This is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the steepest on Western Breach of Kibo, 6days 5 night climb

The less utilized Umbwe Route was opened in June 1963. Tents are used for this climb as the huts are in a poor state. This route makes the distances covered between camps shorter and avoids crowding experienced in some sites in season. The summit and return days are as per the Machame Route. All supplies and camping equipment are carried up the mountain by porters who also prepare all your meals. Your personal baggage is limited for the climb.

An ascent to Kibo via the Umbwe Route is probably one of the most scenic ‘non-technical mountaineering expeditions in East Africa. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude, buy the rewards are plentiful. Fewer people, pristine forest, greater chances of seeing wildlife and bird life in the lower levels, and shorter walking distance make it a great option for fit hikers. There are two main ascents on the Umbwe Route, via Barafu Hut or Arrow Glacier. Although both of these options can be done in 5 days, a 6 day hike is recommended for correct acclimatization.

DAY 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer to the hotel in Moshi/Arusha.

DAY 2: After breakfast you are driven to the Umbwe Gate (1 700 m). On arrival at the park’s gate you are met by guides and porters. You will now commence on a walk through the spectacular forest to the first camp, Bivouac 1 (2 900 m), with access to water. This path begins at 2 100 m and generally keeps to the narrow ridge crest between the Lonzo River on the west and the Umbwe on the east. The path gains altitude quickly, and offers some spectacular views of deep gorges, and if you are lucky glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance! Take your time walking through this section. It will help you acclimatize and the paths are often steep in places, B.L.D.

DAY 3: The day starts with a walk up to Bivouac No 2 (3 780 m), just under the first head-on view of the peak. If you’re feeling strong, then you may continue to Barranco Hut (3 950 m). The path is fairly steep through the forest, heading along a sharp ridge before it flattens as you approach Barranco Hut in the moorland zone. After a fairly long and strenuous day, you will now start to feel the symptoms of altitude, B.L.D.

DAY 4: This day can be used for acclimatization and rest. You can hike to any of the higher elevations surrounding the Barranco camp and return for a well-deserved rest. The whole idea is to hike to a higher elevation and return to sleep low, this should help immensely with acclimazation, (walk high/sleep low), B.L.D.

DAY 5: The morning starts with a scramble up the almost vertical Barranco Wall to an altitude of about 4 200 m and then the path crosses through the south-western slopes to reach the Karranga Valley. Before reaching the camp to Karranga Valley below 4 000 m, you’ll pass through valleys offering great views of Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers that form part of the Southern Ice fields.

This is the last water stop on the route. There is no water at Barafu Hut (4 600 m), so you should take care and stock up your water supply. After lunch you ascend a ridge along a footpath that leads to the next camp, Barafu Hut (4 600 m). On a clear day the Saddle and Mawenzi (5 149 m) can be seen to the east. Barafu Hut (4 600 m) is situated on an exposed and dangerous ridge, so familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid nay tragedies. You will be able to rest up to Barafu for the whole afternoon, acclimatizing and gathering strength for the summit.

At this point you should take special care and move around this area with extreme caution as many fatal accidents have been recorded at the camp over the years. Porters will erect the tents and prepare supper and while this is happening you can arrange your gear for the summit bid which will take place towards midnight. Ensure that you replace your headlamp and camera batteries. Because it so incredibly cold, it would be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask to avoid it freezing into one solid and useless icicle. Of course, for practical reasons the group size will determine how many assistant guides are required, B.L.D.

DAY 6: Around midnight you’ll head in a north-westerly direction up the South East Valley towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The night is very cold with the footpath rocky and steep in places. The long walk to Stella Point is a mental and physical challenge. Even more serious, altitude has now been gained rapidly. The result is hotness of breath, severe headaches and nausea – affecting most climbers badly.

Depending on weather conditions, you could encounter snow and ice from below Stella Point all the way to Uhuru Peak (5 895 m). This stretch takes about an hour and offers great views of Rebman, Decken, Kersten and Heim Glaciers. From Uhuru Peak you can also see Furtwangler Glacier to the north and the Eastern Ice Fields to the north-east. Above all you are also rewarded with just about the most beautiful African sunrise ever.

The time you spend on the summit is determined by weather and wind conditions. These can cause temperatures to plummet well below minus 30 degrees Celsius. The walk back to Barafu Hut (4 600 m) from the summit can take over three hours. Thee you are able to have a short rest and collect the rest of your gear before heading down to the final camp on the mountain, Mweka Hut (3 100 m), B.L.D.

DAY 7: An early breakfast is served before you descend through the rainforest to the park’s gate. On reaching the gate you must enter your particulars into the park’s register. The guides are issued with green certificates for climbers who reached Stella Point and gold certificates for those who reached Uhuru Peak. You can buy drinks, beer, maps, books and shirts from the ranger.

After all formalities are over the presentation of certificates and tipping your guides and cook, continue your descent to the Mweka Village (1 450 m) where transport awaits to transfer you to the hotel for a bath or shower. B.L.D.

DAY 8: Transfer to the airport for your return flight, B.

Acclimatization: One may choose 8days/7nights, with an extra day for acclimatization at Baranco camp on 4th Day, which will increase his/her chance to reach the top.

• Arrival and departure airport transfers.
• 2 nights accommodations in a basic hotel (Bed and Breakfast), before and after the climb
• Accommodation in tents on the mountain
• Meals as indicated on itineraries (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• All park fees, including mountain rescue fees, hut fees, and government taxes
• Services of our own trained English-speaking mountain guide, and a skilled cook, and enough numbers of porters for your luggage, food, and water, and a dinning tent
• Transport from your hotel to the mountain, and back to your hotel
• Use of cell phones to increase your safety
• Discount available for group of 8 or more!
  

Excluded:

• Beverages, laundry and items of a personal nature
• Passport, visa, traveler’s insurance, medical evacuation insurance.
• Tips to guides and porters.
• International airfare