The Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the southern glaciers and the western breach of Kibo. An ascent to Kibo via the Umbwe route is likely one of the most scenic 'non-technical' mountaineering expeditions in East Africa. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively rapid ascent to higher altitudes, but the rewards are plentiful, including fewer people, pristine forest, a greater chance of encountering wildlife and birds at lower levels, and a shorter walking distance.

INCLUDED 

1: Transport from JRO airport 

2: A warm bed and english breakfast the night before and after the trek 

3: All food on the climb

4: Transfer to and from the gate

5: Tents (four seasons, 3-person mountain tent – double occupancy), 

chairs and tables & accommodation

6: Mattresses (sleeping pad foam, 1.5 inches thick)

7: First aid kit & bottle of oxygen & pulse oximeter & personal stretcher

8: Park fees, camping fees and rescue fees

9: Forest fees (where they apply)

10: Fees for the guides and porters (as per government regulations), 

(food and public liability insurance for the guides & porters)

11: Value Added Tax (VAT) and other government taxes

NOT INCLUDED 

1: Transport back to the airport

2: 3 liters of water for the first day.

3: Drinks

4: Tips for guides and porters

5: Food on the first and last night at the hotel

6: Personal equipment for mountain climbing

Day One

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by our representative and taken to Janibichi Adventures. This is an NGO project located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering friendly services. It is situated just a 20-minute walk from Moshi town center.

You are now setting off for the event you have prepared for and dreamt about for months, if not years – the time to check off your conquest of Africa's highest freestanding mountain from your bucket list. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Umbwe Gate at Kilimanjaro National Park, where your hike begins. Today's trekking pace is slow and very comfortable, ensuring you have enough time to enjoy the natural surroundings as you walk through a beautiful rainforest with dense vegetation. You'll often find yourself on a muddy trail with steep climbs, so take your time for photographing and enjoy your packed lunch, which we provide.

The first campsite, Umbwe Camp, is situated in a steep valley with rock overhangs between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers.

Dinner and overnight at Umbwe Camp (FB)  

From Umbwe Camp, the trail continues over steep terrain. The vegetation changes to increasingly sparse trees, transitioning from bushes to moorland. Views of Kibo and Uhuru Peak, with its snow-capped summit, become a regular sight as you get closer to Baranco Camp. The sun paints the rocks in front of the camp in dreamy red-yellow colors, with the white ice of the high peaks shining brightly. When looking south, you may even see the little town of Moshi far below. You'll be lucky to sleep above the clouds at Barranco Camp.

Dinner and overnight at Baranco Camp (FB)  

After breakfast, you will cross the Great Barranco Wall, topping out at about 4,420 meters before descending to the camp at the Karanga River at about 4,040 meters. The hike up the Barranco Wall is steep, and you pass below the famous Breach Wall, the largest ice and rock face in Africa. The Breach Wall climbing route, known as 'The Icicle,' was first climbed in the early 1970s by Reinhold Messner. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 26°C, while evening temperatures often drop below freezing point.

Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp (FB)  

Today's path takes you up and across a rocky zone where very little vegetation can be found on the inhospitable terrain. A field of sedimentary rocks litters the ground. You leave Karanga and reach the junction, which connects with the Mweka trail. Continue up to the Barafu Camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Amazing views of Kilimanjaro's two peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, can be seen from Barafu Camp. An early dinner will be served to ensure you get maximum rest before the final ascent, which starts at around midnight.

Dinner and overnight at Barafu Camp (FB) 

You will need to wake up very early to have a quick bite and something warm to drink before setting out in darkness. The hike to Stella Point is a slow, steep walk on volcanic scree that lasts about 5-6 hours. The headlamps on the trail toward the summit almost look like fireflies flying in a long row. As you approach the crater rim, you will enjoy the most memorable sunrise you may ever experience – the golden sunrise over Africa! You will often see the curving of the earth at this high altitude, and the sunrise on the horizon just accentuates it. Keep your camera ready at all times as there are plenty of opportunities for photographing along the summit.

Once you reach Stella Point on top of the crater rim, Uhuru Peak comes into sight. Hike along fairly flat terrain for about 40-45 minutes to reach Uhuru Peak. Spend a few minutes at the top and take photos next to the sign marking the summit. Descend from Uhuru Peak in high spirits, as you have just achieved your goal. The trail down from Stella Point on the Mweka route is often enjoyed by hikers sliding down the scree slope. This entails skidding down the loose gravel with big steps and some sideways moves. It's a fun experience! With every step going down, your body enjoys having more oxygen to breathe in. Depending on how you feel, you may enjoy a short rest at Barafu Camp before descending down to Millennium Camp or Mweka Camp.

Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp (FB) 

Enjoy a leisurely hike through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. It is not uncommon to spot Black and White Colobus Monkeys in the trees, as well as Blue Monkeys. Take your time to savor the lush vegetation with the Old Man's Beard (tree moss) growing on the giant trees, and some Giant Ferns towering high over the forest bed. The path has many steps leading you down to Mweka Gate. After reaching the gate, you will be transferred back to Janibichi Adventures Ltd for a hot shower and an overnight rest.

Day Nine: Departure!