Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Destination

9 Days

Duration

9/10

Physicality

18-55

Age recommendations

9 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Hike

The Kilimanjaro Umbwe route is beyond doubt the most challenging trek up the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The route literally heads straight up the mountain with very little, if no days set aside for acclimatization.

We recommend that this route should only be attempted by very fit climbers. Having said that, because of its severity it does have an advantage. Yes the views are still incredible but with the advantage that there are way less trekkers on this route because of the lower summit success rate. In fact, the success rate on this route is a slow as 80% due to the rapid increase in altitude.

Kilimanjaro FAQ

Effects of altitude on Kilimanjaro
Effects of altitude on Kilimanjaro So you are looking at climbing Kilimanjaro but are worried about what will happen to your body at altitude? We have been involved in mountaineering not only on Kilimanjaro but on some of the highest mountains the in the world for over 20 years. We have been in countless situations at altitude and have not only helped people through these situations but have also got to experience some of these effects ourselves. It is one thing to help a climber with a Pulmonary Edema from an outsider’s perspective, but having suffered one myself I can

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Top 10 tips for Climbing Kilimanjaro
Top 10 tips for Climbing Kilimanjaro I decided to climb Mt Kilimanjaro with South Africa Adventures last year December and I can say without a doubt that it was not only the hardest thing I have ever done… but was also the most rewarding and fulfilling thing I have ever done!!! Like most trekkers I’m sure, especially the ‘wet behind the ears, couch potato type ‘ like me, the pre climb anxiety consumed me. I was seriously contemplating my chances of successfully summiting the highest mountain in Africa. Had I bitten off more than I can chew? Did I

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Safety on Kilimanjaro
Safety on Kilimanjaro Although climbing Kilimanjaro is relatively easy compared to say a Himalayan mountain, trekkers should still respect the fact that it is close to 6000m above sea level. And with that comes many scenarios that a potential summiteer of the highest mountain in Africa would need to take seriously. Before you embark on your trekking adventure there are a number of things that you should familiarize yourself with. Some of the things may seem obvious like getting sufficient training, but there may be other things that make all the difference in terms of your safety on Kilimanjaro. Let’s

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Training for Kilimanjaro
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Equipment Needed for Kilimanjaro
Equipment for Kilimanjaro Preparing for your Kilimanjaro climb must not be taken lightly. The climb takes trekkers through 5 different climatic zones in just 6 days. These zones include hot humid conditions to possibly snowy and well below freezing conditions. Our motto at South Africa Adventures is ‘ALWAYS PREPARE FOR THE WORST!!’ Not only will this advice make our climb way more enjoyable, but will also be crucial from a survival perspective. Hypothermia is a reality on Kilimanjaro and is something that can be prevented with the correct equipment for Kilimanjaro. Can you hire equipment for Kilimanjaro? Yes you can.

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9 things to give up in order to be successful on a mountain
Climbing Kilimanjaro Tips and Advice Climbing mountains like Kilimanjaro is sometimes going to be the hardest thing you have accomplished in your life. And reaching the summit may not always be about what you have to do but may in reality be what you need to give up!!! We are all for not giving up on a mountain. You will always hear our guides encouraging you not to give up on the hike but you are going to have to learn to give up on a few things prior to your climb. Yes there are certain obvious things that need

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Pre-Climb Panic – What to do?
Pre Climb panic and how to manage it If you have climbed Kilimanjaro or are looking at doing so in the future, chances are you are going to be overwhelmed by pre-climb panic. However, fear not as you are not alone. This nervous state of mind that we’ve christened ‘climbaphobia’ affects trekkers of all shapes, sizes and experience levels. Take me for example. I have been climbing mountains for 20 years including the Himalayas, Kilimanjaro, Russia and South America and I always get the jitters before a climb. Deidre Angella, a psychologist in the UK explains that “it is a

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Nutrition Plan for Kilimanjaro
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Day 1

Travel day. The destination airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania. (JRO). Upon arrival you will met by one of representatives and transferred to the hotel in Moshi.

The drive takes just over an hour. Once there we assist you in checking in. The rest of the day depending on what time you arrive is reserved for you to relax. Our climbs begin and end via flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania.

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route start to finish:

Distance: 48km / 30miles

Elevation Gain: 4336m/ 14,225 ft

Elevation Loss: 2795m / 9,170 ft

Day 2

After breakfast we the whole team will sit down for a detailed briefing session. We will cover all aspects of the climb as well as an equipment check.

If you need to hire any equipment or have misplaced anything, we can assist through the onsite gear rental shop. After Lunch we will explore the bustling and vibrant town of Moshi

Day 3

After breakfast, we take a slow and scenic drive start of the hike at the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route gate. You’ve all heard about African time. Something you are going to have to get used to as the road heading up to the gate be slow going especially after rain.

Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Gate the first part of the climbing agenda is meeting the friendly and efficient porter team. These guys are the most vital part in the success of your Kilimanjaro climb. The next step is registering with the Parks Board authorities.

We sign in, conclude all the necessary paper work for the hike and then your dream of climbing Kilimanjaro finally becomes a reality. The trek winds its way upwards through the dense forest for about 5 hours covering nearly 8km. The name of the game especially on the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route due to lack of acclimatization is ‘Pole Pole’, which means’ slowly slowly’ in Swahili.

The camp site for the night is nestled within a lush clearing within the rainforest at 9,190 ft..

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Climb Summary End:

Umbwe Camp 2800m / 9,190 ft

Elev gain: 1000m/ 3,200 ft.

Time: 6 hours on average

Distance: About 8km / 5 miles

Day 4

After breakfast, we continue the steep to climb the steep incline leaving the rainforest behind and hiking through the Heath/Moorland zone of Kilimanjaro.

