The Umbwe Route is the least used, least crowded route on the mountain. For good reason, it is also the most difficult route on the mountain. Umbwe is a steep, constant, straight climb to the top.
The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain.
Umbwe Gate (1,800m) to Bivouac Camp (2,900m)
Umbwe Trail - After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi and driven to the Umbwe Gate. Here you can buy mineral water and will receive a packed lunch. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! About halfway up the trail, you will have a lunch break and you will reach the Bivouac Camp (2940m) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served. For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!
- Expert guidance with a qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook, all compensated with fair wages
- Complimentary hotel stays before and after the climb, inclusive of breakfast
- All-inclusive meal plan covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Clean drinking water and hot water supplied daily
- Complete camping kit with tents, chairs, tables, and sleeping mattresses
- Safety provisions including emergency oxygen and a basic first aid kit
- All fees and taxes covered without any hidden charges
- Convenient return transfers between Kilimanjaro airport and Moshi
- Visas & Flights
- Travel & Health Insurances
- Gratuities
- Personal hiking/trekking gear–you opt to rent the gears from equipment stores in Moshi
- Optional but highly recommended Portable toilet
- Personal medicine and water purifying tablets + Meals & drinks not specified and snacks
- Items of Personal Nature
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.