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This route is the hardest but most
spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. Extra days can
be added to our itinerary to explore or relax along the route or
to camp in the Karanga River valley. Accommodation on the
mountain is in tents. The Umbwe route can also be used to access
arrow glacier. From Barafu camp the trail leads to the summit
via Stella Point. In climbing, the terrain passes from a
tropical to an artic clime in just a few days. The encircling
rain forest ensures the fertility of the lower lying shambas and
is rich in birdlife. Above the rain forest lies the Alpine
Meadow, a beautiful moorland, offering many splendid views.
Exotic plants such as the giant Lobelia and the fork-like
Groundsel are to be seen. The latter blooming once every 50 – 70
years. Leaving the Alpine Meadow we reach the Alpine Desert and
eventually the ‘’snows of Kilimanjaro’’
Day 1 : Welcome to Africa! Arrival day to
Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met and
transferred to hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Day 2: Orientation day This day is designed
to give you plenty of time to relax, pack and recoup from the
long journey. We will meet you late in the morning for a short
climbing orientation. We will give you a climb briefing and
answer any questions you have about the climb. We will also do
an equipment check with each person to be sure that you are
fully prepared. We have designed this day to allow for walking,
game viewing or cultural exchange with indigenous people.
Day 3: Montaine Forest (9,700'). Hiking time
: 5 - 6 hrs The majority of the hike on this first day is
through the Montaine Forest. Lush vegetation with very old trees
and lilts of ferns and mosses mark this as an area that gets
reliable rain year round. The forest abounds with wildlife;
small bushbuck and duikers as well as monkeys. There is also
rich and varied bird life. The first three hours or so is on
gently rising land before steepening for the last two hours. The
camp for the night is in a small clearing on the trail.
Day 4: Giant Heath Land (13000'). Hiking
Time : 4 - 5 hrs Shortly after starting the hike the forest
gradually gives away to the giant heath. The trail has been
following a ridge for some time and as it ascends through the
heath land the ridge narrows and sharpens, finally becoming
knife edge with steep drops on each side. As the height of the
heath reduces there are stunning views of both Kilimanjaro's
southern flank and across the Mount Meru some 50 miles away.
Wildlife changes with the vegetation, jackals may be heard
barking and the huge Lammergeyer seen circling overhead. The
camp is overlooking the Barranco Valley with views up towards
Arrow Glacier.
Day 5: Arrow Glacier (15800'). Hiking time: 4
- 5 hrs The day starts through the unique Barranco valley with
its lush vegetation and giant senisios. As the valley steepens
we strike off up a scree ramp on the most direct route to Arrow
Glacier. The vegetation is left behind as we move through old
weather rock and alongside old lava runs. A final boulder slope
brings us to the Arrow Glacier Campsite.
Day 6: Day Hike - Acclimatization (15800')
This day is a chance to acclimatize and rest before the push to
the summit. During the day we will take a hike up the Western
Breach Route to familiarize ourselves with it and if necessary
kick steps in the snow. This hike will also help with our
acclimatization.
Day 7: Summit and begin descend (19340').
Hiking Time : 9 - 10 hrs Leaving at midnight we will wind our
way up the Western Breach non-technical climbing route, for
about six hours to the crater rim. Moving around the massive
Furtwrangler Glacier as the skies lighten we will see the shape
of Mt. Meru to the west. Having crossed the crater plateau we
begin the final 800 ft climb to the summit (19,340ft) arriving
shortly after dawn. Having enjoyed the view we begin the long
descent to Barafu Hut then on down to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 8: Arusha. Hiking Time : 4 - 7 hrs Hiking
time will vary depending on the trail conditions while traveling
through the lush vegetation at this elevation. Rain can occur
any time of year at this location and can make the trail muddy
requiring a slower pace. Once we have descended the 4,500 feet
to the roadhead we will have our lunch and say good-bye to our
mountain staff before driving back to Moshi or Arusha for a nice
hot shower and time to relax, ready for departure home or onto
wildlife safari the next day.
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