This route is the hardest but most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. Extra days can be added to our itinerary to explore or relax along the route or to camp in the Karanga River valley. Accommodation on the mountain is in tents; you will need a sleeping bag and mat. The porters will pitch the tents for you.

Programme

Day 1:

Drive to the Umbwe Roadhead at 1800m. 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. The first campsite is in the forest by some rock overhangs at 2940m, (5-6 hours walking).

Day 2:

Shortly after leaving the camp the forest ends and the path continues along a narrow spectacular ridge. Above, the sheer 1000m of the Breach Wall appears and disappears as the afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco. From the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco Hut and our camp in the valley floor at 3900m, (5-6 hours walking).

Day 3:

Scramble easily to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over screes and ridges to the Karanga Valley camsite (3h, 4000m.), beneath the icefalls of the Southern Glaciers.

Day 4:

After climbing out of the Karanga Valley the trail ascends a ridge to the Barafu Hut, a bleak location with little vegetation at 4600m, (3 hours walking).

Day 5:

An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, (4 hours); the last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. From here a further hour leads to Uhuru Peak, from where there are often fine views of Meru to the west and the jagged peak of Mawenzi to the east. After a short time on the summit you descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on down to camp at Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the Mweka route. Those with energy on the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields.

Day 6:

A 3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the Park gate and your waiting transport. Drive back to the hotel near Moshi.

Climbing certificates are issued by the Kilimanjaro National Park for successful climbers.

Important Points of Interest on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Make the ascent in a pace that suits you do not rush and rest frequently.

Make Sure that you drink at least 3 - 4 liters of liquid a day, preferably water. Take a sip every now and then. You will lose a large amount of fluid through the lungs and by sweating.

2010 Prices:

All Prices are per person.

1 passenger (PAX):              US$ 1,650

2 PAX:                                  US$ 1,600

3 or more PAX:                    US$ 1,550

The following items are included in the above prices:

• Guarantee Departure.

• Transfer by bus shuttle Nairobi-Arusha- Moshi-Nairobi.

• 2 nights accommodations in a mid-class hotel (Bed and Breakfast), before and after the climb.

• Accommodation in mountaineering tents.

• Meals (3 meals a day) while on the mountain,

• All park fees, including mountain rescue fees, and government taxes.

• Services of our trained English-speaking mountain guide, and a skilled cook, and enough numbers of porters for your luggage,

• Transport from your hotel to the mountain, and back to your hotel.

The price does not include:

• Item of personal nature.
• Tips to guide and porters