Hike Mount Kilimanjaro
Overview
Experience a unique hike to Mount Kilimanjaro climbing via the Umbwe route in an attempt to summit Uhuru peak in a span of six days. Conquering Kilimanjaro is an adventure for thrill seekers and the hike offers an amazing venture. The team is ready and adventure awaits; you can join a group or undertake the hike solo in the company of our climbing crew.
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters above sea level and is the highest mountain in Africa in addition it’s nicknamed “the roof of Africa”. This mountain is most famous for its three summits which include Shira, Kibo, and Mawenzi. Kilimanjaro is synonymous with Africa and triggers an imagination of how mighty the continent is.
Our hiking adventure is crafted for thrill seekers who are willing to take the challenge of climbing mount Kilimanjaro to the summit while enjoying various breathtaking vistas. Conquering Kilimanjaro is simply being on top of Africa and a venture that should be in your bucket list.
Scaling the mountain’s heights is a feat that takes plenty of perseverance and it’s important to undergo acclimatization before climbing the mountain to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Logistics
The team at Kenya epic safaris is involved in every step of the planning, preparation and packing of our expedition. Behind the scenes we take care of all the nighty grities to ensure a smooth ripple effect for the purpose of a successful mount Kilimanjaro hiking experience.
Mountain guides & porters
Our mountain guides & porters are highly skilled on mountaineering and more importantly they possess years of experience on hiking mount Kilimanjaro. They are highly trained, certified, very knowledgeable and play a key role to a successful climb to the summit. Furthermore you will also enjoy the company of our professional guides & porters as you hike Mount Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation
Accommodation on the mountain varies on the route a climber chooses. There are permanently built mountain huts and designated camping sites. Our guides have selected various hotels for overnight stays close to the base of the mountain to ensure acclimatization and above all avoid mountain sickness.
Meals & Drinks
As part of our team; we have a dedicated professional cook who prepares excellent, delicious and healthy meals. Our cook will ensure a diverse menu accommodating different tastes and appetites. The menu consists of high protein foods, carbs, vegetables and fruits. Equally important we cater for special dietary requirements with advance notice at no extra charge. You are advised to bring your favorite snacks / energy bars.
You only require bottled water on the first and last day however on the mountain we will boil water or add purifying tablets then filter using MSR water filtering pump before refilling in your water bottles every morning.
Transport
We organize transportation from your hotel to the park’s entry point. The number of people, their budget and preference dictates the mode of transport we can offer and in addition if you are located in Nairobi, we can pre arrange a shuttle coach to Arusha or Moshi.
Call To Action
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Take a step towards the most ideal hiking adventure by getting in touch with our personnel. We will assist you with information, what to expect and guide you where necessary so as to achieve your travel goals.
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- Masai Mara / Lake Nakuru Budget Safari.
- Climbing Mount Kenya Sirimon Route.
- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route.
- Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route.
Six Days Mount Kilimanjaro Hike Umbwe Route. [Itinerary]
Day One: Moshi – Bivouac Camp
A representative from Kenya epic safaris will meet you at your hotel or pick you up from the airport and after formalities he or she will hand you over to your assigned mountain guide to facilitate your hike to mount Kilimanjaro. The guide will brief you on what to expect and check if you have the right gear.
You will be driven to the Umbwe Gate at 1800m, passing through villages with coffee and banana plantations. On arrival at the Parks Gate you will sign the register before you enter the park for your first step to accomplishing a life-long dream. The air is thick with moisture and the path is usually muddy. 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, with huge trees surrounding you. The path offers some spectacular views of deep gorges and if you are lucky glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance are visible. Dinner and over night at the camp which is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.
[Time: 5 hours] 1800m – 2940m
Day Two: Bivouac Camp – Baranco Camp
After a delicious breakfast begin the day’s climb through the forest which paves way to rockier terrain, sparser undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path continues along a narrow but spectacular ridge.
As you gain higher altitude, catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you edged against the blue sky. The path flattens as you approach Barranco Valley. From the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco camp.
The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while your dinner is being prepared.
[Time: 6 hours] 2940m – 3950m
Day Three: Baranco Camp – Arrow Glacier Camp
After breakfast, start your hike towards Lava Tower, a famous landmark on mount Kilimanjaro. The path is steep and rocky, with views of Mt. Meru; Kilimanjaro’s little sister, punching her peak through the clouds.
From Lava Tower you turn towards the Western Breach, a steep climb to Arrow Glacier camp (4800m). The climb is tasking and symptoms of altitude sickness might become noticeable. The campsite is spectacular.
Vegetation has now all but disappeared, leaving only rock and scree in varying in shades of brown and black. The campsite is very cold and you need to be prepared. Dinner and over night at the camp.
[Time: 6 hours] 3950m – 4800m
Day Four: Arrow Glacier Camp – Crater
From the arrow glacier camp the trail is made up off steep scree and rocky outcrops requiring a scramble lead up the Western Breach to the crater floor (5700m). This day will be the toughest challenge by far. After snowfalls the route can become icy and in these conditions an ice axe or ski stick may be required.
When reaching the crater rim, you will be astonished by the view of snow and glaciers. Visible to your left is the Northern ice fields of Kilimanjaro with the furtwangler glacier in front of you. Walk past this glacier to the Crater camp, situated at the crater rim. If time permits, you can climb to the ash pit (1 ½ hour).
The Ash Pit is 340m across, 120m deep and is one of the most perfect-formed examples in the world. The campsite is very cold as snow might occur. Be one of a fortunate few to spend a night in the inner crater of Kilimanjaro.
[Time: 5 hours] 4800m – 5700m
Day Five: Crater – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp
Today you will face the most demanding stretch of the climb. Wake up very early at mid night and have a light breakfast; coffee or tea with some biscuits. Begin the ascend to Uhuru peak which is at 5895 meters above sea level. From the crater floor you will probably encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Time spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. On arrival at the highest point in Africa part yourself on the back for your accomplishment, enjoy the view and take photos / selfies.
The walk to Barafu camp from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest, before heading down to Millennium camp (3100m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest.
The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be provided as well as drinking water.
[Time: 9 hours] 5700m – 5895m – 3100m
Day Six: Millennium Camp – Moshi
The home stretch is here, after a scrumtious breakfast embark on the five hour walk to the park gate. At Mweka Gate you receive your certificate of summit after signing the register.
Climbers who successfully get to Uhuru receive golden certificates while those who make it to Stella Point receive green certificates. From Mweka Gate you walk to Mweka Village, a one hour walk through 3kms of rough or muddy trail.
You receive a hot lunch at the Mweka Village, and you will be taken back to Moshi where your hike to mount Kilimanjaro ends.
[Time: 5 hours] 3100m – 1980m
End of services.
- Transport to and from the base of the mountain.
- Park entrance fees.
- Accommodation in mountain huts / camps.
- Meals as described in the itinerary.
- Services of a mountain guide, porters & a cook.
- Rescue fee.
- H.F Radio communication for backup in case of an emergency.
- All government taxes.
- International airfares.
- Climbing equipments.
- All expenditure of personal nature such as telephone calls, hard drinks, soft drinks and laundry.
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Travel Insurance.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing Route
The Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude, but the rewards are plentiful. Fewer people, pristine forest and shorter walking distances make it a great option for fit hikers.
Add to your experience overnight in the crater. Be one of a few fortunate people to spend a night in Africa’s largest volcano. This option is highly recommended, as this will be the only opportunity to get close to the beautiful and fascinating glaciers of Kilimanjaro and to be able to visit the ash pit.
Mount Kilimanjaro Topography
Mount Kilimanjaro vegetation zones are characterized by tropical forest, open moorland, alpine desert and finally rocks and ice fields. From 1850 m – 2800m we have the montane forest. The area is usually damp or wet due to rainfall. Notably there isn’t a bamboo forest on Mount Kilimanjaro. From 3200m the montane forest paves way for moorland which extends beyond the heath.
The nights in this zone are cold while the days are sunny and the air thins. Giant groundsels and lobelia thrive in this zone. The moorland paves way to the Alpine desert at 4000m, this zone is characterized by minimal vegetation, the sand is loose and the weather is intense. Above 5000m there isn’t any vegetation and all you can find are rocks and ice fields.
