Umbwe Route 6-7 Days
Itinerary
Day 1 – Umbwe Gate (1800m) – Bivouac Camp (2940m)
Habitat: Montane forest Hiking time: 5 hours After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Umbwe Gate. Here you can buy mineral water and will receive a packed lunch. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the look out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the Bivouac Camp (2940m) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served. For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!
Day 2 – Bivouac Camp (2940m) – Barranco Camp (3950m)
Hiking time: 6 hours Habitat: Moorland After an early morning breakfast, you will start your ascent leaving the rain forest and entering the heathland moorland vegetation. In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. As you ascent, the trail provides a spectacular view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The trail then flattens then descends into the Barranco Valley until you reach Barranco Camp. At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and the Great Barranco Wall in the East. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.
Day 3 – Barranco Camp (3950m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m)
Habitat: Moorland/Semi desert Following an early morning breakfast, you will leave the moorland environment and enter the semi desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of hiking east, you will be come face to face with the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the Tower and hikers have the option of climbing the massive Lava Tower weather permitting. At this point of the hike, it is normal for hikers to start feeling the effects from the altitude including headaches and shortness of breath. After eating lunch at Lava Tower, hikers will scramble up the steep Class 2 trail to the Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m). Vegetation at Arrow Glacier is sparse and hikers are surrounded by stone scree. Snacks, dinner, and washing water will be provided, as hikers stay warm in their tents at this camp.
Day 4 – Arrow Glacier (4800m) – Crater (5700m)
Hiking time: 5 hours Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped glacier After an early morning breakfast, hikers will continue to scramble up the Class 2 trail on rocks. During the rain season, an ice ax and crampons are required due to icy conditions. Hikers slowly ascend up the Western Breach to the Crater (5700m). Upon reaching the top of the crater, you will be amazed by the Northern Ice fields of Kilimanjaro with the Furtwangler Glacier directly in front of you. At the campsite, you have the option of completing a day hike to the infamous Ash Pit (1.5 hour) of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The ash pit is 340m across and 120m deep. After hiking, you will enjoy a warm dinner and be one of the few and fortunate hikers to stay at the inner, snow-covered crater of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Day 5 – Summit Attempt Crater (5700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)
Hiking time: 2 hours to Uhuru and 7-8 hours to Mweka Distance: Approximately 7 kilometer ascent and 23 kilometer descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Your guide will wake you around 0400 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. For about 2 hours, you will hike on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours. At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.
Day 6 – Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 3 hours Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers Habitat: Forest Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). You will be served a hot lunch then you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
Habitat: Montane forest Hiking time: 5 hours After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Umbwe Gate. Here you can buy mineral water and will receive a packed lunch. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the look out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the Bivouac Camp (2940m) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served. For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!
Day 2 – Bivouac Camp (2940m) – Barranco Camp (3950m)
Hiking time: 6 hours Habitat: Moorland After an early morning breakfast, you will start your ascent leaving the rain forest and entering the heathland moorland vegetation. In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. As you ascent, the trail provides a spectacular view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The trail then flattens then descends into the Barranco Valley until you reach Barranco Camp. At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and the Great Barranco Wall in the East. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.
Day 3 – Barranco Camp (3950m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m)
Habitat: Moorland/Semi desert Following an early morning breakfast, you will leave the moorland environment and enter the semi desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of hiking east, you will be come face to face with the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the Tower and hikers have the option of climbing the massive Lava Tower weather permitting. At this point of the hike, it is normal for hikers to start feeling the effects from the altitude including headaches and shortness of breath. After eating lunch at Lava Tower, hikers will scramble up the steep Class 2 trail to the Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m). Vegetation at Arrow Glacier is sparse and hikers are surrounded by stone scree. Snacks, dinner, and washing water will be provided, as hikers stay warm in their tents at this camp.
