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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; you will need a
sleeping bag but a mat is provided. The porters do not pitch
the tents for you but will help if you wish.
TA – 03 –
7 Nights/ 8 Days – Umbwe Route Trail.
Day – 1 -
Arrive at
Kilimanjaro International Airport meet and transfer to
Impala Hotel
(B&B.)
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 –
A shortly
after leaving the camp the forest ends and the path
continues along a narrow spectacular ridge. Above, the sheer
1200m 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).
Day – 4 -
A
short scramble to the top of the Great Barranco and then a
traverse over scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley (4000m,
3 hours), beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and
Decken Glaciers.
Day – 5 -
After climbing out of the Karanga Valley the trail ascends a
ridge to the Barafu Hut, a bleak location with little
vegetation at 4600m, (3 hours walking).
Day – 6 -
An
early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater
between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, (4 hours); the last
section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an
ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. From here a
further hour leads to Uhuru Peak, from where there are often
fine views of Meru to the west and the jagged peak of
Mawenzi to the east. After a short time on the summit you
descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before
continuing on down to camp at Mweka Hut in the giant heather
zone on the Mweka route. Those with energy on the summit may
wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic
ice pinnacles of the Eastern Ice fields.
Day – 7 -
A
3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the
Park gate and your waiting transport. Drive back to Arusha
Impala Hotel. Evening you can refresh and relax in your day
room. If you're continuing with one of our scheduled
departures you'll overnight and begin your wildlife safari
the next day. Otherwise you'll continue according to your
onward arrangements. |
