Umbwe Route 6 Days – Kilimanjaro Trekking
- Kilimanjaro NP
Overview
The Marangu Route, affectionately known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest and most established path to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit. Renowned for its relatively gentle gradient and well-maintained trails, it is the only route offering hut accommodations, providing trekkers with added comfort at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts.
Our 6-day climb begins at the lush rainforest of Marangu Gate, ascending through diverse ecological zones. Starting with the vibrant rainforest, the trail transitions into moorlands where you’ll encounter striking giant lobelias and groundsels. Continuing upward, you will traverse the surreal alpine desert before finally reaching the snowy summit of Uhuru Peak.
Key highlights of this route include the serene Mandara Hut nestled in the rainforest, the stunning panoramic views from Horombo Hut, and the vast moonscape of the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. The awe-inspiring sunrise at Gillman’s Point is a prelude to the triumphant moment of reaching Africa’s highest point, Uhuru Peak.
The extra acclimatization day at Horombo Huts enhances your chances of a successful summit. The descent retraces the upward journey, allowing you to experience the varied landscapes from a new perspective. The adventure concludes with a celebratory return to Moshi, where you’ll reflect on an unforgettable journey to the roof of Africa.
Route Highligts
- Diverse Ecological Zones
- Panoramic Views and Scenic Beauty
- Comfortable Hut Accommodations
Itinerary
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi
Welcome to your adventure with Williamson Adventures! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly representative will be there to greet you. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi, which is situated at an elevation of 890m/2,920ft.
Once settled in, you’ll meet with your guide for a comprehensive climb briefing. This session will cover the upcoming trek, ensuring you are well-prepared and informed. After the briefing, we’ll conduct an equipment check to make sure you have everything needed for a successful and safe climb. Any missing gear can be rented or purchased at our Store.
The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Moshi, relax, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, where you can rest and acclimate to the local climate.
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave
- Distance: 9.6 km / 6 mi
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Elevation: 1651m/5417ft to 2944m/9659ft
- Altitude Gained: 1293m
Depart from Moshi and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After obtaining permits, begin the trek through rainforest scenery and windy trails. The trail follows a ridge between two deep valleys, ascending through dense montane forest to reach Umbwe Cave Camp, perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp
- Distance: 4.75 km / 3 mi
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Elevation: 2944m/9659ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude Gained: 1042m
After a good night’s sleep and breakfast, emerge from the rainforest onto a steep ascending path along the Umbwe ridge. Descend slightly to Barranco Camp situated in the valley. Temperatures begin to drop.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Distance: 5.2 km / 3 mi
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
- Altitude Gained: 48m
Continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Distance: 3.3 km / 2 mi
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude Gained: 628m
Continue up toward Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers breathtaking views of the summit from different angles. Rest early in preparation for summit night.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit, then to Mweka Camp
- Distance Up: 4.86 km / 3 mi
- Duration Up: 5-7 hours
- Distance Down: 11.5 km / 7.1 mi
- Duration Down: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
- Elevation Up: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude Gained: 1233m
- Descent to: 3106m/10,190ft
- Altitude Lost: 2789m
Start the ascent between midnight and 2 a.m. Continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and celebrate before descending to Mweka Camp. Rest and overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, then to Moshi
- Distance: 9.1 km / 5.7 mi
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
- Altitude Lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a ceremony of appreciation with your crew, descend to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. Continue to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Enjoy a hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
Included
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Gate Transfers
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Credit Card Transfer Fees
Not Included
- Flight
- Visa fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendations
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Tips for porters and mountain crew? ($20 Guide, $15 Cook, $10 Porter)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain
Payment Terms
Deposit Payment
- Deposit is 20% of the total booking amount.
- Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
- We offer bank accounts in 10 different currencies for bank transfer.
- Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.
Balance Payment
- Balance can be paid via bank transfer, online card payment, or with cash.
- Bank payment can be done 15 days prior to the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
- Card Payment can be done 1 day prior to the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
- Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009).
Cancellation Policy
8 days and above departure
- No cancellation fees.
0 to 7 days before departure
- 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
- Trek can be postponed to any new date without any extra cost at any point in time.
- The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek.
Supplements
- Off-season supplement = USD 90
Charged for solo trekkers looking to start a new departure in March, April, May, and November. Does not apply if you join an existing group. Does not apply if other trekkers also join your new group.
Private Trek
Available Discounts
- Children between 5 years and 15 years old
Code: CHILDKILI10 – USD 590 per person - Expatriates/Residents living in Tanzania
Code: EXPATKILI10 – USD 210 per person - East African Citizens
Code: EACKILI10 – USD 750 per person
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