INTRODUCTION +44 (0) Altitude 5,895m (19,340ft) / 12 Days / Grade 1A

Transcription

1 Altitude 5,895m (19,340ft) / 12 Days / Grade 1A INTRODUCTION The Umbwe Route, followed by the Western Breach, is undoubtedly the most exciting route to the top of Kilimanjaro that does not require the use of ropes. It avoids the crowds on the more popular trekking routes and is suitable for mountaineers with recent scrambling experience. On this expedition you will climb nearby Mount Meru (4,556m), a dormant volcano in Arusha National Park, before travelling to Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru is a very worthwhile climb in it's own right and the three-day ascent not only provides vital acclimatisation, but is a good chance to see plenty of wildlife and take in magnificent views of the Western Breach on Kilimanjaro. By applying our expertise on many of the world's highest mountains, including Everest, we have established an unparalleled track record of success on Kilimanjaro. The Western Breach is rarely climbed, but for those wishing to climb Africa's highest mountain via a more interesting route, it is a superb challenge. If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please contact us by telephone: +44 (0) Alternatively, please us via our website: 1

2 » Experience. Our experience on the Western Breach is un-matched. Mountaineers have been climbing the Umbwe/Western Breach route with us since We have completed more ascents of this route than any other company in the UK.» Expertise. Our roots are in mountaineering. We lead teams to the summit of Everest every year, as well as Kilimanjaro and many other mountains across the globe.» Leadership. You will be in a team led by a professional leader. You will have the support of our excellent English-speaking local guides.» Price. Your prices are guaranteed and all-inclusive. You won t be left guessing what add-on fees for flights or park entry might be.» Acclimatisation. We take this very seriously, which is why you will spend 8 days on the mountain. Any less would increase your risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), whilst decreasing your chance of reaching the top.» Tents and Medical back-up. You ll sleep in leading-brand (Terra Nova or Mountain Hardwear) tents and have supplementary oxygen and a portable hyperbaric chamber on hand, along with other drugs considered essential by the Wilderness Medical Society for treating mountain illnesses.» Porters. Each of your porters will be given a new fleece and new waterproofs, which they keep, plus a sleeping bag to keep them warm at night.» Travel to Tanzania. Those joining the scheduled group flight from the UK will take just 3 days to travel to and from Tanzania. You will fly from Heathrow to Kilimanjaro International via Amsterdam with KLM (or choose a regional departure). This is the best schedule available from the UK.» Advice. You will be able to call our office to speak to someone who has climbed Kilimanjaro recently.» Pre-trip training weekend. You will meet your fellow team members and make friends before setting off together to climb Africa s highest mountain. You ll learn about altitude sickness, how to recognise it and how it is treated. You will learn about equipment, what works best and how to use it effectively. Whichever route you choose to climb Kilimanjaro, it is worth considering that approximately 60% of the in-country cost of our trips is fees payable to the National Park. This is the main reason our trips are more expensive - these fees are based on the number of days spent in the National Park. Our trips are longer than most, so therefore they are more expensive. Our Kilimanjaro - Western Breach trip spends four days in Arusha National Park acclimatising on Mount Meru and then six days on Kilimanjaro. Cheap trips offered by mass-market tour companies sometimes spend as little as four or five days just on Kilimanjaro. At best, this lack of sufficient time to acclimatise undermines your chances of reaching the summit, at worst, it could mean you become very ill. More than any other mountain in the world, there is an overwhelming choice of companies offering ascents of Kilimanjaro. When considering who to go with and what might constitute value for money, it makes sense to compare the 'per day' cost of the trip. 2

3 One of the most crucial components of a successful ascent of Kilimanjaro is a carefully designed acclimatisation programme, built into the itinerary. Our Kilimanjaro itinerary has been tried and tested since 1994 and our success rate is one of the highest there is. By climbing the nearby Mt Meru (4,556m) prior to tackling Kilimanjaro, not only do our clients experience another worthwhile peak, they are also far better prepared to enjoy an ascent of the main objective - Africa's highest mountain. In a recent investigation by the Expedition Advisory Service at the Royal Geographical Society, they recommended an ascent of Mt Kenya or Mt Meru prior to attempting Kilimanjaro. Having flown with KLM from your regional airport, the team meets at Amsterdam where you fly together to Kilimanjaro International Airport. This is the most convenient airfield for Kilimanjaro and within 40 minutes of arrival, you can be at your hotel in Moshi, avoiding the long and painful journey from Nairobi, inherent in the average itinerary. You ll spend the night in Moshi before travelling to Mt Meru (4,556m/14,947ft), a dormant volcano in Arusha National Park. Meru is a very worthwhile climb in its own right and the three-day ascent not only provides vital acclimatisation, but is a good chance to see plenty of wildlife and take in magnificent views of the Western Breach on Kilimanjaro. After Meru, you travel back to Moshi for a relaxing afternoon where you ll rest and prepare for the first day on Kilimanjaro. The team travels in 4 x 4 vehicles to the start of the spectacular Umbwe Route on the most impressive side of the mountain. The trail, which is seldom used, takes you through dense jungle as local porters carry the team s equipment. Over the next three days, you ll gradually make your way through changing eco-systems, following a ridge crest directly to the foot of the formidable Breach Wall. This is a 2000ft precipice draped with hanging glaciers and icicles. On summit day you ll climb Africa's highest mountain by the scrambling route up the Western Breach to the crater rim, which is then followed to Uhuru Peak - the highest point in Africa. 3

