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UMBWE VIA ARROW GLACIER
Duration: 6 Days
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. DAY 1
Umbwe Gate (1800m) -
Bivouac (first) camp (2940m)
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
entre 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. DAY 2
Bivouac
(first) camp (2940m) - Barranco camp (3950m) 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. DAY 3
Barranco
camp (3950m) - Lava Tower (4630m) -
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. DAY 4
Arrow
Glacier (4800m) - Crater (5700m)
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. DAY 5
SUMMIT
ATTEMPT DAY 6
Mweka camp (3100m)- Mweka
Gate (1980m)
After an
early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a 5-hour,
scenic hike back to the Park gate. It is strongly
recommended to pay your porters any tips after you and
all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here
for more info on tips. 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 in Springlands hotel.
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