Umbwe
route 5 days in mountain and 4 relaxing in Moshi
and Arusha park
Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaroat :
On arrival transfer to Moshi by road – a
journey approximately 1 hour. After your long
journey, the day is free to relax at the Keys
Hotel, which has its own gardens and swimming
pool or take a stroll around Moshi, a building
market town situated at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaoro.
Day 2:
Free Day, Moshi. The snow – capped summit
of the mountain is usually free of cloud in the
early morning and can be easily viewed from the
town and its surrounds. In the afternoon you can
optional excursion through forests, farmlands,
and visiting a beautiful waterfall (Payble locally).
In the evening we meet with the local trek guide
for a briefing on the climb and to check through
equipment and clothing. You will overnight at
Umbwe Cultural tourism farm for near view the
mountain and hear the sound of African bush.
Day 3:
Start Kilimanjaro Climb. After a short drive,
we arrive at the trailhead at an altitude of 1650m
on the lush forested lower slopes of the mountain.
After meeting the rest of the trek team, which
includes the assistant guide, cook and porters,
we set off on an easy trail through forest and
farmland. The lower slopes of Kilimanjaro receive
ample rainfall and are very fertile and though
much of the area is given over to coffee plantations,
a great range of crops can be grown here. Most
of the villages behind, we enter the rainforest,
which is home to many beautiful birds and animals.
The heat will slow us down but by walking quietly,
we have good chances of spotting black and white
colobus monkeys and we will undoubtedly hear the
raucous call of the hornbill. Climbing slowly
and steadily, we ascend the ridge between thee
Umbwe and Lonzo Rivers, a steep but very beautiful
route in places we use tree roots to assist as
hand holds. The dense rainforest starts to lighten
up as we reach the clearing at Umbwe cave camp
(3000m), where the tens are pitched amongst the
lichen-covered trees. (5 –6 hours walking,
1400m of ascent)
Day 4:
Umbwe Cave camp to Baranco Hut. We continue the
climb up the ridge, which in places narrows to
give a steep drop to the side, so not suitable
for those with vertigo. As the forest thins, we
emerge onto the giant heather zone. During today’s
walk, we have a short 10m scramble on rock, wit
tree roots for support at one point – most
trekkers find this straightforward. The trail
continues up the ridge and becomes wider and easier
as we approach the campsite near the Baranco hut.
(3950m 4 – 5 hours walking with 950m of
ascent).
Day 5:
Baranco Hut to Karanga Valley Camp. The day starts
with the hour-long climb up the formidable looking
Baranco Wall, which like many such trails looks
worse from a distance. The path is well –
trod and though there are some exposed sections,
which require extra care, your guides will be
there to assist. The trail then undulates towards
the southeast before dropping steeply to the Karanga
Valley at 4,00m for lunch. Karanga Valley to Barafu.
An undulating route goes from the Karanga Valley
to the junction of the Mweka route. From here
there is a final pull up to the Barafu hut –
Barafu means ‘Ice in Swahili. Located at
4,600m, we are in fact still below the snow line,
but there is little vegetation at this altitude.
Bird life too is scarce though we may encounter
the white – necked raven, hearing its echoing
croak as it wheels about scavenging for food.
The tents are pitched among rocky outcrops for
shlter, from where magnificent views of the summit
of Kilimanjaro and Mawenzi eak to the east are
ample reward for the day’s efforts. (650m
of ascent, 6 – 7 hours walking)
Day 6:
Ascend Uhuru Peak and descend to Mweka. Today
is the longest and most challenging day of the
climb. We set off from Barafu Hut at 1.00am and
using head torches climb the steep scree slope
to Stella Point, on the crater rim at 5,700m.
This is a long, hard slog but pacing ourselves
and taking it slowly may reward us rewarded by
the most amazing sunrise, as we reach the rim.
From here, it is another hour to hour and a half
along the rim to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s
5895m summit, we start the descent back down the
scree to the camp, where breakfast and a two –
hour rest await. All too soon we must continue
the walk, crossing the heather moorland to descend
to Mweka. (1295m of ascent, 12 – 15 hours
walking).
Day 7:
Descend to base and return to Moshi. If your legs
are still in working order, this can be a wonderful
walk out through the montane forest, with superb
scenery, plenty of birds and the occasional glimpse
of a black and white colubus monkey. Reaching
the gate, we are met with drinks and a picnic
lunch, to celebrate the end of the climb. From
here it is a short drive back to the hotel in
Moshi, where a welcome shower and the luxury of
a bed await.
Day 8:
Moshi town tour and overnight at Keys hotel
Day 9:
Arusha national park game drive
Day 10:Transfer
to airport
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