Umbwe via Western Breach – 7 Days

Why this itinerary?

Suitable for fit hikers only, this is an extreme variation on the Umbwe route, ascending via the Western Breach. Participants should be fully aware of the level of exertion and danger before booking this trip – exactly what some rare visitors are looking for.

Description

This is a 7 day Kilimanjaro hike starting at Umbwe gate and ascending via The Western Breach. Due to the relatively extreme nature of this trip there are generally less people than on other routes and if guests have altitude sickness they will not be allowed to ascend the breach. This is the 7 day version with a night in the crater – pre acclimatization on Mt Meru is strongly recommended.

Highlights

Kilimanjaro: afro-montane forest, Barranco valley, Lava Tower, glaciers and the Western breach. Unusual ascent of Kibo, walking in the Kibo Caldera and option to visit the ash pit. The Roof of Africa!

Day 1: KILIMANJARO – UMBWE CAVES

In the morning you are picked up at 8am from your hotel and drive to Machame gate to collect your permits. There is then an hour drive to the Umbwe gate where after checking in you set off up through the forest zone. The first day hiking is not overly difficult but certainly steepens towards the latter end of the day. In the late afternoon you arrive in the first camp for dinner and overnight (full board).

Day 2 KILIMANJARO – BARRANCO

The second day ascends from the forest zone into the heath zone and there are some very steep sections here. Taking it easy is essential to allow your body to acclimatize. A picnic lunch is taken on route and then in the afternoon you arrive into Barranco camp in time to relax for a while before dinner. The views of the Barranco wall and Western breach pertain to events some 60,000 years ago when this whole part of the mountain collapsed. Dinner and overnight Barranco Camp (full board).

Day 3 KILIMANJARO – LAVA TOWER

The ascent today is very steep and into alpine dessert. The air is generally very dry here and as you ascend the guides will be carefully assessing your progress. Note that if your body is not acclimatizing well then the routing may well be switched to an ascent via Stella Point instead. Lunch is taken at Lava Tower with the afternoon to rest. Overnight Lava Tower (full board).

Day 4: KILIMANJARO – ARROW GLACIER

There is leisurely ascent to arrow glacier this morning and plenty of time just to lt your bodies get used to the thin air. You can also hike the area with your guides to keep the blood flowing. A very dramatic part of the mountain, it is also known to be quite dangerous for rock falls and so extreme care must be taken when walking up towards the breach. There is a very early dinner and then time for some rest. Dinner and overnight Arrow Glacier Camp (full board).

Day 5: KILIMANJARO – SUMMIT / MILLENIUM

There is a very early ascent up the breach at 4am. It takes around 4 to 6 hours to reach the crater rim and then you head into camp. In the afternoon there is a chance to visit the ash pit and Furtwangler glacier. Dinner and overnight Crater Camp (full board).

Day 6: KILIMANJARO – MWEKA

Your start is timed to reach the summit at the break of dawn which only takes around 1 hour. Sunrise here is truly spectacular with stunning views of the crater, Mt Meru and the Southern Ice fields. You then descend to Mweka camp arriving mid -afternoon for your final evening on Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight Mweka Camp (full board).

Day 7: KILIMANJARO – END

final descent of 4,500 ft brings you down to Mweka Gate where your team will have prepared another scrumptious and fresh lunch and your transfer vehicles will be waiting to collect you. Here you will say goodbye to our mountain staff before heading to the hotel near Arusha for a farewell dinner and either overnight or a day room and departure. Extend your Tanzanian vacation with Kili Climb Africa Safaris on safari, walking safari or other adventures.

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