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7 Day Umbwe Route Trek Conquer Kilimanjaro’s Challenge

7 Day Umbwe Route Trek

Overview

The 7-Day Umbwe Route is Kilimanjaro’s most challenging and direct ascent, ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a steep, adventurous climb with fewer crowds. This extended version includes an extra day for acclimatization, improving summit success while maintaining the route’s intense nature. Hikers traverse diverse landscapes from dense rainforests and narrow ridgelines to high-altitude moorlands and alpine deserts culminating in breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, the Southern Icefields, and dramatic volcanic formations. With its remote feel and demanding terrain, the Umbwe Route offers a thrilling, rewarding journey to Africa’s highest peak.

Itinerary

Day 1-Arrival In Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be warmly welcomed by a representative from African Landscape Adventures. From there, you’ll be transferred to your pre-arranged hotel, included in your package.

Your hotel stay has been carefully selected for comfort and convenience, offering:

  • Comfortable rooms

  • Hot showers

  • Friendly and attentive staff

  • Swimming pool

  • Free Wi-Fi

In the evening, you’ll attend a pre-climb briefing with one of our team managers. They’ll go over the itinerary, check your gear, and ensure everything is in place for a safe and successful adventure.

Chanya Lodge

located near Moshi, offers a peaceful escape with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. This cozy lodge provides a serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding before or after your trekking adventure

Kilimanjaro Wonders

Located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel offers a perfect blend of luxury and convenience for trekkers and tourists

Kibo Palace

Located in Moshi, Tanzania, offers a luxurious retreat with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its modern amenities and exceptional service

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

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

Today begins with an early wake up and a hearty breakfast before tackling the impressive Barranco Wall a dramatic but manageable climb that takes about an hour. Leaving camp early helps avoid crowds and ensures a smoother ascent. Once at the top, take time to rest and capture stunning photos with Kibo Peak rising in the distance. The trek then continues with a more demanding hike to Karanga Camp, featuring a series of ascents and descents across rugged terrain. Our experienced guides will maintain a steady, comfortable pace to support the group’s endurance. Upon arrival at camp, enjoy a warm lunch and some downtime before setting out on a short acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp, gaining approximately 200 meters (656 feet) in altitude before returning to Karanga. This light trek plays a crucial role in preparing your body for summit day, significantly improving your chances of success and helping prevent altitude sickness so take it seriously, even if it feels easy.

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

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

Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

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

$2848

$2550

$2300

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)
  • 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 $ 2300

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