Suitable for fit hikers only!
This is an extreme variation on the Umbwe Route, ascending via the Western Breach.
Tour Package Overview
This is a 6 day Kilimanjaro hike starting at Umbwe Gate and ascending via The Western Breach. Due to the relatively extreme nature of this trip there are generally less people than on other routes and if guests have altitude sickness they will not be allowed to ascend the breach. This is the 7 day version with a night in the crater - pre acclimatisation on Mount Meru is strongly recommended.
Please note: This route is inherently more dangerous than other routes for 2 reasons. Firstly, the amount of time spent at high altitude and accessing the western breach. This route should only be undertaken by fit individuals with experience of altitude and adventurous training.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Umbwe 6 Day via Western Breach Itinerary
Day By Day
Day 0 :
Arrival In Tanzania : Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. On arrival in Tanzania we will transfer roughly 1 hour to your hotel in Moshi town. You`ll have a short time to freshen up, and then have a briefing. Your guide will give you a briefing and ensure that you have all the gear/kits required for the trip. If you are missing essential equipment it can be rented for very cheap prices.
Park View Hotel (Bed & Breakfast): Possibility to upgrade to more luxurious accommodation (at an extra cost) or downgrade to more economic options (price reduction).
Meals : Bed & Breakfast (Dinner not included)
Day 1
Moshi to Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp :
After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. Your first stop is atMachame Gate to collect your permits before getting back in your vehicle and driving to Umbwe Gate. After checking in you set off up through the forest zone.
The first day hiking is not overly difficult but certainly steepens towards the latter end of the day. In the late afternoon you arrive in the first camp in time for dinner.
Elevation: 2,850 M
Driving Distance: 11 Km
Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Habitat : Mountain forest
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2
Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp :
In the morning your hike will lead you from forest to heath, gradually leading you to an edge with a steep drop on each side. Here you will see stunning views of both Kilimanjaro’s southern flank and across to Mount Meru some 50 miles away. The wildlife also changes in this area; jackals may be heard barking and the huge Lammergeyer circling overhead.
You camp for the night overlooks the Barranco Valley with views up towards Arrow Glacier.
Elevation: 3,960 m
Walking Distance: 6 KM
Walking Time: 5 to 6 HRS
Habitat : Mountain forest, heather and moorland Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3
Barranco Camp to Lava Tower :
The ascent today is very steep and into alpine desert. The air is generally very dry here. As you ascend, the guides will be carefully assessing your progress. Note that if your body is not acclimatising well then the routing may well be switched to an ascent via Stella Point instead.
Lunch is taken at Lava Tower with the afternoon to rest.
Elevation: 4,600 M
Walking Distance: 3 KM
Walking Time: 3 to 5 Hrs
Habitat : Heather, Alpine desert Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
Lava Tower to Arrow Glacier :
The ascent to Arrow Glacier is relatively short and leaves plenty of time to rest for a large part of the day. Short walks are possible with the guides to enjoy views of the Great Barranco Wall and remnants of the once mighty glaciers that filled the breach before having dinner and an early night.
The evening will be spent preparing for your summit. So, get to bed early because you will be up at midnight for the final leg to Uhuru Peak.
Elevation: 4,903 M
Walking Distance: 1 km
Walking Time: 1-2 Hours
Habitat : Alpine Desert Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5
Arrow Glacier to Uhuru Peak Down to Mweka Camp :
There is a very early ascent up the breach at 1am. It takes around 4 hours to reach the crater. Here there is time for a quick rest and refuel before the final push, for about an hour, to the summit (Uhuru Peak: 19341ft, 5895m). The aim here is to arrive just after dawn to enjoy the most incredible sunrise from the roof of Africa.
The hike then heads down via Stella Point to Barafu Camp. Here there is another short rest before continuing to Millennium Camp for the final evening on the mountain.
Elevation: Up 5895m, Down 3100m
Walking Distance: Approx. 6 Km ascent and 16 Km descent
Walking Time: 8 hrs to reach Uhuru Peak, 4-5 hrs to descend to Horombo Hut
Habitat : Stone scree and Ice-capped summit Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi :
With Uhuru Peak a glorious memory far behind you, you’ll begin your hike back to civilisation on a full stomach. The slope here is gentler than the ascent at Umbwe, but it can be slippery so watch those knees! You’ll have time to take in the misty cloud forest and perhaps even spot a Colobus monkey or two. Arriving at Mweka Gate you’ll receive your summit certificates and there’s an opportunity to buy sodas and t shirts. Our vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi. What a difference a week makes!
Park View Hotel (Bed & Breakfast): Possibility to upgrade to more luxurious accommodation (at an extra cost) or downgrade to more economic options (price reduction).
Meals : Bed & Breakfast (Dinner not included)
Day 7 :
Departure Date/Flight Day :
A long and short safari, Zanzibar holiday or Mafia island adventure can be arranged right after your trek or at the beginning of your trek with us. If you wish to explore round Moshi Town and visit some of it's local attractions and people, you'll need to spend another overnight. We have put together a list of Moshi destinations. View Them Here
If not, You will be transfered to the airport ready for you flight back home or onward to your next destination.
No Accommodation : Check-out time is 10:30am
Meals : Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner not included)