Mount Kilimanjaro is only 3 degrees south of the equator and is influenced by the passage of the Inter-tropical convergence zone. There are two rainy seasons. The long rains occur from March to the end of May and the short rains occur from October to November, but can extend into December.
Apart from these factors, climbing Kilimanjaro remains fairly constant throughout the year. The maximum rainfall occurs in the forest belt, where it can reach up to 2000 mm per year. At the summit, which can be described as a “high altitude desert”, the rainfall is less than 100 mm per year. Rain and snow at higher altitudes can however be encountered at any time of the year.
The average temperatures at the foot of the mountain are 25° – 30° C and on the summit, it can range from minus 10° – 20° C. At 3000m the day temperatures range from 5° – 15° C, and at night frost is normally encountered; clearly a large variation, making it more interesting to summit the mountain.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
The Park
Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s highest free standing mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro which is also referred to as “The Roof of Africa” stands at 5895 meters above sea level. The mountain is a dormant volcano and has three outstanding peaks namely shira at 3962m, Mawenzi at 5149m and kibo at 5895m. Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim.
Kilimanjaro is a giant stratovolcano that began forming a million years ago, when lava spilled from the Rift Valley zone. Two of its three peaks, Mawenzi and Shira, are extinct while Kibo (the highest peak) is dormant and could erupt again.
Mt. Kilimanjaro History
The last major eruption has been dated to 360,000 years ago, while the most recent activity was recorded just 200 years ago. Although it is dormant, Kibo has fumaroles that emit gas in the crater. Scientists concluded in 2003 that molten magma is just 400 m (1,310 ft) below the summit crater. Several collapses and landslides have occurred on Kibo in the past, one creating the area known as the Western Breach.
Kilimanjaro was first climbed in 1889 by German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountain climber Ludwig Purtscheller. There are six routes that one can use to climb the mountain namely Marangu, Mweka, Umbwe, Machame, Shira and Rongai. Only four of these routes are commonly used.
Climbing / Hiking Gear & Equipments
- Walking trousers synthetic material is recommended.
- Long Underwear Tops – Light synthetic.
- Women’s sports bras Synthetic material.
- Light fleece with a warm layer.
- Long sleeve polypropylene shirt.
- Medium weight polypropylene/thermal leggings.
- Wind – waterproof – breathable jacket.
- Gloves- light weight.
- Warm Hat or Balaclava Sun hat – wool or synthetic.
- Face mask or neck gaiter.
- Medium or large duffel bag to pack your town clothes with a lock, this can be left at the hotel or we can store them for you.
- Medium duffel bag to pack your hiking stuff with a lock. [ The porter will carry this bag. ]
- A day pack to store your essentials with a capacity of about 25 to 35 liters is recommended.
- Walking/hiking shoes – comfortable and waterproof.
- Socks – Fitting socks one thick and one thin pair.
- Head lamp with extra batteries & bulbs.
- Adjustable trekking poles.
- Sleeping bag – Rated 3 – season.
- Gaiters – make sure they will fit over boots.
- Purification tablets or filters – water for drinking is fetched from mountain streams.
- Water bottle preferably one litre.
- Female or male hygiene supplies.
- Hand wipes and camp towel.
- Personal toiletry kit.
- Suncream.
- Lip balm.
- Sun glasses.
- Camera & extra battries.
- Passport, flight ticket, travel insurance, visa, cash & credit card.
- Basecamp entertainment i.e books, board games, playing cards or ipod.
- Favorite Snacks, candy bars or protein bars.
- Bandanas.
- Do not Litter the park.
- Do not feed the animals, i.e. monkeys or baboons.
- Do give the animals the right of way and do not disturb wildlife.
- Do not take any plant or animals remains, dead or alive.
- Do not start fires or throw cigarettes in the parks/reserve.
- Do stay in your vehicle except at designated viewing points.
- Do not shout, laugh loudly, honk or play loud music as this will keep away the animals.
- Do not provoke any animals; it’s dangerous.
Kindly don’t forget your patience, have an open mind, positive and relaxed attitude as things in this part of the world may be very different to what you are accustomed to but in the end the experience is price less and will always be memorable.