MOUNT KILIMANJARO UMBWE ROUTE 7 DAYS

Day 1: Arrive Africa -- Overnight at Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge

Kilimanjaro Trekkers takes pride in providing gourmet food and comfortable camps throughout the climb, and porters will carry your equipment. All of these factors combine to maintain our high success rate--98%. After the climb we descend to the comforts of the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge set among the beautiful Coffee garden.

The hotel has 139 rooms including: 30 chalets with 60 rooms, 72 rooms in the main building, 7 presidential suites.

Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most of them have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent view of both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee making facilities, safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception and public areas.

Day 2: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp 9,700ft 5 hours

The majority of the hike on this first day is through the Montaine Forest. Lush vegetation with very old trees and lilts of ferns and mosses mark this as an area that gets reliable rain year round. The forest abounds with wildlife; small bushbuck & duikers as well as monkeys. There is also rich and varied bird life. The first three hours or so is on gently rising land before steepening for the last two hours. The camp for the night is in a small clearing on the trail.

Day 3: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp 13,000ft 4 hours

Shortly after starting the hike the forest gradually gives away to the giant heath. The trail has been following a ridge for some time and as it ascends through the heath land the ridge narrows and sharpens, finally becoming knife edge with steep drops on each side. As the height of the heath reduces there are stunning views of both Kilimanjaro’s southern flank and across the Mount Meru some 50 miles away. Wildlife changes with the vegetation, jackals may be heard barking and the huge Lammergeyer seen circling overhead. The camp is overlooking the Barranco Valley with views up towards Arrow Glacier.

DAY 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m
Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.

DAY 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (m) 4,630
Hiking time 4-5hrs

From Karanga the tour heads up a morraine ridge taking your time and going slowly. The views here can be spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it's taken it very slowly. As with the day before you reach camp by around lunch time leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent. (Full board).

DAY 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)
Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)
Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent
Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 7: Mweka Camp to Arusha
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m
Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 6000ft
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel.

Sleeping Gear
These items are available for rent. You must order and pay for them before departure.
-- sleeping bags and stuff sack: night-time temperatures on Kilimanjaro can be as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit so bring a warm bag
-- pile or wool hat: it must cover the ears; a balaclava works well
-- sleeping pad: full-length Therma-Rest or equivalent

Head and Face
-- shade hat: a visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the equatorial sun
-- bandannas: various uses - cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc.
-- sunglasses with side shields or glacier glasses: essential eye protection whether in the tropics, at high altitudes or by the water

Upper Body
-- t-shirts: two t-shirts that will get dirty; polypropylene is best; no cotton.
-- upper body layers: three warms layers for the upper body. These must be made of wool, polypropylene or pile. Layers must fit over each other and provide good insulation. A long underwear top, a sweater and a pile or heavy wool shirt make a good combination. Cotton should be avoided.
-- rain parka: a good parka made of Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been seam sealed. Afternoon showers are common in East Africa, especially on Kilimanjaro.
-- poncho: quick and handy protection for your body and your day pack; poor protection in windy rain
-- wool gloves or mittens: wool or pile; one pair of heavy mittens and a light pair of gloves works well
-- mitten shells: one pair to go over mittens; provide protection from the wind and rain at higher altitudes on the mountain

Optional
-- Down or Synthetic Jacket: although not required some individuals may prefer to bring a heavier expedition weight jacket for cold mountain nights.

Lower Body
-- undergarments: adequate supply for the entire climb
-- hiking shorts: one pair of quick-drying shorts; good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
-- tights: comfortable to hike in, protection from vegetation and sunburn, warm on cool misty days; Lycra are best
-- long underwear bottoms: one pair, either wool or polypropylene pile, bunting or wool pants: one comfortable pair that fit loosely over the long underwear bottoms
-- rain pants: a good pair of Gortex or nylon pants (nylon pants must be made of breathable, water resistant nylon); must be roomy enough to fit comfortably over pile or wool pants

Feet
-- thin socks: two pair of polypropylene socks to wear under heavy wool socks; help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
-- thick socks: six pair of heavy wool or polypropylene socks
-- hiking boots: one pair medium weight hiking boots large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one heavy sock (see Boot Fitting and Maintenance section in this booklet)
-- gaiters: one pair of high gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots
-- tennis shoes: to wear in camp after a day of hiking

Personal Health and Comfort
-- toiletries: toothbrush and paste, comb, shampoo, tampons, footpowder, handcream, etc. Bring enough for the entire trip as few are available in Tanzania.
-- sunscreen: bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 15 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for equatorial sun protection.
-- lip balm: must have SPF rating of 15 or more
-- ear plugs: to block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
-- flashlight and/or headlamp: bring extra batteries
-- adjustable ski poles: required to assist with a rigorous descent from the mountain
-- pocket knife: simple Swiss Army type with scissors
-- personal first aid and drug kit: see Health and Medical Information towel: for wash up in camp
-- Towelettes: individually wrapped anti-bacterial towels are great for general hygiene
-- spare contacts or glasses: contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions; glasses wearers should have a spare set
-- umbrella (optional): protection from rain and sun; most guides use one
-- portable chair: (optional): Therma-rest and Crazy Creek both make light-weight, comfortable portable chairs. Stools are provided in camp for dining.
-- snacks: (optional): bring a supply of your favorite snacks to eat on the climb. It is a nice treat for the porters to receive a small snack on the climb.
-- fingernail brush (optional): for removing dust from your nails, clothes or boots
-- plastic sandwich bags: keeps personal items separate and dry

Water
-- water bottles: two one-quart, wide-mouthed plastic bottles. If you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water. However, continue to bring at least one hard plastic bottle in addition. These can be used in cold weather as hot water bottles in your sleeping bag (example: Nalgene).
-- water treatment tablets: two bottles of Potable Agua or Polar Pure crystal iodine; purifies drinking water while on the climb and is lightweight and easy to use
-- water flavoring: powdered additives like Tang, Gatoraid and Wyler's lemonade make treated water taste better.

Carrying Gear
-- large day pack: with padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc. Individual loads will be between 15 and 20 pounds. A climbing pack with a volume between 2500-3500 cu. in. (40-50 liters) severs most people needs well.
-- large duffel bag: with a lock; mountain gear will be kept in it and the entire duffel will go into the group mountain bag that will be carried by the porters. Limit loads to items on the equipment list. Your large duffel will weigh between 25-30 lbs.
-- medium duffel bag: to store your non-mountain gear; this will be stored at the hotel, to be used after the climb and will be brought to your hotel.
-- baggage tags: makes identifying your bags easy at the airports or hotels
-- plastic bags: sleeping bag and clothes will be double-bagged while on the mountain for protection from afternoon rains. Heavy duty garbage bags work great and can store dirty or wet clothes as well.