The Umbwe Route is considered the fastest and most direct. This route is suitable for beginners as it is the easiest and the most scenic one. The trek will test your limits and reward you with the ultimate sense of achievement as you conquer one of the world's highest peaks. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey and experience the thrill of summiting Africa's tallest mountain.
Our team will meet you and we will go to check into a hotel in Moshi together. Later we will have a small organizational meeting where we will answer possible questions, give a briefing, we will check your equipment and rent the missing equipment. Overnight at the Chanya lodge in Moshi.
Day 1:
We'll gather and prepare for our ascent at the gates of Kilimanjaro National Park. After obtaining climbing permits, we'll begin our journey and admire the lush tropical vegetation while learning about the local flora and fauna.
The trail can be slippery and muddy, so we recommend wearing leggings and using trekking poles. The first part of the trek passes through a dense forest and two deep valleys, leading us to our first campsite nestled among the trees.
Overnight at a camp. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.
Day 2:
After a good night's sleep and breakfast, we'll continue our trek and ascend a steep slope through the dense tropical forest. Today's challenge is climbing along the Umbwe Ridge before descending to the Barranco camp for dinner and rest. As we descend, we'll begin to feel the temperature drop gradually.
Day 3:
We'll start this day with a hearty breakfast and ascend a steep ridge along the Barranco Wall.
We'll then turn towards the Karanga Valley and cross a junction that connects to the Mweka Route. This part of the journey will present many challenges, but we'll tackle them together as a team.
Our destination for the day is the Barafu camp, where we'll complete the southern portion of the route and take in stunning views from various angles.
After an early dinner, we'll rest up for the night ascent. We'll spend the night at the Barafu camp, ready to take on the next challenge.
Day 4:
The most crucial part of our ascent is here, and tensions are high. We'll wake up early, around 2 am, to start the most challenging leg of the trek. Snow covers the ground at this altitude, adding to the difficulty.
We'll overcome obstacles and continue towards the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, then northwest to Stellapoint on the crater's edge. Witnessing the sunrise here will be a breathtaking reward.
After an hour of walking through the snow, we'll finally conquere Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa!
We'll then descend to the Mweka camp, with a lunch and rest stop at Barafu on the way. This evening will be our last in the mountains, so let's savor it! We'll rest and spend the night at the Mweka camp.
Day 5:
We'll have breakfast, a gratitude ceremony, and then say goodbye to the team. Next, we'll head down to the Mweka Gate for climbing certificates.
A car will take you to your Moshi hotel in about 30 minutes. Relax, dine, and celebrate at the hotel. Spend the night there before leaving for home, a safari, or a new trip to Zanzibar.
Departure day:
We will take you to the airport or any other place you need.
Included in the trekking package: lead guide, assistant guides, english speaking & wilderness first responder trained cook, porters, equipment; sleeping mat, 2-inch foam pillow, walk-in dining tent and table backed chairs, wash basins with hot water each morning and evening; three meals per day & afternoon snack during the trek, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free upon request, treated drinking water (minimum of 3L per day while trekking with additional water available at camp), coffee and tea during the trek, pulse oximeter, first aid kit, emergency oxygen; Kilimanjaro National Park fees and VAT, camping/hut, rescue, conservation and taxes; pre-trek briefing with your guide; accommodation (please contact me about the type of accommodation at each hotel or any other questions related to it), transfer.
Excluded: gratuities/tips, personal trekking gear such as sleeping bag and clothing, favored beverages (soda and alcohol at hotels, additional accommodation or meals resulting from early descent, Tanzania entry visa, travel insurance, flights, expenses of a personal nature.
Tipping is customary on Mount Kilimanjaro for all members of your mountain crew. They receive a fair wage, they rely on tips for a total fair compensation. Tips for the team (guide, assistant guide, cook and porters). Industry recommendations are $20 a day to the guide, $15 a day to your assistance guide and cook, $8 a day to each of your porters divided by everyone in trip.