A short, tough and scenic route to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. A rewarding choice.
Price: from £1395
Discounts available for 5 or more...Contact Us
This is a private departure...just you, your travel partners and your guide. You choose the dates...we'll make it happen
Included:
Airport transfers, All park fees, hut fees, accommodation, meals as indicated, services of guides, porters, cook.
Not Included:
Visas, travel insurance, flights, tips, extra drinks, sleeping bag and items of a personal nature
Start: Moshi
Finish: Moshi
This is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach of Kibo. An ascent to Kibo via the Umbwe Route is probably one of the most scenic ‘non-technic’ mountaineering expeditions in East Africa. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitudes, but the rewards are plentiful. Fewer people, pristine forest, greater chance of seeing wildlife and bird life in the lower levels, and shorter walking distances make it a great choice for fit hikers.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Moshi
Arrive in Moshi and overnight at our centrally located hotel. There will be an evening climb briefing at the hotel.
There are 2 international airports, Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and Nairobi Airport (NBO).
Transfers from both of these airports are possible however we recommend flying into Kilimanjaro airport as it is closer and thus transfers are considerably cheaper and you avoid the need to obtain a Kenyan visa.
Day 2 – Umbwe
Umbwe roadhead to Umbwe camp
Hike time: 5.5 hours
Camp elevation: 2940m
After a short drive to the Umbwe Roadhead at 1800m we begin our trek along a forestry track which winds it way through the natural rainforest. The trail gradually narrows and steepens as we climb a ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers. Our first campsite is in the forest near some overhanging rocks.
Day 3 – Barranco Hut
Umbwe Camp to Barranco Hut
Hike time: 5.5 Hours
Camp elevation: 3900m
We leave camp in the morning and continue our trek along a spectacular narrow ridge with superb views of the icy Breach wall above and the Great Barranco gorge below.
From the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco Hut and our camp in the valley floor.
Day 4 – Karanga Valley
Barranco Hut to Karanga Valley
Hike time: 4 hours
Camp elevation: 4200m
After a short scramble we reach the top of the Great Barranco and traverse over scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley our campsite for the night. Camping beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers.
Day 5 – Barafu Hut – BLD
Karanga Valley to Barafu Hut
Hike time: 4 hours
Camp elevation: 4600m
In the morning, we hike east over ridges and valleys to join the Mweka route, which will be our descent route. Turning left towards the mountain we hike up through sparse landscape to Barafu Hut for a hot lunch. The famous snows of Kilimanjaro are far above Barafu camp near the summit of the mountain. We pitch our tents on a narrow, stony, wind-swept ridge, so make sure you familiarize yourself with the terrain to avoid any accidents
Day 6 – Summit / Mweka Hut – BLD
Barafu Hut to Summit to Mweka Hut
Hike time: 11 hours
Summit elevation: 5895m
We rise around 11:30pm and after some warming tea and biscuits we shuffle off into the night. Our 6 hour climb northwest through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella point on the crater rim is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. At Stella Point we stop for a short rest and a chance to see a supremely sanguine sunrise. At Stella point we join the top part of the Marangu route but do not stop here for long as it will be difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. We may encounter snow on our final trek along the rim to Uhuru peak. Enjoy your time on the summit as you will remember it for ever more. We descend for 3 hours back to Barafu camp before continuing down a rock and scree path into moorland and eventually into the forest at Mweka Camp where you can enjoy a well deserved beer!
Day 7 – Descent - BLD
A 3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the Park gate and your waiting transport back to Moshi for a well deserved shower and celebratory dinner.
Day 8 – Moshi B
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast……
Extend your stay....
Zanzibar : Spend some time on the exotic island of Zanzibar. Dive and snorkel in the turquoise waters or sit back, relax and revel in your achievement.
Safari : You are in the land of the safari so why not stay a little longer and enjoy the abundance of wildlife on offer.
Mt Kenya : Fancy another challenge, climb to the summit of the 2nd highest mountain in Africa
Mt Meru : A great warm up to the mighty Kilimanjaro ….recommended
Contact us for prices and further details