Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: July 12, 2005
This is the second time I have reached the summit within the past 18 months. Both times went with Zara, both times Machame Route. This is a great route for acclimatization. Weather crappy for first two days but then cleared up except for 1" snow in Barranco Valley! Clear summit night. At summit for sunrise - spectacular and never-to-be-forgotten. Subsequent descent extremely demanding. My climbing partner also reached summit, Daniel Bennett. Zara's Springlands Hotel in Moshi a great place to spend prep and post-climb days.
Had a very good climb - fantastic weather. Slow and steady going up, admiring the views. Was last to leave camp on summit day but third to reach summit - saw about five people turn back due to altitude sickness. Scree going down was exasperating, to say the least. Guide from Arusha Expeditions was a character.
My first significant mountain. Goodluck and Michael Jackson, we could not have done it without you. Amazing summit view and great higher altitude experience, better believe I'll do it again next time I'm in Tanzania.
Route Climbed: Great Western Breach Date Climbed: November 29, 2001
I was inspired to climb Kilimanjaro by my friend who had cancer and was hospital-ridden. Thanks, Heather-
We summitted at 7am, after a midnight departure. It was snowing and very cold for the most part (I climbed in my down jacket) with 40mph blowing across the crater, but cleared up and calm at the summit. The 9000' descent back to a 10,000' camp is a killer...
It was a beautifull trip. Sometimes we had some bad weather but in general it was nice and sunny. I didn't make it to the top and had to wait for my girlfriend in the Barafu (last) camp. Although I didn't make it , it meant a lot to be there. The beautifull scenery and every morning a cup of coffee on the mountain :-).
For sure I'll be back one day and hope to be more lucky.
Reached Uhuru for the 2nd time in 2 years, and despite snow & poor visibility, felt just as proud as I did the first time. This time, climbed with my 16 year old son. Marangu was pleasantly unlittered, compared with Machame 2 years ago.
Route Climbed: Machambe/Western Breach Date Climbed: April 2004
Unbelievable experience. I was 53 and my sister-in-law was 60 when we went up. We had never been on any kind of mountain trek before. Hard work and more so during the long rain season! Am going again this July when I hope to have some views!
Route Climbed: Western Breach Date Climbed: February 19, 2005
Had originally planned to climb Machame route with an extra acclimatization day at Karanga Valley. Our guide suggested we go Western Breach instead and I am glad we decided to change. We had a very easy climb with stops at Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Lava Tower Camp, Arrow Glacier Camp and Crater Camp. I had some reservations about this route gaining altitude too rapidly, but we did acclimitization hikes every day from Shira Camp on and had no problems with acclimatization. Reaching the summit from the last camp was only about an hour, and we avoided the long, cold windy night climb from Barafu. There were 3 groups at our Crater Camp- 21 climbers in all and all 21 made the summit. On descent we met several climbers at Stella Point coming up from Barafu that were really struggling and some that just didn't make it. I didn't initially expect to be a fan of the Western Breach Route, but now I am sold on it. A great trip and great support from the guides and porters from Good Earth Tours.
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: February 6th 2005
Made it all the way to Uhuru with 6 of our original 7. Clear night, clear sunrise. My father's 3rd summit and my mom's first (she is 60 and a recent breast cancer survior). A really special trip!
We used Tropical Trails based out of Arusha. Thanks Ramson, Godbless, Eugene, & Charles (Charles made us fish fry at Shira...FISH FRY!!!)
I would go with Ramson and crew again in a second.
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: January 19, 2005
My wife and I reached Uhuru Peak at 6:15 AM, after climbing the 4,000 feet from Barafu Camp in exactly 6 hours. We felt great, absolutely no problems. On the summit push we blasted past several groups of younger people, which I attribute to spending an extra night acclimatizing at Karanga Camp.
I was pleased with our choice of the Machame Route, after some outfitters tried to convince us to use the Western Breach or Rongai. From what I saw and heard I think Machame is the way to go.
Our outfitter, Tanzania Adventure did an outstanding job for us, from start to finish, including a 2-week wildlife safari and a week on Zanzibar. Our mountain guide Maiko and the rest of the staff were awesome. Of course, we could not have done it without them.
Route Climbed: Machame and Arrow Glacier Date Climbed: February 1997
Started along the Machame Route but then had the third camp at Lava Tower, from which we set off at 1am for the summit. Ascended via Arrow Glacier with only one torch (the other one stopped functioning after 10 minutes), had trouble finding our way, and ran out of water. Utterly exhausted, because insuffciently acclimatised, we reached the summit around 9:30am. Descended via Mweka route all the way down without another camp. In all we completed the climb in 3 days and 2 hours, which is not to be recommended at all. Take more time, it will be a less dangerous much nicer experience.
I didn't like the idea of starting in the middle of the night, so I left Kibo hut at 02:30. My guide and climbing friend was affected by altitude (I was fully acclimatized), so I left them behind before Gilian's point. Foggy and windy. Arrived at Uhuru peak at 07:55. Sad to be at the summit alone. No one to share the happiness with.
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: 12 October 2003
Five days is really too short of time to properly acclimate on this trip, making for a difficult summit day. If you want a more enjoyable trip I would highly recommend adding a couple of days to the "standard" itinerary.
Route Climbed: Marangu Date Climbed: Dec. 10th 2004
I started 6.15 am and reached the summit at 9.50 am
from Kibu hut. The ascent was quick and comfortable
with stabile weather conditions. The sun peeked out
a few times, but the summit approach from Gillan's point was a little chilly. It took me just below 6 hours for the whole climb (up and down) which was the inital plan. Of our group of 3 people all of us made it.
This is the summary of our separate climbs:
Corax - Started 06.15. Summited 09.05. He stayed
approx. 1 hour on the summit before desc-
ending. Reached Kibu hut 11.05
Nadios - Started 02.30 Summited 07.55. She stayed
approx. 10 minutes on the summit before
descending. Reached Kibu hut around 10.
Straylightstudios - Started 06.15. Summited 09.50.
I stayed approx. 10 min on the summit
before descending. Reached Kibu hut 11.45.
We took a deciscion not to go with any porters or cooks on the approach march nor the climb itself. A single guide accompanied us because of park regulations forced us to do so. Our permit allowed us to spend a total of 4 days in the park to make a summit bid.
The total amount that we spended on park fees and guide was $1080 for 3 people compared to regular fees of approx. $700 per person.
Route Climbed: Umbwe to Western Breach Date Climbed: Aug 24, 2002
Highest summit ever for me. I had been forewarned about the risk of death from altitude sickness especially at my not-too young age of 56. We spent one week mountaineering at high altitude in the Alps to become better acclimatized prior to our long trek to almost 6000m. Fortunately we did not have any major high altitude problems (details provided in Trip Report).
It is unfortunate that so many trekkers are discouraged from trying the Umbwe route because there are no technical difficulties during the climb. Moreover, the landscape is much more dramatic and memorable than anything seen on the Marangu route.
Moogie737 - Jul 19, 2005 12:35 pm
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: July 12, 2005This is the second time I have reached the summit within the past 18 months. Both times went with Zara, both times Machame Route. This is a great route for acclimatization. Weather crappy for first two days but then cleared up except for 1" snow in Barranco Valley! Clear summit night. At summit for sunrise - spectacular and never-to-be-forgotten. Subsequent descent extremely demanding. My climbing partner also reached summit, Daniel Bennett. Zara's Springlands Hotel in Moshi a great place to spend prep and post-climb days.
flatfoot - Jul 10, 2005 8:42 pm
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: July 2004Had a very good climb - fantastic weather. Slow and steady going up, admiring the views. Was last to leave camp on summit day but third to reach summit - saw about five people turn back due to altitude sickness. Scree going down was exasperating, to say the least. Guide from Arusha Expeditions was a character.
daode83 - Jun 17, 2005 6:49 pm
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: July 2004My first significant mountain. Goodluck and Michael Jackson, we could not have done it without you. Amazing summit view and great higher altitude experience, better believe I'll do it again next time I'm in Tanzania.
MarieP - Jun 17, 2005 1:13 am
Route Climbed: Rongai (up) Marangu (down) Date Climbed: January 2004Great altitude test. Wish I could do it without a guide!