Day 4 – Arrow Glacier (4800m) – Crater (5700m)
Hiking time: 5 hours Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped glacier After an early morning breakfast, hikers will continue to scramble up the Class 2 trail on rocks. During the rain season, an ice ax and crampons are required due to icy conditions. Hikers slowly ascend up the Western Breach to the Crater (5700m). Upon reaching the top of the crater, you will be amazed by the Northern Ice fields of Kilimanjaro with the Furtwangler Glacier directly in front of you. At the campsite, you have the option of completing a day hike to the infamous Ash Pit (1.5 hour) of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The ash pit is 340m across and 120m deep. After hiking, you will enjoy a warm dinner and be one of the few and fortunate hikers to stay at the inner, snow-covered crater of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Day 5 – Summit Attempt Crater (5700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)
Hiking time: 2 hours to Uhuru and 7-8 hours to Mweka Distance: Approximately 7 kilometer ascent and 23 kilometer descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Your guide will wake you around 0400 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. For about 2 hours, you will hike on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours. At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.
Day 6 – Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 3 hours Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers Habitat: Forest Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). You will be served a hot lunch then you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
Recommended Gears List
Pair of hiking sticks
One (1) - Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof
1 headlight torch with extra batteries.
One (1) - Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
One (1) -Trekking Poles, collapsable highly recommended
One (1) - Head lamp, with extra batteries
One (1) - Duffel bag, 50-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment
One (1) - Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear may be rented on location
One (1 )- Gym Shoes to wear at camp optional
Tree (3) - Socks wool or synthetic
One (1) - Gaiters waterproof optional
Trip Receipt
Passport
Visa (available at JRO)
Immunization Papers
Insurance Document
One (1) - Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
One (1) - Knit Hat, for warmth
One (1) - Balaclava or Buff, for face overage - optional
One (1) - Gloves, warm waterproof recommended
One (1) - Gloves, thin
1 Camera with extra batteries.
One (1) - Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
One (1) - Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
One (1) - Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
Two (2) - Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
One (1) - Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
One (1) - Waterproof Pants, breathable side zipper recommended
Two (2 )- Hiking Pants
One (1)- Fleece Pants
One (1) - Shorts --optional
One (1) - Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
Three (3) - Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended
Two (2) - Sport Bra --women
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Wet Wipes - recommended
Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy-optional
Electrolytes, powder or tablets -optional
One (1) 1 powerbank
One (1) - Sunglasses or Goggles
One (1) - Backpack Cover, waterproof optional
One (1) - Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz
One (1) - Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters
One (1) - Towel, lightweight, quick-dry ptional
One (1) - Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night --recommended
Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
One (1) - Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof
1 headlight torch with extra batteries.
One (1) - Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
One (1) -Trekking Poles, collapsable highly recommended
One (1) - Head lamp, with extra batteries
One (1) - Duffel bag, 50-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment
One (1) - Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear may be rented on location
One (1 )- Gym Shoes to wear at camp optional
Tree (3) - Socks wool or synthetic
One (1) - Gaiters waterproof optional
Trip Receipt
Passport
Visa (available at JRO)
Immunization Papers
Insurance Document
One (1) - Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
One (1) - Knit Hat, for warmth
One (1) - Balaclava or Buff, for face overage - optional
One (1) - Gloves, warm waterproof recommended
One (1) - Gloves, thin
1 Camera with extra batteries.
One (1) - Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
One (1) - Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
One (1) - Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
Two (2) - Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
One (1) - Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
One (1) - Waterproof Pants, breathable side zipper recommended
Two (2 )- Hiking Pants
One (1)- Fleece Pants
One (1) - Shorts --optional
One (1) - Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
Three (3) - Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended
Two (2) - Sport Bra --women
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Wet Wipes - recommended
Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy-optional
Electrolytes, powder or tablets -optional
One (1) 1 powerbank
One (1) - Sunglasses or Goggles
One (1) - Backpack Cover, waterproof optional
One (1) - Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz
One (1) - Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters
One (1) - Towel, lightweight, quick-dry ptional
One (1) - Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night --recommended
Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
0 comments:
Post a Comment