Umbwe 7 Days Trek – Tufurahi Africa

´Summary´

Route Overview

The Umbwe route is one of the shortest and most challenging routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. It is the best route for those who prefer fewer crowds, although the chances of success are also low on this route. Umbwe is considered to be a very difficult and taxing route-one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude.
Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
The minimum number of days for this route is six. Additional days are recommended for more acclimatisation.

Trek Itinerary

DAY 1 : Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave Camp

In the morning pick up from the hotel in Moshi and drive to Umbwe Gate where the trek begins, to the rainforest, the route follows a forestry track and then steepens between the rivers of Lonzo and Umbwe. Subject to the condition that the weather remains clear, with a good view of the Kibo in the distance. Arrive Umbwe Cave Camp located at 2850 meters, which is 10.5 km from the starting point. The camp is situated in between large evergreen trees and undergrowth. Followed by dinner and overnight.
Distance: 10.5km/6miles
Environment: Montane forest
Time: 5 to 7 hours

DAY 2 : Umbwe Cave Camp – Barranco Camp

The landscape gradually changes to moorland from rainforest, and consequently vegetation becomes sparse and rocky outcrops dominate. Following the Umbwe Route ridge until it begins to flatten as it reaches the Barranco Valley. The Barranco Camp located at an altitude of 3950 meters sits under the shadow of Great Barranco Wall from where trekkers can clearly see Kibo in a distance. The Umbwe camp is pretty busy, this is because it joining hikers from the Machame Lemosho and Shira route here.
Distance: 6.5km/4miles
Environment: Rain forest/Lowe alpine zone
Time: 4 to 6 hours

DAY 3 : Barranco Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Today is a very important day for acclimatisation which start after breakfast, the walk to Lava tower (15,180ft/4600m), will help prepares body for summit. The walk to the lava tower, will brings us up near to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. Then descend down back to the Barranco camp at an altitude of 3950m. Spend rest of the day, enjoy lunch, dinner, and overnight. Although the day end at the same elevation, this day is very important for acclimatization, it help to prepare the body for summit day.
Distance: 3km/1.5miles
Environment: Alpine Desert
Time: 3 hours

DAY 4 : Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp

The day starts by descending to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then, from the base, started to climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, the trail crosses hills and valleys until it descends sharply into Karanga Valley (Karanga River), the last water point. Then started climbing up to Karanga Camp, arriving there for lunch. Later in the afternoon, followed by a shorter acclimatization walk, then dinner and overnight.
Distance: 6 km/3.7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 5 : Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

From Karanga Camp, the route continues up to the rocky section until Barafu Camp. At this point, the Southern Circuit is completed, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Arrive at the camp, rest, followed by an early dinner, and prepare for the summit. When the weather gets clear, the view of the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen.
Distance: 4 km/2.4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 6 : Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Campsite

Hiking to the summit will begin short after midnight, at around 12:30 A.M., as our path twists through heavy scree towards Stella Point at the crater rim. This part of the hike is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the ascend. Once we reach Stella Point, you will rest and refresh with warm cup of tea or coffee, accompanied by the views of the magnificent sunrise coming above Mawenzi. Going further up, you might encounter snow storm, although it is dictated by the season you are taking for the hike. The summit, Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Kilimanjaro and all of Africa, is just an hour ascend from Stella Point.
From the summit, you will start trekking down to Mweka campsite. Lunch stop will be at Barafu camp, where you can take some rest, before we continue our descend towards Mweka Campsite, which is located in the forest. Here, you will have your last dinner and overnight on the Kilimanjaro.
Elevation 4600meters to 5895meters (and down to 3100meters)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

DAY 7 : Mweka Campsite to Mweka Gate

Breakfast will be served before we begin hiking down to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive summit certificates. Path on the lower elevations can be rather wet and muddy, so the gaiters and trekking poles might come handy. There will be a vehicle waiting at the gate to take you back to your accommodation in Moshi.
Elevation 3100meters to 1800meters
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

The departure dates for all our Trekking activities and tour packages are totally flexible according to your own personal needs. Please contact us through email or using a quick chat button on the right for further and more detailed information.

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