Tanzania Trekking - Kilimanjaro Treks

Mount Kilimanjaro - Umbwe Route

Tips for Kilimanjaro Climbers

This route is the hardest but most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. It follows a forested ridge to the moorlands, then traverses below the Southern Icefields to reach the Barafu Route which is followed to the summit. An early start is made on the summit day to reach Stella Point, on the Crater Rim at dawn. Uhuru Peak lies a further 40 min. along the rim.

Accommodation on the mountain is in tents which the porters will pitch for you; you will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a steep, tough and in places slightly exposed trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. An extra day can be added to our itinerary to explore or relax along the route, (best taken at the Barranco Hut).

We will pick you up at the airport and taking you to Springlands Hotel where you can relax by the pool or go for an evening monkey-viewing forest walk. You then go up your chosen route. We do not charge you extra if you are on your own! You will have a guide, a cook and porters to carry as much of your equipment as you want. We organise year round trips on any route. On the last day you return to the hotel for a clean up, final meal and overnight, this is a good time to have a sauna or maybe a massage. Everything is included in our prices except for drinks, tips and the hotel is on a B&B basis. For high seasons (Christmas - New Year and July - August) please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Now take a look at the routes available up the mountain ranging from the least demanding Marangu to the rugged and spectacular Umbwe or long and wild Lemosho. The Machame Route is a popular one as it combines the beautiful and varied scenery with plenty of opportunities to acclimatise.

If you are not accustomed to camping and mountain walking you could consider the Marangu Route as the most suitable. This follows easy angled paths through magnificent rain forests to the Mandara Hut. Shortly beyond it passes Maundi Crater, a fine view point located at the edge of the forest belt. Above you enter the moorlands with their fine giant heathers stands, groundsels, lobelia and other exotic tropical high altitude plants. The next hut is the Horombo Hut, soon after this hut you reach the Saddle, a high altitude desert separating the rugged Mawenzi summit from Kibo. The final ascent starts from the Kibo Hut and involves steep paths on loose scree. There is fresh running water at all the huts apart from Kibo where it will be carried by your porters. You will be accommodated generally in 4 person clean huts with mattresses.

The other routes are all more demanding as regards steepness and in places involve some scrambling. Accommodation is in tents and there is no running water at the campsites though warm water for washing is provided. The scenery more than compensates for these difficulties. Whichever route you choose it is essential to allow enough time for acclimatisation to the altitude.

Although Mt. Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year it is worth avoiding the two rainy seasons (late March to mid-June and October to the beginning of December) when the route becomes slippery. Probably the best time to visit is January to February and September to October when there is usually no cloud.

Mount Kilimanjaro (19340’) (5895m) lies just 3 degrees south of the equator and is one of the highest volcanoes in the world. It rises some (15000’) (4572m) above the surrounding plains and savannahs. The Kilimanjaro National Park covers some 1864 sq. Km (720 sq. miles) The base of this immense mountain has diameter of 80 Km (48 Miles) and the outstanding features are its three major volcanic centers: Shira (4160m) in the west. Mawenzi (5280 m) to the east and the permanently snow-capped Kibo in the middle.

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’’.  

Mt. Kilimanjaro by the Umbwe Route

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; you will need a sleeping bag and mat. The porters will pitch the tents for you.

Programme

Day 1 Arrive at hotel.

Day 2 Drive to the Umbwe Roadhead at 1800m. 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. The first campsite is in the forest by some rock overhangs at 2940m, (5-6 hours walking).
 

Day 3 Shortly after leaving the camp the forest ends and the path continues along a narrow spectacular ridge. Above, the sheer 1000m of the Breach Wall appears and disappears as the afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco. From the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco Hut and our camp in the valley floor at 3900m, (5-6 hours walking).

Make the ascent in a pace that suits you do not rush and rest frequently.

Make Sure that you drink at least 3 – 4 liters of liquid a day, preferably water. The water on the mountain is safe to drink. Take a sip every now and then. You will lose a large amount of fluid through the lungs and by sweating.

Mount Kilimanjaro climbing check list

Documents

• Passport

• Yellow fever certificate

• Entrance visa

• Medical insurance
  
  Clothing

• Jersey

• Waterproof jacket

• Water proof pants

• Shorts

• T-shirts

• Jeans

• Warm jacket

• Thermal underwear

• Balaclava

• Gloves

• Sunglasses

• Woolen socks

• Hiking boots

• Light shoes

• Cap/hat

• Towel

• Underwear

• Socks
  
  Equipment

• Sleeping bag

• Day pack

• Water bottle

• Toilet paper

• Torch and batteries

• Pocket knife
  
  Food

• Energy drinks

• Chocolate

• Sweets

• Fruit

• Nuts

• Energy snacks
  
  Photographic

• Camera

• Spare batteries

• Film

• Different lenses

• Video camera

• Binoculars

• Video tapes
  
  First aid/medical

• Asprin

• Assorted plasters

• Sun protection cream

• Anti malaria tablets

• Insect repellent

• Lip salve

• Water purification tablets

• Antiseptic cream

• Bandages

• Adhesive tape

• Throat lozenges
  
  Personal items

• Toothbrush & paste

• Matches

• Candles

• Soap

• Address book

• Travelers cheques

• Travel insurance
  
  Miscellaneous

• Walking stick

• Notebook

• Pens

• Plastic bags

• Pencils

• Cash dollars ( smaller bills )

• Alcohol
  
  
  TIPPING GUIDELINES:
  Chief Guide: US$15 - 20 Per Day
  Assistant Guide: US$8 - 12  Per Day
  Cook: US$ 6 - 8  Per Day
  Porters: 5 - 6  Per Day
  
  
  PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE ONLY GUIDELINES AND TIPS CAN BE GIVEN ACCORDING TO SERVICES GIVEN TO CLIENTS.
  
  "TIPS ARE HIGHLY APPRECIATED AT THE END OF THE TRIP!!"

Note: When we have only 2 people we send 1 Guide, 4 Porters and a cook.

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice