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park
➔ Meals & Drinks: All meals included, all drinks included.

➔Accommodations: Barafu Camp

Day 6-Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

The group departs from Barafu Camp around midnight to begin the final ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,336 ft). While the trail itself is not technically challenging, the high altitude makes even basic movements feel taxing. To ensure safety, every two climbers are accompanied by a dedicated guide who closely monitors their physical and mental condition.

Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you’ll have the option to visit one of Kilimanjaro’s majestic glaciers before starting the descent. The group will return to Barafu Camp for a brief 2-hour rest before continuing the descent to Millenium Camp, located at 3,950 m (12,956 ft).

➔Important Note:
Although descending is easier on the lungs, it carries a higher risk of accidents and injuries. To avoid falls, damaged toenails, or other mishaps, take your time and watch your footing carefully.

Trekking Details:

Duration: 8-12 hours
Distance: 15 km

➔ Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park
➔ Meals & Drinks: All meals included, all drinks included.

➔Accommodations: Millenium Camp

Day 7-Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

End-Departure

After a well-deserved rest at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.

➔Please Note:

Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you have an evening flight and require a late check-out, you may extend your stay for an additional fee.

➔ Main Destination: Kilimanjaro International Airport
➔ Meals & Drinks: Breakfast

Prices Information For The Trip

2pax

4pax

6+pax

$2412

$2097

$2015

Includes &Excludes

Includes

Park fees
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)

Excludes

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Alcohol drinks

From $ 2015

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