6 days kilimanjaro umbwe route

6 DAYS KILIMANJARO - UMBWE ROUTE

Umbwe Route Description

The Umbwe route is known for its caves. The first night you actually sleep at the Umbwe Cave Camp with two more caves that can be visited en-route the following day. The Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. It is probably one of the most scenic, non-technical routes on Kilimanjaro. There are however higher risks involved when attempting to summit via the Western Breach / Arrow Glacier and overnight at the Arrow Glacier camp, which include:

  • Safety on the Western Breach – nobody can guarantee your absolute safety, as the area is unstable and rock falls may occur at any time.
  • During a normal summit of Kilimanjaro we will sleep at Barafu camp (4 600m) or Kibo Hut (4 650m) before attempting the summit. By sleeping at Arrow Glacier camp (4 850m) the risks for severe altitude sickness are considerably higher.
  • Option 2: from Arrow Glacier – the crater – summit, going down to Stella point – Barafu – to Millennium Camp for overnight, this can be done in 5 Days
Most of our Umbwe route hikes are currently re-routed, to join with the Machame route from night 2 on the mountain. On special request we can assist with Umbwe route hikes attempting to summit using the Western Breach / Arrow Glacier path and overnight at the Arrow Glacier camp (and the Crater camp). Please note this can only be arranged through our higher quality Standard packages and a supplementary rate will apply.

Route Highlights

  • First night in a beautiful lodge with breathtaking views of the Mount Meru (additional night for better acclimatization on request)
  • During the ascent in tents
  • All camping gear (except sleeping bag and ISO mat) will be provided
  • In the dry months of December to February and again between June and October
  • In November, daily rainfall and cloudy views are common
  • Not recommended during the April and May rainy season
  • For all climbers and outdoor enthusiasts
  • Also possible for families traveling with children (minimum age 12 years, recommended age 14 years and older)
  • starting at Kilimanjaro airport and ending with a transfer after the descent
  • Additional night after the descent
  • Can easily be combined with a short safari or beach holiday this private safari can be adapted to your wishes at any time.
While considering travelling with Zagas Explorer....

It is important to note that booking in advance will facilitate better planning so as to allow us get the stated accommodation in our itineraries. Last minute booking requests might require us to change the quoted properties especially during high seasons when the demand for quality accomodation is quite high.

Package Price From | USD.1,796
Booking Enquiry

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
    (at 3,000 m); 6-8 hours walking.

    After a breakfast in your hotel, we transfer you to the Umbwe Gate. The climb starts from Umbwe Gate (1,800 m.) The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys up through the dense mountain forest. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth. There is no water available at this campsite, so we must carry from the gate all the water needed for drinking, food preparation and cleaning

  • Day 2

    Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
    (3,950 m); 4-6 hours walking

    The path gets steeper on this section, as you get out of the forest along the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco camp situated in the valley.

  • Day 3

    Barranco Camp to Karanga camp
    (4,000 m): 4-5 hours walking

    A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo; the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, finally we have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.

  • Day 4

    Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
    (4,600 m.): 3-4 hours walking.

    A steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. The two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi can been seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the Camp, The remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

  • Day 5

    Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
    (3100 m): 13-15 hours walking.

    Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. We will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to main peak (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment we descend to Barafu is amazingly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Mweka Camp.

  • Day 6

    06 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
    3-5 hours walking

    A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka gate successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. We drive back to your hotel or lodge.

While considering travelling with Zagas Explorer....

It is important to note that booking in advance will facilitate better planning so as to allow us get the stated accommodation in our itineraries. Last minute booking requests might require us to change the quoted properties especially during high seasons when the demand for quality accomodation is quite high.

Package Price From | USD.1,796
Booking Enquiry

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

Key Tour Inclusions

  • All transfers
  • 1 Night on HB in Meru area prior to your climb
  • 6 days private Umbwe Route climb
  • Full board during climb including drinking water
  • Professional well experienced Kilimanjaro Team with English speaking Mountain guides, cook and porters
  • Mountain Hut’s accommodation (pleases bring your own sleeping bag)
  • Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, chairs, tables, camping toilet, toilet tent)
  • Service of a professional cook
  • All wildlife reserve entry fees, rescue fees, Climbing Certificates
  • Emergency evacuation insurance cover

Key Tour Exclusions

  • All items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for safari guide and mountain teams
  • Airport departure tax
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Sleeping bag (rental fee 15 USD)
  • Any nights after the climb
While considering travelling with Zagas Explorer....