Rice Climber - Jun 13, 2005 2:51 pm
Route Climbed: Great Western Breach Date Climbed: November 29, 2001I was inspired to climb Kilimanjaro by my friend who had cancer and was hospital-ridden. Thanks, Heather-
We summitted at 7am, after a midnight departure. It was snowing and very cold for the most part (I climbed in my down jacket) with 40mph blowing across the crater, but cleared up and calm at the summit. The 9000' descent back to a 10,000' camp is a killer...
Big ups to the Rhino Team from Moon-Adventure.
chapter11 - Jun 8, 2005 5:09 pm
Route Climbed: Machame Route - Western Breach Summit Date Climbed: September 2003Perfect Summit Day. Western Breach was phenomenal! Thanks Jacob and Tropical Trails!
Joerg Marretsch - May 16, 2005 5:29 am
Route Climbed: Up from north (Kikeleva-route), down over Marangu Date Climbed: 14 February 2001The top of Africa, my first really big mountain. A wonderful experience. I´m looking for more.
dcanaley - Apr 27, 2005 4:39 pm
Route Climbed: Marangu Date Climbed: April 2005Reached the summit at Gilman's Point (5700m), about 200m short of the true summit at Uhuru Point. Had to turn back due to severe altitude sickness.
Great weather, and absolutely terrific pair of guides....Milton and Dickson from Zara Travel.
milan1970 - Apr 12, 2005 11:40 am
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: 23-29/12/04It was a beautifull trip. Sometimes we had some bad weather but in general it was nice and sunny. I didn't make it to the top and had to wait for my girlfriend in the Barafu (last) camp. Although I didn't make it , it meant a lot to be there. The beautifull scenery and every morning a cup of coffee on the mountain :-).
For sure I'll be back one day and hope to be more lucky.
Maybe see you out there somewhere.
Grtz Milan
Christine Pemberton - Mar 28, 2005 10:42 pm
Route Climbed: Marangu Date Climbed: March 2005Reached Uhuru for the 2nd time in 2 years, and despite snow & poor visibility, felt just as proud as I did the first time. This time, climbed with my 16 year old son. Marangu was pleasantly unlittered, compared with Machame 2 years ago.
mnsurvivor - Mar 17, 2005 6:05 pm
Route Climbed: Machambe/Western Breach Date Climbed: April 2004Unbelievable experience. I was 53 and my sister-in-law was 60 when we went up. We had never been on any kind of mountain trek before. Hard work and more so during the long rain season! Am going again this July when I hope to have some views!
kilimanjaro1 - Mar 1, 2005 11:42 am
Route Climbed: Western Breach Date Climbed: February 19, 2005Had originally planned to climb Machame route with an extra acclimatization day at Karanga Valley. Our guide suggested we go Western Breach instead and I am glad we decided to change. We had a very easy climb with stops at Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Lava Tower Camp, Arrow Glacier Camp and Crater Camp. I had some reservations about this route gaining altitude too rapidly, but we did acclimitization hikes every day from Shira Camp on and had no problems with acclimatization. Reaching the summit from the last camp was only about an hour, and we avoided the long, cold windy night climb from Barafu. There were 3 groups at our Crater Camp- 21 climbers in all and all 21 made the summit. On descent we met several climbers at Stella Point coming up from Barafu that were really struggling and some that just didn't make it. I didn't initially expect to be a fan of the Western Breach Route, but now I am sold on it. A great trip and great support from the guides and porters from Good Earth Tours.
Thad - Feb 18, 2005 4:02 pm
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: February 6th 2005Made it all the way to Uhuru with 6 of our original 7. Clear night, clear sunrise. My father's 3rd summit and my mom's first (she is 60 and a recent breast cancer survior). A really special trip!
We used Tropical Trails based out of Arusha. Thanks Ramson, Godbless, Eugene, & Charles (Charles made us fish fry at Shira...FISH FRY!!!)
I would go with Ramson and crew again in a second.
Nelson - Feb 12, 2005 2:52 pm
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: January 19, 2005My wife and I reached Uhuru Peak at 6:15 AM, after climbing the 4,000 feet from Barafu Camp in exactly 6 hours. We felt great, absolutely no problems. On the summit push we blasted past several groups of younger people, which I attribute to spending an extra night acclimatizing at Karanga Camp.
