The Umbwe Route provides the shortest route, and toughest, to the Southern Glaciers of Kilimanjaro and Western Breach of Kibo. An ascent of Kibo by Umbwe route is one of the finest non-technical mountaineering expeditions. It is a challenging route, unsuitable for the solitary or the inexperienced, and a route off the beaten track.

Please note that we only organise private treks, there will be only you and your travel partner(s) on that tour!

Day 1: Arrival day in Moshi/Arusha
Upon our arrival in Arusha we'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to the Oasis Lodge, for an introductory briefing. Dinner and overnight in the Oasis Lodge.

Day 2: Umbwe gate to Umbwe Cave
At 7:30 a.m., we'll transfer you to the Umbwe Park Gate at 2,100m. The path begins an a narrow ridge crest between the Lonzo River to the West and the Umbwe River to the East. It is easy to follow as it continues up through the dense forest. The path continues to follow the ridge, rising steadily with some steep sections and scramble rocks. The route takes you to the first tented camp Umbwe Cave (at 2,940m) in 5 to 6 hrs.

Day 3: Umbwe Cave to Barranco
We follow the trail through steep and scramble rock across rainforest to moorland. The path proceed steep to the Southern Glacier Branches, at 4000m we reach our campsite, Barranco, were we overnight. (6-7 hrs)

Day 4: Barranco Acclimatization
This is a good place to rest a day to acclimatize; you may spend your time at camp relaxing or you nay explore the surroundings. This acclimatization day is important for you to get used to the height and increases the chances of reaching the summit.

Day 5: Barranco to Arrow Glacier
The route leads to the Western Breach and continue up to Umbwe ridge, which becomes the western lateral moraine of the peak. The route goes straight towards the Western Breach and then reaches Arrow Glacier which is at 4,800m.

Day 6: Arrow Glacier to Kibo Hut, then ascend to Mweka Hut.
To ascent to summit and descend on this day you may involve between 10 1/2 or 14 1/2 hrs of climbing. We start right after midnight, to see the sunrise from the summit, also to avoid the mist, and the snow on the ascent will still be frozen. So after 3 km. and 6 - 8 hours (an ascend of 1100m) you will reach the top and descent through Barafu to 2800m. The descent to Mweka hut takes 4 - 7 hours of walking.

Day 7: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate, Oasis Lodge
After breakfast descend steeply through the forest on a narrow path, after 3 - 4 hours walking we will reach Mweka Gate at 1400m. From here we will bring you to Arusha, to the Oasis Lodge, for dinner and overnight

Day 8: Departure
after breakfast transfer to airport of Safari extension.

Kilimanjaro Tanzania - best time to climb, precautions, checklist, medicine, tips

We use state-of-the-art North Face Tents, VE25