Kilimanjaro Climb - Umbwe Route

The Umbwe route is one of the least used routes up Kilimanjaro. It is significantly shorter than the other routes whilst having good acclimatisation time. It also makes distances covered between overnights at altitude shorter and avoids a lot of the crowding which can be experienced in some sites during high season. It is, however, a very steep route and, whilst not a technical climb, is best suited to experienced trekkers.

The guides and crew that we use are excellent. Some of the local guides have climbed and been trained in the USA and on Everest and have years of experience on all the major routes. Some of the guides have summited over 400 times! The guides motivate you and look after your every need - ensuring that everyone safely gets to the top. A high guide & porter to client ratio ensures a safe climb.

Trip information

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Included

Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport, park and climb fees, guides, porters, all camping equipment except sleeping bags, standard mountain rescue fee.

Not included

Flights, visas, travel insurance, tips.

Is it for you?

A Kilimanjaro climb is challenging and you need a good level of fitness. This is a camping trip and although it is well equipped bathroom facilities are limited and you need to be comfortable with not having a shower. You will need to prepare for very variable temperatures, from hot to extremely cold.

Best time

Kilimanjaro can be trekked all year, with advantages and disadvantages each month. See below for details.

Getting there

Flights will cost from £550-850 depending on season and availability (about £650 is most usual).

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny
- Heavy rain
- Heavy rain
- Rain
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Rain
- Sunny with Cloud

Min Temp

- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 15
- 13
- 12
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 14
- 14

Max Temp

- 30
- 34
- 30
- 25
- 25
- 25
- 25
- 30
- 33
- 35
- 35
- 35

Quiet route
Good for experienced trekkers

Itinerary

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Duration: 8 days

Day 1:
Moshi. Overnight at the Keys Hotel. There will be an evening climb briefing.
Day 2:
Umbwe Caves, 2900m. You are driven to the park gates, where you begin a walk of about 7 hours through the rainforest to the campsite.
Day 3:
Barranco Hut, 3900m. This is a steep trek through the forest to Barranco Hut.
Day 4:
Barranco Wall, 4200m. You will trek up the Barranco Wall today before descending into the Karanga Valley where tonight's camp is located.
Day 5:
Barafu Camp, 4600m. This is a fairly short day, crossing scree slopes and ridges from Karanga, with stunning views of the West Breach and the southern glacier. You should have all afternoon at Barafu to help you prepare for tomorrow's ascent.
Day 6:
Barafu to Uhuru, 5895m, then descend to Mweka, 3100m. At midnight you leave camp for the torchlight climb up to Stella Point. This will take about 7 hours including frequesnt rest stops. Continue along the edge of the crater to Uhuru Peak and marvel at the views from the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka or High Camp, arriving later afternoon.
Day 7:
Moshi. a 4-5 hour walk takes you down to Mweka Village where you will be met and transferred back to the Keys Hotel.
Day 8:
Transfer to airport for onward or return flight.

Extra Day: NB: An extra day can be added to this itinerary splitting day 4 at the Karanga Valley. This allows more time for acclimatisation. The cost is an extra £140 per person based on twin share for 2 or more people climbing.

Pricing guidelines for Tanzania

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Tanzania can combine easily with other East African countries.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week high quality safari in the northern circuit (eg with Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Manyara, Tarangire ...)Between £2500 and £3500
2 week southern Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holidayBetween 3000 and £4000
1 week stay on an Indian Ocean island (Zanzibar, Mafia, Chole, Pemba)From £1000 +
1 week Kilimanjaro climbAround £1500

Tanzania