Umbwe Route

Umbwe Route is not for the faint of heart.  It is a beautiful, but grueling steep direct assault up a wet, seldom used trail and will set you up for failure if you are not per-acclimatized (which can be accomplished on Mt. Meru, Mt. Kenya or Mt. Stanley).  We generally don’t recommend this route except for extremely fit and acclimatized trekkers.  Having said that; it has been done!

Umbwe can be done in 6 or 7 days.

Pricing

Pricing is based on the number of hikers in the group.  Pricing below does not include non-mountain costs such meals off the mountain, travel insurance, personal items such a toiletries, laundry, airport transfers, lodging, and tips. We accept USD or BTC.

Sample Route (6 Days):

  • Day 1: Start at Umbwe Gate (1640m) and hike for 10km for ~5 to 6 hours with an altitude gain of 1290m to Umbwe Cave Camp (2930m).

  • Day 2: Hike from Umbwe Cave Camp (2930m) 6km for ~4 to 5 hours with an altitude gain of 1030m to Barranco Camp (3960m).

  • Day 3: Hike from Barranco Camp (3960m) 6km for ~3 to 4 hours with an altitude gain of 75m to Karanga Hut (4035m).

  • Day 4: Hike from Karanga Hut (4035m) 6km for ~3 hours with an altitude gain of 605m to Barafu Hut (4640m).

  • Day 5: Hike Barafu (4640m) 7km for ~6 to 7 hours with an altitude gain of 1255m to Uhuru Summit (5895m) then descend 18km for ~5 to 6 hours with an altitude loss of 2105m to Millennium Camp (3790m).

  • Day 6: Descend from Millennium Camp (3790m) 13km for ~5 to 6 hours with an altitude loss of 2160m to Mweka Gate (1630m).

The Crater Camp Supplement is available upon special request.  This adds one day to the route and will only be accommodated on a 7 day itinerary (8 days total on the mountain) for safety reasons.

The Western Breach alternative finish is available upon specific request.  The sample itinerary listed above will be amended to accommodate.

A portable flush toilet with tent is available for an extra $80 charge.

6 Days

  • Single: $1,950 USD

  • Group of 2-3: $1,850 USD per person

  • Group of 4-5: $1,790 USD per person

  • Group of 6-7: $1,750 USD per person

  • Group of 8-9: $1,710 USD per person

  • Group of 10-12: $1,690 USD per person

Staff Tip Recommendations:

  • Chief Guide: $20 per day

  • Assistant Guide: $15 per day

  • Cook: $12 per day

  • Toilet Porter: $10 per day

  • Waiter: $10 per day

  • Porter: $8 per day

Please inquire for ratios of staff to clients.