I was pleased with our choice of the Machame Route, after some outfitters tried to convince us to use the Western Breach or Rongai. From what I saw and heard I think Machame is the way to go.
Our outfitter, Tanzania Adventure did an outstanding job for us, from start to finish, including a 2-week wildlife safari and a week on Zanzibar. Our mountain guide Maiko and the rest of the staff were awesome. Of course, we could not have done it without them.
A fantastic trip on a fantastic mountain.
edouet - Feb 8, 2005 1:32 pm
Route Climbed: Machame Route Date Climbed: January 21st, 2005After summiting Mt Meru a few days earlier, my acclimatization was good enough to allow me to reach Uhuru Peak, and to enjoy it with a nice sunrise.
Fully crowded anyway, it looked like the top of an easy 10,000Ft peak in the Pyrénées!
Thanks to all the staff ( Company Manager, Guide, Cook, Porters ) to help me to fulfill this dream, walking on the top of Kilimanjaro.
maxcz - Jan 18, 2005 6:24 pm
Route Climbed: Machame and Arrow Glacier Date Climbed: February 1997Started along the Machame Route but then had the third camp at Lava Tower, from which we set off at 1am for the summit. Ascended via Arrow Glacier with only one torch (the other one stopped functioning after 10 minutes), had trouble finding our way, and ran out of water. Utterly exhausted, because insuffciently acclimatised, we reached the summit around 9:30am. Descended via Mweka route all the way down without another camp. In all we completed the climb in 3 days and 2 hours, which is not to be recommended at all. Take more time, it will be a less dangerous much nicer experience.
Nadios - Dec 18, 2004 12:48 pm
Route Climbed: Marangu Date Climbed: 2004 12 10I didn't like the idea of starting in the middle of the night, so I left Kibo hut at 02:30. My guide and climbing friend was affected by altitude (I was fully acclimatized), so I left them behind before Gilian's point. Foggy and windy. Arrived at Uhuru peak at 07:55. Sad to be at the summit alone. No one to share the happiness with.
Brice Neugebauer - Dec 14, 2004 4:42 am
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: 12 October 2003Five days is really too short of time to properly acclimate on this trip, making for a difficult summit day. If you want a more enjoyable trip I would highly recommend adding a couple of days to the "standard" itinerary.
straylightstudios - Dec 11, 2004 10:20 am
Route Climbed: Marangu Date Climbed: Dec. 10th 2004I started 6.15 am and reached the summit at 9.50 am
from Kibu hut. The ascent was quick and comfortable
with stabile weather conditions. The sun peeked out
a few times, but the summit approach from Gillan's point was a little chilly. It took me just below 6 hours for the whole climb (up and down) which was the inital plan. Of our group of 3 people all of us made it.
This is the summary of our separate climbs:
Corax - Started 06.15. Summited 09.05. He stayed
approx. 1 hour on the summit before desc-
ending. Reached Kibu hut 11.05
Nadios - Started 02.30 Summited 07.55. She stayed
approx. 10 minutes on the summit before
descending. Reached Kibu hut around 10.
Straylightstudios - Started 06.15. Summited 09.50.
I stayed approx. 10 min on the summit
before descending. Reached Kibu hut 11.45.
We took a deciscion not to go with any porters or cooks on the approach march nor the climb itself. A single guide accompanied us because of park regulations forced us to do so. Our permit allowed us to spend a total of 4 days in the park to make a summit bid.
The total amount that we spended on park fees and guide was $1080 for 3 people compared to regular fees of approx. $700 per person.
JanG - Nov 19, 2004 10:00 pm
Route Climbed: Umbwe to Western Breach Date Climbed: Aug 24, 2002Highest summit ever for me. I had been forewarned about the risk of death from altitude sickness especially at my not-too young age of 56. We spent one week mountaineering at high altitude in the Alps to become better acclimatized prior to our long trek to almost 6000m. Fortunately we did not have any major high altitude problems (details provided in Trip Report).
It is unfortunate that so many trekkers are discouraged from trying the Umbwe route because there are no technical difficulties during the climb. Moreover, the landscape is much more dramatic and memorable than anything seen on the Marangu route.