7 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
7 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Tour Overview
7 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route has a well-deserved reputation for being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep, and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail follows the southern circuit to the summit. The descent is done via the Mweka route. Umbwe is considered to be a very difficult, taxing route – one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are also confident of their ability to acclimatize to the altitude. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, and seven days is preferred when attempting to climb using Umbwe.
Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep, and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. The descent is made via the Mweka route.
Itinerary
From $ 2,250
Welcome to Tanzania
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT -ARUSHA
- Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Natron Palace Hotel B&B. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, and gear check, and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need..
UMBWE GATE – UMBWE CAMP
Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track that winds up the dense rainforest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.
UMBWE CAMP – BARRANCO CAM
Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest
BARRANCO CAMP
- Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization. km/4 miles
BARRANCO CAMP- KARANGA CAMP
Distance: 5 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp.
KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section of Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
MWEKA CAMP – ARUSHA
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha
Included:
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, Wilderness First Responder GuideProper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights
- Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Mineral water
- Meals according to the itinerary
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VATGate TransfersQuality Imported Equipments
Not Included:
- Flights
- Travel or Medical
- Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa feesTips for porters and mountain crew
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Booking & Contact Information
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