KILIMANJARO – UMBWE ROUTE (page unfinished!!!)
The Machame route is a more difficult than the Forest/Shira/Western Breach route because of it's steeper initial ascent. You therefore ascend faster and have less time to acclimatize. It is best done by those who are a little more experienced and in better physical condition.
MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB - UMBWE ROUTE - 7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS
ROUTE ITINERARY AND DESCRIPTION
Day 1: ARUSHA TO UMBWE GATE
We leave the lodge right after breakfast and drive
Day 2:
Day 3:
Day 4: BARANCCO CAMP/ KARANGA CAMP 7KM (4.5 MILES) 4-5 hrs.
ELEVETION 3,900 M (12,796 FT) – 3,963 M (13,002 FT)
The trail crosses the great Barancco valley then up meandering through the cliff dubbed breakfast. It takes an hour to go through the cliff. Breathtaking beauty is seen from top of the cliff as we take short rest and snacks. Superb Heim glacier, Mount Meru, the valley and surroundings viewed from the spot. Slowly descend into Karanga valley then ascend to camp which is located in moorland. Hot lunch is taken in camp. Magnificent view of Kibo peak, Karanga valley and lowland areas.
Day 5: KARANGA CAMP/ BARAFU CAMP 6 KM ( 4 MILES ) 3-4 HRS.
ELEVETION 3,963 M (13,002 FT) – 4,600 M (15,092 FT)
Today is a short hike but tough due to altitude and thin air. Slowly we ascend through the alpine desert dominated with boulders of various size and shape making scenery awesome. As we approach the camp, an incredible view of Mawenzi peak is viewed from the east. Hot lunch is served in camp, siesta then short hike for acclimatization. Use the evening to organize for summit by preparing layers, snacks and head lamps as well as personal medical kit. Dinner and bedtime are early so as to have as long a rest/sleep as possible. We will get up around 11:30 pm, eat breakfast then leave for the summit by 12:30 am.
Day 6: BARAFU CAMP/ SUMMIT POINT 12 KM (7.5 MILES) 6-8 HRS.
ELEVETION 4,600 M (15,092 FT) - 5,896 M (19,344 FT)
Early in the morning around 12:30 am we start the summit assault. Dress up for the cold night and sometimes gets windy. Care should be taken to adjust layers whenever it gets too hot or cold. Take lots of fluids and snacks to replenish what get lost from sweat and pee while trekking. After trekking in darkness we get revitalized as dawn breaks with, weather permitting, a beautiful sunrise of glowing golden color from east. Glaciers, though receding, are still very interesting and give beauty to the summit area. From Stella point 5,792 m (19,000 ft) the trail goes around the crater rim and the view of crater, ash pit and the eastern ice fields is very fascinating.
The walk to the summit point is very demanding both mentally and physically. In 6 to 8 hours we should be at UHURU Peak, the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Take photos and start descending back to Barafu camp for some sleep and lunch. After lunch we descend to our last camp- Mweka 11 KM (7 MILES)
It takes 3 hours descending from the summit point to Barafu camp, and another 4 hours descend to Mweka camp 3,000 M (9843 FT). Descending is uncomfortable with knees, so trekking poles are essential.
Fresh supply of food, vegetables and fruits are brought to Mweka for our last dinner. Climbers/ guests should spare some evening hours to figure out when is appropriate for group photos and to say fare well to the crew.
Day 7: HIKE OUT - MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE 4 5 HRS
DRIVE TO ARUSHA 1 ½ - 2 HR DRIVE
Kapanya Kitaba, Climb Kilimanjaro, Kili, Climb Kili, Africa, Terry Richter Safari, climbandsafari, East Africa