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Climb Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route via Arrow Glacier - 6 Days / 5 Nights
The less utilize Umbwe Route was opened in June 1963. This route makes the distances covered between camps shorter and avoids crowding experienced in some sites in season. The summit and return days are as per the Machame Route. All your supplies and camping equipment are carried up the mountain by porters who also prepare all your meals. Your personal baggage is limited for the climb.
This is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach of Kibo. An ascent to Kibo via the Umbwe Route is probably one of the most scenic ‘non-technical' mountaineering expeditions in East Africa. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitudes, but the rewards are plentiful. Fewer people, pristine forest, greater chances of seeing wildlife and bird life in the lower levels, and shorter walking distances make it a great option for fit hikers. There are two main ascents on the Umbwe Route, via Barafu Hut or Arrow Glacier. Although both of these options can be done in 5 days, a 6 days hike is recommended for correct acclimatization.
Day 1 – Umbwe Gate (1700 m) to Bivouac 1 (2900 m)
After breakfast you are driven to the Umbwe Gate (1700 m). On arrival at the park's gate you are met by your guides and porters. You will now commence on a walk through the spectacular forest to the first camp, Bivouac 1 (2900 m), with access to water. This path begins at 2100 m and generally keeps to the narrow ridge crest between the Lonzo River on the west and the Umbwe on the east. The path gains altitude quickly, and offers some  spectacular views of deep gorges, and if you are lucky glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance! Take your time walking through this section. It will help you acclimatize and the paths are often steep in places.
Day 2 – Bivouac 1 (2900 m) to Barranco Hut (3950 m)
The day starts with a walk up to Bivouac No. 2 (3780 m), just under the first head-on view of the peak. If you're feeling strong, then you may continue to Barranco Hut (3950 m). The path is fairly steep through the forest, heading along a sharp ridge before it flattens as you approach Barranco Hut in the moorland zone. After a fairly long and strenuous day, you will now start to feel the symptoms of altitude.
Day 3 – Rest day at Barranco Hut (3950 m)
Day three is used for acclimatization and rest. You can hike to any of the higher elevations surrounding the Barranco Camp and return for a well-deserved rest. The whole idea on this day is to hike to a higher elevation and return to sleep low. This should help immensely with acclimatization, (walk high/ sleep low). While you wait for the spectacular sunset on the Breach Wall, the porters will provide drinking and washing water before preparing your meals. The temperature drops rapidly after sunset to well below freezing, making the nights at this camp very cold with the strong likelihood of frost in the morning.
Day 4 – Barranco Hut (3950 m) to Arrow Camp (4800 m)
From Barranco Hut (3950 m), the path leads up to Arrow Camp at 4800 m for the final night prior to your ascent. Porters will pitch your tent, collect water and prepare supper. Use this opportunity to rest as ascending the Western Breach can be physically and mentally taxing. Expect temperatures to drop considerably during this gain in altitude. The camp is littered with boulders and rocks from previous rock falls. There are spectacular views of Meru Peak, Lava Tower, the Shira Plateau and glaciers. Care should be taken when ascending the Western Breach as there are frequent rock falls during the warmer seasons. After crossing a particular point on the ascent, turning back is not an option because of dangerous conditions on the Western Breach; if for physical or health reasons you are unable to summit, you must continue to the crater rim and immediately head for Stella Point to start your descent to Barafu Hut (4600 m).
Day 5 – Arrow Camp (4800 m) to Uhuru Peak (5985 m) to Mweka Camp (3100 m)
You will be awoken around midnight, to commence your summit. The frits section is on scree that then changes to patches of ice and snow. Foot holes are generally available, and depending on conditions, you will be required to ‘short rope' for safety reasons. You will later follow a path between and over rocks up to the crater edge. Scrambling is required on some sections before you arrive on the crater ‘lip' alongside Furtwangler Glacier. From here you walk around the glacier within the crater, and then ascend the final section of scree up to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – this short section takes about 45 minutes at altitude. The descent takes you along the crater rim to Stella Point, before descending via Barafu Hut to High or Mweka Camp on the edge of the rain forest. Should weather conditions deteriorate during the first few days of your climb, the route via Barafu Hut would be a safer option as the rocks along Arrow Glacier can become iced-up and very slippery.
Day 6 – Mweka Hut (3100 m) to Mweka Village (1450 m) to hotel
A hearty breakfast is served before you descend through the rainforest to the park's gate. On reaching the gate you must enter your particulars in the park's register. The guides are issued with gold certificates for climbers who reached Uhuru Peak. You can buy drinks, beer, maps, books and shirts from the ranger. After all the formalities are over, continue your descent to the Mweka village (1450 m) where transport awaits to transfer you to the hotel for a bath or shower. Certificates are presented during supper by either your guide or team leader.
Price
US$ 1200 per person:
Any additional day is US$ 190
The price is inclusive
of:-
2 transfers from Moshi to Marangu park gate -return
3 meals per day while trekking - Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian
5 days Kilimanjaro trek- Marangu
4 nights accomodation in camps while trekking Marangu
First and Last night accommodation at standard accomodation hotel in Moshi
-Bed and Breakfast.
All park entrance fees and government levies
English speaking mountain Guide and assistant guides
Porters- a maximum of 2 per client
The Price does not include:
Gloves, Sun glasses,
Sleeping bag, Hats , Rain suits, Warm Jacket,
Heavy boots, Scarf's, Rain Trousers, tents
Note: All the
above items can be hired at a reasonable price
Kilimanjaro Summit Gear List
. Leather or thermal boots
. Gore-Tex, Microtex or K-Tech Trilaminate jacket
. Gore-Tex, Microtex or K-Tech pants
. Fleece jacket
. Fleece pants
. Gore-Tex mittens or gloves
. Fleece gloves (use as inner for Gore-Tex mittens)
. Thermal glove liners (use as inner for Gore-Tex gloves)
. Gaiters
. Fleece balaclava
. Thermal balaclava
. Thermal top
. Thermal long johns
. Thermal socks
. Sunglasses with UV protection
. Day pack
. Head torch
. Thermal flask
Kilimanjaro Trekking gear: (Wear between camps)
. Rain suit or poncho (mainly used in the rain forest)
. Hiking boots or cross trainers
. Day pack
. Short pants
. Tracksuit pants
. T-shirts
. Sun hat (peak caps do not offer enough protection)
. Woolen socks
. Fleece beanie
. Water bottle
Kilimanjaro General gear & equipment
. Duffel bag
. Walking stick (adjustable)
. Sleeping bag (-10 rating)
. Sleeping mat
Kilimanjaro Helpful hints
. Drink at least three to four litres of water a day.
. Use water filters and purifying pills to minimize stomach bugs.
. Take enough snacks like energy bars, drink mixes, etc.
. Do not move too fast, walk at a slow steady pace.
. Move as lightly as possible, do not carry unnecessary weight.
. All clothing in Duffel bags or backpacks must be protected with sack-liners to avoid getting wet, especially through the rainforest.
. High factor lip balm and sun block is essential.
. Nausea and headache pills should be kept handy on summit night.
. Symptoms of altitude sickness can be reduced by using medication (consult your doctor).
. New boots should be walked-in; this avoids blisters.
. Use a sleeping mat when camping.
. Use a thermal flask on summit night; other water bottles will freeze.
. Allow camera or video camera to acclimatize; do not wrap or place them in plastic bags.
. Thermal glove liners allow easier camera handling on the summit.
. Use only new camera and headlamp batteries on summit night.
. Guides and porters will expect tips; confirm amounts with your tour operator.
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