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Kilimanjaro climb - Umbwe Route
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MKCTK
602:
Kilimanjaro Umbwe
Route Climbing
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The Umbwe route
is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western
Breach. It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro.
It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher
altitude, but the rewards are plentiful. Fewer people, pristine forest and
shorter walking distances make it a great option for fit hikers. Add to your
experience - OVERNIGHT IN THE CRATER!! Be one of a few fortunate people to
spend a night in Africa's largest volcano. This option is highly
recommended, as this will be the only opportunity to get close to the
beautiful and fascinating glaciers of Kilimanjaro and to be able to visit
the ash pit.
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Day 1:
Arrival -
Moshi
- On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport,
met and assisted. Transfer to Keys Annex Hotel in Moshi for an overnight rest on bed
and breakfast in readiness for the next day's hit to Kilimanjaro.
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Day 2: Umbwe
Gate (1800m) - Bivouac (first) camp (2940m)
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Hiking time: 5
hours | Habitat: Montane forest
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After breakfast
you will be driven to the Umbwe Gate at 1800m, passing through villages with
coffee and banana plantations. On arrival at the Parks Gate your guide and
porters will meet you. Sign the register before you enter the park for your
first step to accomplishing a life-long dream. The air is thick with
moisture and the path is usually muddy. The route initially follows a
forestry track winding up through the natural rain forest. It then narrows
and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, with
huge trees surrounding you. The path offers some spectacular views of deep
gorges and if you are lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in
the distance. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth,
B,L,D.
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Day 3: Bivouac
(first) camp (2940m) - Barranco camp (3950m)
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Hiking time: 6
hours | Habitat: Montane forest & Moorlands
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Shortly after
leaving the camp, the forest starts thinning and is replaced by rockier
terrain, sparser undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path
continues along a narrow, but spectacular ridge. As you gain higher
altitude, catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you -
etched against the blue sky. The path flattens as you approach Barranco
Valley. From the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco
camp. The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco
Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while your dinner is
being prepared,
B,L,D.
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Day 4: Barranco
camp (3950m) - Lava Tower (4630m) - Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m)
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Habitat:
Moorland/Semi desert
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After breakfast
you will start your hike towards Lava Tower, a famous landmark on
Kilimanjaro. The path is steep and rocky, with views of Mt. Meru,
Kilimanjaro's little sister, punching her peak through the clouds. From Lava
Tower you turn towards the Western Breach, a steep climb to Arrow Glacier
camp (4800m). This is taxing and symptoms of altitude sickness might become
noticeable. The campsite is spectacular. Vegetation has now all but
disappeared, leaving only rock and scree in varying shades of brown and
black. The campsite is very cold and you need to be prepared,
B,L,D.
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Day 5: Arrow
Glacier (4800m) - Crater (5700m)
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Hiking time: 5
hours | Distance: About
15 km's | Habitat: Semi
desert/ Snowfields
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From the Arrow
Glacier camp steep scree and rocky outcrops requiring a scramble lead up the
Western Breach to the crater floor (5700m). This day will be the toughest
challenge by far. After snowfalls the route can become icy and in these
conditions an ice axe or ski stick may be required. When reaching the crater
rim, you will be astonished by the view of snow and glaciers. Visible to you
left is the Northern Ice fields of Kilimanjaro with the Furtwangler Glacier
in front of you. Walk past this glacier to the Crater camp, situated at the
crater rim. If time permits, you can climb to the Ash Pit (1 ½ hour). The
Ash Pit is 340m across, 120m deep and is one of the most perfect-formed
examples in the world. The campsite is very cold as snow might occur. Be one
of a fortunate few to spend a night in the inner crater of Kilimanjaro,
B,L,D.
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Day 6: SUMMIT
ATTEMPT, Crater (5700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka (3100m)
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Hiking time: 2
hours to reach Uhuru Peak | 7/8 hours to
descend to Mweka | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
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You will rise
around 04:00, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the early
morning darkness. From the crater floor you will probably encounter snow all
the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. Time spent on the summit will
depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will
be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your
accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your live. The walk to
Barafu camp from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well
earned but short rest, before heading down to Millennium camp (3100m). The
route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into
the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the
upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner
and washing water will be provided as well as drinking water,
B,L,D.
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Day 7: Mweka
camp (3100m) - Mweka Gate (1980m)
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Hiking time: 3
hours | Distance: About
15 km's | Habitat: Forest
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After an early
and well-deserved breakfast, it is a 5-hour, scenic hike back to the Park
gate. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is
also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those
climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates
and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From the
Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3
km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will be served a delicious hot
lunch!! You will then drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower and
celebrations!! Overnight at Keys Annex
Hotel,
B,L.
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Day 8: Departure
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Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight
back home or continue with your safari schedule. End of services. B
