Karibu Kilimanjaro
At 5,895 m, Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa. This volcanic massif stands in splendid isolation above the surrounding plains, with its snowy peak looming over the savannah. The mountain is encircled by mountain forest. Numerous mammals, many of them endangered species, live in the park.
The mountain is famous and most popular worldwide with people wanting to conquer the summit, the highest point on the entire continent of Africa. While the tourism industry has developed well around the splendid mountain the treks and surroundings remain untouched and take every climber back to nature with a truly exhilarating experience.
5 Night / 6 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb: Umbwe Route
Day 1: Transfer from Moshi Town to Umbwe Gate, Ascend to First Camp
Altitudes: Umbwe Gate (1800m) – First Camp (2940m)
Hiking time: Approximately 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 Kms
Habitat: Montane forest
Your day starts a little early as you are transferred to the Londross Gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. En route you will get to see the potato plantations as well as the forestry projects on the slopes. Your climb today will be easy all the way to Machame Camp site where you will be having your lunch. You trek will then continue onwards to Mti Mkubwa Camp Site where you will be spending your first night. Hot beverages, snacks and a hot dinner will be waiting for you at the camp site.
Day 2: Ascend from First Camp to Barranco Camp
Altitudes: First Camp (2940m) – Barranco Camp (3950m)
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 Kms
Habitat: Semi Desert
After an early morning breakfast your trek begins up the slopes as the forest gives way to the rocky terrain that defines this stage. The path continues along a narrow ridge. As you climb the Peak of Kibo seemingly rises out of the earth with you, an awe inspiring view. 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 provides a memorable sunset.
Day 3: Ascend Barranco Camp, Lava Tower, Arrow Glacier Camp
Altitudes: Barranco Camp (3950m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m)
Hiking time: Approximately 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 Kms
Habitat: Semi Desert
After breakfast you trek leads you up a short trip to the Lava Tower at 4630m. The Lava spectacle is a landmark on the Kilimanjaro. Your are way above the clouds by now and your view down will be one that will be etched in your memeory forever. From Lava Tower you turn towards the Western Breach, a steep climb to Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m). This stage is known to be difficult and symptoms of altitude sickness become evident around this time on novice as well as experience climbers. The surrounding now an all rock desert with no vegetation at all.
Day 4: Ascend from Arrow Glacier Camp to the Crater Camp
Altitudes: Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m) – Crater (5700m)
Hiking time: Approximately 5
Distance: Approximately 8 Kms
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trek today is all scree and rocky outcrops requiring great patience and physical strain. Your path will take you up the Western Breach all the way to the Crater floor at 5700m. The climb is is steep and part of the final push towards your ultimate goal of reaching the roof of Africa. Though disappearing fast, you will get a chance to see the Glaciers of Kilimanjaro now, from the Norther Ice Fields to the Furtwangler Glacier. Dependent on your physical ability, you can trek a further 1.5 hrs to the Ash Pit of Kilimanjaro, a world famous spectacle on its own, some 340m across and 120m deep.
Day 5: Summit Attempt: Crater Camp to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Millenium Camp
Altitudes: Crater Camp (5700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3300m)
Hiking time: Approximately 2 hours ascent, Approximately 8 hours descent
Distance: Approximately 7 Kms ascent, Approximately 23 Kms descent
Habitat: Stone Scree and Ice-Capped Summit
Your summit ascent commences late on this route, around 4 a.m, the final 195m to the highest peak in Africa. You’ll be served some quick tea and biscuits to warm you up for the climb before hitting the trek. This 2 hour trek is going to be very cold, and probably covered with ice, all climbers should prepare adequately for these conditions. Making it in time, you will be rewarded by the most beautiful sunrise you will ever witness on the roof of Africa.
Weather conditions as well as your own personal conditions will determine how long you spend on the summit. You will be descending to Barafu Camp where you will get a short breather before continuing your descent all the way to Mweka Camp. The total amount of time spent walking on this day is can be around 14 hours(+/-), climbers need to be physically and mentally prepared for this section of the climb.
Day 6: Millenium Camp to Mweka Gate
Altitudes: Millenium Camp (3300m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: Approximately 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 16 Kms
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, full of energy, you will continue your descent (approximately 3 hours) down to the Mweka Gate. Upon arrival and registration at the gate 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. Your transfers to Moshi Town will be waiting for you at the gate upon your arrival.
Cost
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