Kilimanjaro Trekking via the Umbwe Route
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure on the roof of Africa? Join us for a six-day trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and one of the Seven Summits of the world. You will follow the Umbwe Route, the most direct and spectacular way to reach the top of Kilimanjaro. This route is challenging and rewarding, and it will take you through diverse and stunning landscapes, from the tropical rainforest to the arctic glaciers. You will also have the chance to witness the sunrise from the summit, a truly magical experience.
Day 1: Arrival to Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Moshi
You will be welcomed by our representative at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel or lodge in Moshi, a town at the base of Kilimanjaro. You will have time to relax and prepare for your trek. You will also meet your guide and have a briefing about the itinerary, the equipment, and the safety measures. You will spend the night in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi to Umbwe Gate and Trekking to Umbwe Camp
After breakfast, you will drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate, the starting point of your trek. You will register at the gate and meet your porters and cook, who will carry your gear and supplies and prepare your meals. You will then start your trek through the rainforest, following a steep and narrow path. You will enjoy the views of the valley and the forest, and you may spot some wildlife, such as monkeys and birds. You will reach the Umbwe Camp, where you will have dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Trekking from Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you will continue your trek through the forest, then enter the heath zone, where the vegetation becomes sparser and the landscape more rocky. You will follow a ridge that offers panoramic views of the mountain and the plains below. You will then descend to the Barranco Valley, where you will see the impressive Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that you will climb the next day. You will camp at the Barranco Camp, where you will have dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Trekking from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, you will face the challenge of climbing the Barranco Wall, a 300-meter high obstacle that requires some scrambling and climbing skills. You will be rewarded with amazing views of the glaciers and the summit. You will then cross the Karanga Valley and the alpine desert, where you will see some unique plants, such as the giant lobelias and the senecios. You will reach the Barafu Camp, where you will have an early dinner and rest. You will also prepare for the summit attempt, which will start at midnight.
Day 5: Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp
You will wake up around midnight and start your ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro. You will trek in the dark, following the switchbacks of the steep and rocky path. You will reach the Stella Point, where you will see the sunrise over the horizon. You will then continue to the Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. You will have some time to celebrate your achievement and take photos. You will then descend to the Barafu Camp, where you will have a short break and lunch. You will then continue your descent to the Millennium Camp, where you will have dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Descent to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Moshi
After breakfast, you will complete your trek by descending to the Mweka Gate, where you will sign the guestbook and receive your certificates. You will also tip your guide, porters, and cook to show your appreciation for their hard work and support. You will then drive back to Moshi, where you will have a farewell dinner and overnight. You will also have the option to extend your stay and enjoy some of the other attractions that Tanzania has to offer, such as safaris, cultural tours, or beach holidays.
rates for this tour will be : USD 1879 per person
Important Information for Travelers
Before you embark on this amazing adventure, there are some important things you need to know and prepare for. Here are some of them:
- You need a valid passport and a visa to enter Tanzania. You can apply for a visa online or on arrival at the airport. The visa fee is $50 for most nationalities and $100 for US citizens. You also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are coming from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
- You need to book your trek with a reputable tour operator (here is NeishaQuest Tours and Adventures) that provides quality service and safety standards. You also need to choose a route that suits your fitness level and acclimatization needs. The Umbwe route is the most difficult and shortest route, and it is recommended for experienced and fit trekkers only. You can check the reviews and success rates of different operators and routes online.
- You need to train for your trek and get a medical check-up before departure. You should be able to hike for long hours on uneven terrain with a backpack. You should also consult your doctor about any health issues or medications that may affect your performance or altitude tolerance. You should also get travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation by helicopter.You need to pack the right gear and clothing for your trek.
- You will encounter different weather conditions and temperatures on the mountain, so you need to pack layers that you can easily adjust. You also need a good pair of hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, a water bottle, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. You can rent some of the equipment from your tour operator or in Moshi.
- You need to follow the advice and instructions of your guide and porters. They are there to help you and ensure your safety and comfort. You should listen to their tips and warnings, and respect their decisions. You should also drink plenty of water, eat well, and rest enough. You should also avoid alcohol, tobacco, and sleeping pills, as they can worsen the effects of altitude sickness.
- You need to enjoy your trek and have fun. You are about to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will challenge you and reward you. You will see amazing views, meet new people, and learn about a different culture. You will also achieve a personal goal and feel proud of yourself. Remember to take photos, make memories, and have a great time.
Price Includes:
Two nights accommodation at Hotel/ lodge in Moshi double or triple occupancy (before and after the climb)
First night includes breakfast
Last night includes dinner & breakfast
Qualified guides with mountain crew
National park fees
Hut/camping fees and tents
Tents foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and (Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils.
Rescue fees (required by the National Park)
Pulse oximeters
First aid kit
Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
Boiled water on the mountain
Airport transfers (JRO – Kilimanjaro International Airports)
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain
Not Included:
Single rooms supplement
Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
Meals and drinks not specified
Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)
Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent. See our rental price list.
Car Supplement USD$145 per car for clients who go through Lemosho/Rongai/Shira Routes
Items of personal nature (expenses)
Emergency Oxygen
Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit).
Visa fees & travel insurance.
Flight tickets.
This tour starts and ends in Moshi
This operator can help select your international flights, but you’ll have to book them yourselfhelp
Fly to/from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) near Moshi
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost