Umbwe Route Vip+

Day 2: Arusha National Park On day 2, prepare yourself to be amazed by the beauty of Arusha National Park, which is just a short drive away. This park is a symphony of diverse landscapes, featuring stunning natural gems such as the Momela lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the majestic Mount Meru. Your guide will take you on a scenic hike through the park’s lush forests, which are home to a fascinating array of wildlife including bushbucks, duikers, and the elusive colobus monkey, waterbuck, reedbuck, and giraffe. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to observe and learn about the park’s 400 species of birds and other wildlife. As you explore this natural wonderland, your guide will provide you with insights into the park’s history, geology, and ecology, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the area’s unique biodiversity. A picnic lunch in a picturesque setting is included, providing a perfect opportunity to rest, refuel, and take in the breathtaking scenery. After a day of adventure in the park, return to the Gran Melia Hotel for a general briefing from your guide regarding your Kili climb. You’ll then pack your bags in preparation for the next day, have dinner, and get a good night’s sleep to prepare for Day 1 of your Kilimanjaro climb. Please note that you are free to leave behind anything that you don’t need to take with you to the mountain. However, do not leave anything in the rooms as you will be checking out today. Instead, hand them to the reception for storage, where you can collect them on your way back. Your DKE guide will be there to assist you with this.

Day 3: Umbwe cave camp

Drive from Arusha with lunch boxes to Umbwe entrance gate. Unlike the other routes this side of the mountain is covered by the very dense rain forest from the beginning of the route to the first camp (Umbwe cave) located at the elevation of 9550 feet. While going through the winding route you will be enjoying the view of the valley on both sides.  On one side the Umbwe river, that carries the name of the route, is actually starting from the Baranco camp which is where you will be in your day three. Today you will be arriving in the camp for Dinner and overnight.
Umbwe Cave – 9550 altitude feet

Day 4: Barranco Camp
You will be awakened at 05:00am with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Pack your luggage ready to go by 06:00am because after the breakfast you will start walking towards Baranco camp.  Today the trail is much steeper and rocky but you will arrive at the camp by lunch time.  Then, enjoy your afternoon, rest and have dinner before a good night sleep.
Baranco camp elevations is 3900 meters or 13000 feet.

Day 5: Barranco Camp
You will be awakened at 07:00am with a cup of hot tea or coffee .
Today is the easy one as you are going to spend day four here in this camp for acclimatization. You will take a walk towards Arrow Glacier camp and usually this may take you approximately three and half to four hours up and down back to camp for lunch. Then rest this afternoon playing cards reading a book just trying to stay awake so that you will have the best sleep at night.
Baranco camp elevations is 3900 meters or 13000 feet.

Day 6: Karanga Camp

You will be awakened at 5:30am with a cup of preferred hot drink, then pack up your bags at 6:15am when going to have breakfast you should be packed and ready to go after breakfast. Today you are going to Karanga camp via Baranco wall to the top of it which is 4200 meters or 13800 feet before going down again to Karanga camp for lunch dinner and overnight at Karanga camp which is 3930 meters or 13000 feet.

Day 7: Barafu Camp
You will be awakened at 5:30am with a cup of preferred hot drink, then pack up your bags at 6:15am to have breakfast you should be packed and ready to go after breakfast. Today you are walking 3 to 4 hours to Barafu camp to  reach the camp for lunch. This afternoon your guides will help you to plan on how to dress for the summit since you will be starting from here at midnight or whatever the time that your guide will think it will work for your pace. Usually it has to be between 11:00pm to 01:00am as it will take you 6 to 7 hour from Barafu camp to the summit (uhuru). Wake up time should be one  and half hour before the starting time. After lunch and all the planning this afternoon you will try to have some sleep before waking up for early dinner and then another nap to be awakened once again at midnight ready to go.
The Barafu camp elevation is 4600 meters or 15000 feet.

Day 8: Mweka Camp

Today you are reaching the majestic summit of Kilimanjaro with breathtaking views. After 6 to 7 hour getting there, you will be quickly taking your pictures and start your way down to Barafu camp where your tent will be still set up waiting for you to be able to change your hiking gear back in to regular hiking gear pack your bags have lunch and proceed your way down to Mweka camp, this is usually the longest day of your trip as the estimated hours of  hiking is about 12 to 13 hour, but it’s rewarding .

Dinner and overnight at Mweka camp. Elevation is 3100 meters or 10000 feet.

Day 9: Gran Melia Arusha.
Today you will be awakened knowing that you are getting back to civilization and looking forward to have a nice hot shower. This morning after a farewell breakfast you will have few minutes with the entire team to say goodbye before starting your way down to Mweka gate which will take you 4 hours. Your driver will be waiting there to pick you up and drive you back to Arusha at the Grand Melia Hotel for a hot lunch and a day room before proceeding with the next arrangement according to your program.