Umbwe Route, Gold Level Premium Climb (On Request)

Daring experienced climbers seeking adventure and challenge will find just what they want on Umbwe. A short steep climb traversing all the climate zones - from tropical rainforest to eternal ice - will put your strength and endurance to the test. Like no other route on Kilimanjaro Umbwe gives a sense of achievement to those who reach the summit. Our premium Kilimanjaro adventures include certain extra features, such as spacious walk-in tents, advanced meal plan on the hike, portable shower and toilet, camp cots, insurance package, satellite phone for staying in touch with family and friends and some other upgrades on Kilimanjaro. It is the highest quality service a luxury-focused climber can get here. All guides have "Wilderness First Responder" and "Wilderness First Aid" certificates, along with over 7 years of experience in climbing. At the end of the tour, you will receive an International certificate for a successful ascent! 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Umbwe: your first day on the mountain will start from Umbwe Gate and continue with a long trek to the first camp on your way - Umbwe camp. In spite of the challenge that Umbwe poses to hikers, well-thought-out location of camps will contribute to proper acclimatization.

Day 1: ARRIVAL KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – ARUSHA AREA (40km – 1hr)

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our representative, and transferred to the hotel. In the evening, join the briefing with the climb representatives, who will share various information or you upcoming climb and ensure you are ready to embark on your adventure (For the kit list please refer to the ‘What do I need to bring section’. Please note the check-in starts at 02:00 pm.

Overnight in Arusha area.

Day 2: UMBWE GATE – UMBWE CAMP (hiking 11km – 5/7hrs)

After a delectable breakfast, a guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park: Umbwe Gate (1,640 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to your first camp: Umbwe Camp (2,930 m). This will be a long trekking day that includes an important increase in altitude, so don't hurry. It is important to find the right pace for your group and stick with it for the rest of the trip. You should also remember to take your raincoats: this route includes passage through a rainforest, where tropical showers are highly probable. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put tents and cook dinner for you. Change in Elevation: Umbwe Gate (1,640 m) — Umbwe Camp (2,930 m). Hiking distance: 11 km. Hiking time: 5–7 hours.

Overnight in Umbwe Camp.

Day 3: UMBWE CAMP – BARRANCO CAMP (hiking 6km – 4/5hrs)

Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of trekking to Barranco Camp. The rainforest will quickly give way to brush, and if it is not too cloudy you will be able to see Meru Volcano for the first time. Trekking for this day will be of a moderate length, and around lunchtime, you will reach Barranco Camp (3,960 m), which is nestled inside a huge volcanic fault. Lunch will be provided here, and then you have the opportunity to relax for the rest of the day, which significantly facilitates the acclimatization process. Change in Elevation: Umbwe Camp (2,930 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Hiking distance: 6 km. Hiking time: 4–5 hours.

Overnight in Barranco Camp.

Day 4: BARRANCO CAMP / KARANGA CAMP (hiking 5km – 4/5hrs) – BARAFU CAMP (acclimatization hike 2.5km – 1/2hrs)

Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano. Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp (4,035 m), which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then descent back down to the camp. Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp: Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Karanga Camp (4,035 m). Hiking distance: 5 km. Hiking time: 4–5 hours. Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Destination point en route to Barafu Camp (4,270 m). Hiking distance: 2.5 km. Hiking time: 1–2 hours.

Overnight in Karanga Camp.

Day 5: KARANGA CAMP / BARAFU CAMP (hiking 6km – 4/5hrs) – KOSOVO CAMP (acclimatization hike 2km – 1/2hrs)

In the morning after breakfast, you begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m), the starting point for a night summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax. After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting. Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp: Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m). Hiking distance: 6 km. Hiking time: 4–5 hours. Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Kosovo Camp (4,800 m). Hiking distance: 2 km. Hiking time: 1–2 hours.

Overnight in Barafu Camp.

Day 6: ASCENT UHURU PEAK – DESCENT TO MILLENNIUM CAMP (hiking 15km – 8/12hrs)

Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m). Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — Millennium Camp (3,820 m). Hiking distance: 15 km. Hiking time: 8–12 hours.

Overnight in Millennium Camp.

Day 7: MILLENNIUM CAMP / MWEKA GATE (hiking 12km – 4/5hrs) – ARUSHA AREA

The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,650 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel. Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) — Mweka Gate (1,650 m). Hiking distance: 12 km. Hiking time: 4–5 hours.

Overnight in Arusha area.

Day 8: ARUSHA AREA – DEPARTURE KILIMANJARO (40km – 1hr)

Indulge in a tasty breakfast and then transfer to the airport. Please note that the hotel check-out is at 11:00 am. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee (available as an optional extra). 

Passengers arriving in Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Travellers’ cheques are generally not accepted in East Africa. US banknotes cannot be older than 2004 and must have the latest security markings (large portrait of the president).

KIT LIST:

• Small backpack (20–40 litres) for your daily necessities
• Large duffel bag for your belongings, which will be carried by a porter (80–120 litres)
• Sleeping bag (designed for up to −15°C)
• Rain poncho, a water-proof covering for your backpack
• Hiking boots with a water-repellent layer and good protector
• Gym shoes for the first days of the climb and to change at the camp
• Hiking pants for the first days of the climb (2 pairs)
• Waterproof pants
• Warm ski pants (designed for −15°C)
• T-shirts, long sleeve shirts (4–5 pieces)
• Soft-shell or fleece jacket
• Windproof jacket
• Insulated jacket for −15°C is an absolute necessity for the final ascent to the summit
• Thermal underwear for active sports (preferably 2 pairs)
• Light trekking gloves
• Mittens/gloves designed for −15°C for the final ascent to the summit
• Hiking socks (4–5 pairs)
• Gaiters for protection against dust/snow
• Cap/Panama hat/hat to protect your face and neck against the equatorial sun
• Fleece hat
• Balaclava for wind protection during the final summit ascent
• Alpine sunglasses or googles 
• Headlamp + extra batteries
• Trekking poles
• Water flasks (2 litres in total); the flask may be substituted by a water bladder installed in your backpack
• SPF 40-50+ sunblock
• Lip balm
• Towel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush
• Personal medication in case of a chronic disease
• Snacks and energy bars, chocolate and nuts