6 Days Kilimanjaro - Umbwe Route Via Barafu Camp Tour

Package Overview

The Umbwe route is known for its caves. The first night you actually sleep at the Umbwe Cave Camp with two more caves that can be visited en route the following day. Because of the high risks involved with sleeping at Arrow Glacier camp and summiting via the Western Breach, all our Umbwe route hikes are re-routed, to join with the Machame route from night 2 on the mountain. On special request we can assist with Umbwe route hikes attempting to summit using the Western Breach / Arrow Glacier path and overnight at the Crater camp. Please note this can only be arranged through our higher quality Standard packages and a supplement rate will apply.

The main itinerary difference between the Umbwe 6 day and 7 day routes is the additional acclimatization day at Barranco camp.

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Umbwe Gate (1614m) – Umbwe Cave camp (2850m)

  Hiking time: 6 Hours
  Distance: Approximately 10.3 km
  Habitat: Forest (Montane)
  
  After breakfast you will be driven to the Machame gate where registration formalities will be completed. From the Machame gate you will be transferred to the Umbwe Gate (1641m), passing through villages with coffee and banana plantations. The air is thick with moisture and the path is usually muddy. The route initially follows a forestry track winding up through the natural rain forest. It then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, with huge trees surrounding you. The path offers some spectacular views of deep gorges and if you are lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the Umbwe Cave Camp (2 850m).

  • Themes Trekking
• Day 2 : Umbwe Cave camp (2850m) – Barranco camp (3985m)

  Hiking time: 6 hours
  Distance: Approximately 6.3 km
  Habitat: Moorland.
  
  Shortly after leaving the camp the forest starts thinning and is replaced by rockier terrain, sparser undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path continues along a narrow, but spectacular ridge. As you gain higher altitude, catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you – etched against the blue sky. The path flattens as you approach Barranco valley. From the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco camp. The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while your dinner is being prepared.

  • Themes Trekking
• Day 3 : Barranco camp (3985m) – Karanga Camp (4040m)

  Hiking time: 6 hours
  Distance: Approximately 6 km
  Habitat: Moorland / Semi desert
  
  After spending a night at the great Barranco Wall (a very imposing sight at first), you make your way up this awesome looking obstacle, which in the end normally turns out to be easier than anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you will now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. The last water stop on the route is the Karanga Valley, as there is no water available at Barafu camp. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the Karanga camp.

  • Themes Trekking
• Day 4 : Karanga camp (4040m) – Barafu camp (4681m)

  Hiking time: 4 hours
  Distance: Approximately 3.4km
  Habitat: Alpine desert
  
  Breakfast at Karanga camp and after breakfast turn left up the ridge and the route ascends 640m towards Barafu Camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice” and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night.
  Totally exposed to the ever-present gales, the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge.
  Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1214m higher and you will commence with your final ascent attempt, the same night. Prepare your equipment, hiking poles and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed as early as possible and try to get some precious rest and sleep.

  • Themes Trekking
• Day 5 : Summit attempt, Barafu camp (4681m)-Uhuru Peak (5895m)-Mweka (3090m)

  Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Mweka Camp
  Distance: Approximately 4.5 km ascent and 10.8 km descent Habitat:
  
  Stone scree and ice-capped summit you will get up around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers the 6-hours walk to Stella point is mentally and physically the most challenging on the route At Stella Point (5739m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to get going again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life! The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Mweka hut (3090m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest.The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
  Dinner and washing water will be prepared.

  • Themes Trekking
• Day 6 : Mweka camp (3090m) – Mweka Gate (1641m)

  Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
  Habitat: Forest
  Distance: Approximately 8.5 km.
  
  After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 4 to 6 hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate. Some hikers do experience knee problems which could make the descend longer than planned. Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register book, this is where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will be served a delicious hot lunch!! After lunch you drive back to Arusha or Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
  
  End of your trekking services.

  • Themes Trekking

Inclusions

• All transfers.
• Accommodation before climbing.
• Professional and experienced mountain guide, cook and porters.
• All entry fees
• Rescue fees All meals during your trekking.
• Quality mess tents with tables and chairs.
• Large portion of fresh healthy nutritious food.
• Clean purified water.

Exclusions

• Sleeping bags, bring your own sleeping bag but still you can rent it in Arusha at reasonable
• Flight ticket.
• Gratitude’s for Kilimanjaro climbing crews.
• Personal expenses (e.g. laundry bills, telephone bills, beverages etc.)
• Anything not mentioned above.

Package Start From

• Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa

Terms & Conditions

This Tour is Offered by

• XXXXXX0403 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@vuka.co.tz View Mail ID
• http://www.vukaexpeditionsandcamps.com

Intested in This Tour?

• Requests are send directly to the tour operator
• We recommend to reqest quotes from 3 operators (Learn why)