8 Days Umbwe Route

Arrival

Your trip leader will pick you up upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and bring you to Mbahe Village, located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, approximately 2 hours from the airport. Accommodations are in SENE ’s private cottages at Simon Mtuy’s Mbahe Village farm.

Overnight: Mbahe Farm Cottages

Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

After breakfast and obtaining climb permits from the Marangu Gate nearby Mbahe, we drive to the Umbwe Gate, just a few kilometers west of Mbahe as the crow flies, but a two-hour drive by road off the mountain, through Moshi Town and back up the mountain. Here you will meet your other guides and mountain crew and enter the Kilimanjaro National Park. We begin our climb by walking through a stunning rainforest on a steep and rugged trail, using the many tree roots across the path as steps up the slope. Eventually, we reach a ridge and begin hiking along it before coming to the cave where our first night’s camp is located.

Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp

Meals: B, L, D

Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

Another steep uphill climb along several ridges, including a rock scramble over Jiwe Kamba. We move from the forest, through a beautiful stretch of lichen-laden heather, and into the moorland zone, where you encounter the giant groundsels and senecios, two of the more unusual species of flora on Kilimanjaro.

Overnight: Barranco Camp

Meals: B, L, D

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today we start by climbing the Great Barranco Wall – not too steep but still an exhilarating challenge – which our guides make safe and accessible for everyone by ascending pole pole (meaning “slowly” in Kiswahili). You will be able to see the remarkable Heim Glacier from the top of the Wall. Descend into the Karanga Valley and then climb again to our camp on a ridge above the Valley, where you will enjoy a well-deserved rest and your daily afternoon tea and snacks.

Overnight: Karanga Camp

Meals: B, L, D

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

As we begin hiking today the trail turns steadily uphill. Temperatures are noticeably colder and the landscape more sparse as we work our way to Barafu camp. Barafu means “ice” in Kiswahili. Hiking time is 4 to 5 hours. The camp is set on an exposed ridge and is the staging point for our push to the summit. After an early dinner, we have a summit briefing and prepare our equipment before resting.

Overnight: Barafu Camp

Meals: B, L, D

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

Rise at midnight for a warm and hearty early breakfast in preparation for the long day ahead. We ascend pole pole under the stars on the steep switchback trail, drinking plenty of water and refueling with small snacks, and enjoying the trek to Uhuru, the summit of Kilimanjaro, which we expect to reach shortly after daybreak. At this early hour, before the clouds close in, you will have spectacular views of Africa in all directions. After a brief stay for photos, hugs, and high fives, we descend 2 to 3 hours to Barafu Camp for lunch, rest, and to pick up belongings. Continuing downhill 3 to 4 hours to the edge of the Mweka Forest, we reach the final night’s camp – 7,000 feet below the summit! Eat, share your experiences of the climb, and sleep soundly. Congratulations, you touched the Roof of Africa!

Overnight: Millennium Camp

Meals: B, L, D

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate: Moshi Town

Our last day is another descent of 7,000 feet with 4 to 5 hours of hiking to the exit at Mweka Gate. The trail is steep in places and within the forest may be slippery if wet. After a hearty celebration lunch with the whole team on private SENE land near the exit gate to say goodbye to the mountain crew, the trip leaders bring you to your hotel in Moshi Town to relax, have dinner, and enjoy its spacious garden and swimming pool. (Those going on safari tomorrow will overnight at a hotel in Arusha, closer to the wildlife parks.)

Overnight: Ameg Lodge or Pink Flamingo Hotel.

Meals: B, L, D

Departure

Those heading out on safari or to Zanzibar will depart after breakfast to continue your African adventure. For those returning home, we offer you a guided tour of Moshi Town with its colorful market and curio shops. You may eat lunch in town or back at the lodge (lunch not included). Transfer by SENE to the Kilimanjaro Airport.