The last part of the climb is a steep scramble of some really lose scree into the camp for night at Barranco located at 12,960 ft. Besides the challenge of the hike, the scenery and accompanying mist is truly incredible as you will start to settle down into the challenge of climbing the highest mountain in Africa via the most difficult route – Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route.

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Climb Summary End:

Barranco camp 3900m / 12,800’ft

Elev gain: 1,100m, 3,800ft.

Time: 5 hours average

Distance: About 8km, 5 miles

Day 5

After breakfast and a cup of coffee to get your energy levels up we start the hike by taking on the infamous Barranco Wall. This part of the hike is

This part of the hike is undoubtedly the steepest section of the climb. And so we are going to take it really slow.

In mountaineering the art of learning to pace yourself is key in a successful summit attempt. You do not want to burn yourself pout to soon. There is still 3 days of really hard trekking to come. Once the challenge of the Wall is over we take the relatively easy trek down into the Karanga Valley at 13,000 ft where we will set up camp for the night.

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Climb Summary End:

Karanga Valley 4055m / 13,300 ft.

Elev gain: 400m / 1,300 ft.

Elev loss: 300m, 1,000 ft.

Time: 4 – 5 hours average

Distance: About 5km, 3 miles

Day 6

Compared to the previous days hiking today is a relatively easy one. The plan of action is to get an early start and get into Barafu camp by about 12H00.

That will give you sufficient time to rest and organise yourself for the final summit push on the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route at midnight. Hydration is going to be vital especially at this altitude. You will need to drink at least 5 litres of water in order for your body to cope with the dry air.

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Climb Summary End:

Barafu Camp 4760m / 15,600 ft.

Elev gain: 700m, 2,300 ft.

Time: 5 hours

Distance: About 5km, 3 miles

Day 7

At 23h00 you will be woken up by our porter team with a steaming cup of tea to help warm you up. Barafu, given its high altitude is going to be freezing at that time of the night.

Temperatures will easily reach well below zero. You will have an hour to prepare for the climb to the summit. The route up to Stella Point will take about 5 hours. This section of the climb is where your mental and physical stamina is going to be tested more than any other section on Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route.

We climb wearing headlamps until the predawn light is reflected off the African plains. After a brief rest at Stella Point, we traverse northwest along the summit ridge to the main summit, Uhuru Peak at 19340 ft. There are some incredible views of the crater as well as the Bismarck Towers, rock pinnacles along the rim and the hanging Rebman Glaciers.

There are some incredible views of the crater as well as the Bismarck Towers, rock pinnacles along the rim and the hanging Rebman Glaciers.

You will then be rewarded with the best African sunrise ever, and dare we say the highest African sunrise you will ever get to see. After about half an hour on the

After about half an hour on the summit we will begin our descent to Barafu where breakfast and hot tea will be waiting for you. After breakfast we start the trek down to Millenium Camp at 13,000ft.

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Climb Summary – Summit:

Uhuru Peak 5896m / 19,344 ft.

Elev gain: 1136m, 3726 ft.

Time: 14 – 19 hours

Distance: About 20km, 12 miles

Day 8

After one of the best night’s sleep who may ever have, we awake to an awesome sunrise with the mighty Kilimanjaro towering above us. We descend through the lush green landscape of the Mweka route into the thickest jungle we have yet encountered.

We descend through the lush green landscape of the Mweka route into the thickest jungle we have yet encountered.

Surrounded by 20ft trees and the lush rainforest you will think you have woken up in a scene from Avatar. After reaching the Mweka Gate we will load our gear onto the 4×4 and take the 1 hour drive back to the hotel in Moshi where the rest of the night is set aside for the well-earned celebrations.

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Climb Summary – End:

Mweka Gate 1800m / 5,580 ft.

Elev loss: 1300m, 5,900 ft.

Time: 4- 5 hours

Distance: About 7km, 4 miles

Day 9

After breakfast. You will transferred back to the Kilimanjaro airport for your onward flight home or alternative destination.

The Kilimanjaro Umbwe route will take us through the 5 micro climates of Kilimanjaro
The route is regarded as very scenic
The Kilimanjaro Umbwe route is for those climbers looking for a challenge that the other routes cannot offer
The Kilimanjaro Umbwe route is less frequented
The route joins up with the Machame Route on day 4
Indulge in a 5-star hiking experience which includes dining tents, portable toilets, trained cooks and a dynamic and friendly African porter team
If you book onto one of scheduled trips you will accompanied by one of our African Adventures team leaders

INCLUDED

Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to and Moshi to Kilimanjaro airport
2 Nights, twin-shared, hikers class accommodation in a hotel in Moshi, with bed and breakfast (dinner can be arranged on request and at additional cost)
Transfer from your hotel to starting point for your climb, and return to your hotel after your climb
All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees and climbing permits.
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid)
Pulse-Oximeter carried by all chief guides and daily check up on all hikers
Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook
Salaries for mountain crew as per guidelines set by KINAPA
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs & sleeping mat)
Water for washing up daily
Porter to carry your duffel bag (max weight 15kg / 32 lbs) from one camp to the next camp.
Dedicated Kilimanjaro Trip Planner
Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
Private climb only guaranteed with 5 hikers or more, if your group size are 4 hikers or less will additional cost apply to have a private climb
18% tourism VAT

NOT INCLUDED

Flights and airport taxes
Items of a personal nature
Compulsory tips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from US $ 230 to US $ 300 per hiker – depending on number of days / how many hikers in the group and route chosen)
Visa for Tanzania
Health requirements (Yellow Fever)
Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
Personal hiking/trekking gear – you can rent some of the gear once in Tanzania
Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets
Meals & drinks not specified