It is important to note that booking in advance will facilitate better planning so as to allow us get the stated accommodation in our itineraries. Last minute booking requests might require us to change the quoted properties especially during high seasons when the demand for quality accomodation is quite high.

Package Price From | USD.1,796
Booking Enquiry

Booking Terms & Conditions

Basic guidelines to aid you as you plan to make your booking to travel to Africa on your Safari Expedition. This is not an exhaustive list, our Tour consultants are always standby to give you all the necessary guidance accordingly.

Booking Procedure

All applications for provisional or confirmed reservations are to be made by the Client by way of letter, facsimile or e-mail addressed to Zagas Explorer.
No reservation will be deemed made unless acknowledged and accepted in writing by Zagas Explorer. Provisional reservations will only be held for 14 days, after which the booking will be released. Please ensure the following information is included:

      » Date and time of arrival
      » Number of people and room requirement
      » Full names of client, and ages of children in the group (if applicable)
      » Any special requirements

Cancellation Policy

Reservations cancelled are charged as below:

      » Between 60 and 31 days prior to arrival a 25% cancellation fee will be charged.
      » Between 30 and 15 days prior to arrival a 50% cancellation fee will be charged.
      » Between 14 and 0 days prior to arrival a 100% cancellation fee will be charged.
      » Cancellation fees are calculated on the rate per person and on the total value of the Reservation made.

Rates

All amounts are denominated in US Dollars and payments must be made in the nominated currency. In the case of any future increases in fuel, currency fluctuations, component costs or government taxes, Zagas Explorer reserves the right to renegotiate the rates. Conservancy fees are mandatory and will be included in the invoice.

Deposit Requirements

A refundable deposit of 30% is to be received by Zagas Explorer within 7 working days from date of confirmation. The final balance of 70% of the total value of the reservation(s) will be payable at least 30 days prior to the guests arrival.

Refunds

Should any client arrive late or request an early departure, no refund will be granted. Whilst Zagas Explorer will ensure that all anticipated accommodation will be available as planned, there shall be no claim of any nature against Zagas Explorer for a refund, either in part or whole, if any accommodation and or excursion is unavailable and a reasonable alternative was found – or if guests were unable to make use of the service for any reason.

Insurance

All guests should take out comprehensive insurance cover when paying their confirmation deposit, to cover them for cancellation, curtailment, medical expenses, personal baggage, emergency evacuation back home and money.

Disclaimer

This agreement is made subject to and shall be governed and construed according to the laws of Tanzania. Neither Zagas Explorer, nor any person acting for, through or on behalf of the company shall be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever and without restricting the generality of the foregoing shall particularly not be responsible for loss or damage arising from any errors or omission contained in the brochure or other literature, late or non-confirmation or acceptance of bookings, loss or damage caused by delays, sickness, injury or death whether occasioned by negligence or not. In addition, the company shall have the right at any time at its discretion to cancel any tour or the remainder thereof or make any alteration in route, accommodation, price or other detail and in the event of any tour being rendered impossible, illegal, or inadvisable by the weather, avalanches, strike, war, government or interference or any other causes whatsoever. The extra expense incurred as a result thereof shall be the responsibility of the passenger.

The company may, at its discretion and without liability or cost to itself, at any time cancel or terminate the passenger's booking and in particular without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it shall be entitled to do so in the event of the illness or the illegal or incompatible behavior of the passenger, who shall in such circumstances not be entitled to any refund.

Please be aware that these safaris may take you into close contact with wild animals. Attacks by wild animals are rare, but no safari into the African Wilderness can guarantee that this will not occur. Neither the company, nor its employees, nor its agents can be held responsible for any injury or incident on the safari.

While considering travelling with Zagas Explorer....

It is important to note that booking in advance will facilitate better planning so as to allow us get the stated accommodation in our itineraries. Last minute booking requests might require us to change the quoted properties especially during high seasons when the demand for quality accomodation is quite high.

Package Price From | USD.1,796
Booking Enquiry

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