4 Day 1 Day 2 Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport Team members joining the scheduled group flight from the UK will fly from their nearest airport to Amsterdam and rendezvous with other team members, before flying to Tanzania. You'll be met there and escorted on the 50-minute bus journey to our hotel in Moshi. It s locally owned, so by staying there you benefit the local economy. After dinner and a briefing you can prepare for a quick start in the morning. Team members joining on a land only basis need to arrive in Moshi today. Enter Arusha National Park and begin ascent of Mt Meru Having almost caught up on our sleep, you depart the Keys Hotel for your first challenge, an ascent of Mount Meru (4,566m). Although smaller than Kilimanjaro, it is not to be underestimated! Your walk begins after a 2 ½ hour drive to the park gate and you head for Mirikamba Hut (2,520m). You ll find ourselves walking through the Arusha National Park with a view across the plains of Africa behind and, in front, a fantastic view of Mount Meru. Giraffes, buffalo and monkeys are a regular sight here. As you ascend, the forest gets deeper and the track winds through it with interest. The walk takes around 3 hours, leaving time to take in the views and the huts provide dormitory type accommodation. Day 3 Climb to the Saddle Hut (3,556m) on Mt Meru After a full breakfast with a great view of Kilimanjaro to the east, it is time to trek up to the Saddle (3,566m) on Mount Meru. The vegetation starts to change as height is gained and you emerge from the forest and eventually arrive at Saddle Hut after 4 ½ hours. It is time for lunch, followed by a short ascent of Little Meru (3,820m) in the afternoon for extra acclimatisation. After soaking up the view its back to the Saddle Hut to prepare for your first big day, Meru summit. It is important to get some sleep at this point, which is sometimes easier said than done during the early hours. Day 4 Summit day on Mt Meru (4,556m) An exciting day today as you wake at midnight for an early breakfast. Your climb begins under a blanket of stars and you ll eventually reach your first milestone after 1 hour, Rhino Point (3,800m). After a short descent and a steady scramble over sloping slabs, it is now uphill all the way to the summit. The route sees you climb the remaining part of the crater wall that surrounds the ash cone in the centre of the volcano. As you near the top the sun breaks the horizon and bathes everything in a warm orange glow. The final rocky stretch leads to the summit and you are rewarded with a view of your surroundings, including Kilimanjaro to the east. It takes 6-8 hours to reach the summit where the photo opportunities are not to be missed. It is now time to descend to Mirikamba Hut to rest and relax after a long climb. Day 5 Descend Meru and head back to Moshi for rest Today is a relaxing walk to the gate. You ll make an early start so you can take your time to see as much wildlife on the way as possible. You take a slightly different route down as you came up on the first day. This allows you to see some picturesque waterfalls. Finally it is back to the hotel for a well-deserved hot shower. 4

5 Day 6 Begin ascent of Kilimanjaro, climb to Forest Caves (3,000m) After a good night's sleep, you ll travel by either Jeep or private bus, depending on the size of the team, to the start of the Umbwe Route. Expect the journey to the foot of Kilimanjaro to be a dusty one - this is Africa! Being a more arduous trek than most routes on Kilimanjaro, the Umbwe has few visitors and is much more interesting than more popular trails. From the gate at 1,400m and with porters carrying our equipment, you ll set off up a good track. Eventually it narrows to become barely discernible, as you wind up through dense jungle. The rain forest is magnificent and the track a steady climb, finishing at the campsite at Forest Caves, at an altitude of 3,000m (approx 5 hours). Day 7 Climb to Baranco Camp (3,900m) The route continues through forest with a good chance of seeing Colobus monkeys before rearing up onto a steep, narrow ridge with deep valleys on either side. This gives a distinct high mountain feel. The flora is unusual, including African walnut trees draped in 'goats beard' moss. The huge ravine of the great Baranco drops away on one side and directly ahead is the awesome Breach Wall of Kilimanjaro. At 3,000m, you emerge on to high moorland and the entire character of the trek changes. The Baranco Hut, little more than a tin shack, is reached in midafternoon and we set up camp (3,900m, 5 hours). Day 8 Acclimatisation and exploration This is an acclimatisation day involving a short climb up the Baranco Wall to view the southern glaciers of Kilimanjaro. The hike provides good views of this side of the mountain and of Mt Meru. You ll descend back to Baranco camp in time for lunch and a restful afternoon. Day 9 Climb to Arrow Hut beneath the Breach Wall (4,800m) You continue up the ridge until it joins the final slopes of the volcano. There are tremendous views of the Breach Wall to the right and of your route to the summit, up the Western Breach directly above. You camp near the ruins of the Arrow Hut which is a good, level campsite (4,800m, 5 hours). Day 10 Arrow Hut to the summit of Kilimanjaro - Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Millennium Camp (3,820m) You ll awake very early and should be well underway by 3 a.m., climbing by head-torch until the pre-dawn light begins to illuminate the upper slopes of the volcano. You climb the steep scree and then rock that leads up past the Arrow Glacier to the crater rim. There a several sections of scrambling over the top of incredible frozen lava formations. As the sun rises on the horizon, you witness the remarkable shadow of Kilimanjaro stretching across the plains behind you, towards Mt Meru. Following the crater rim, you ll cross the foot of the tiny Furtwangler Glacier and then make a final steep climb up to Uhuru Summit (5,895m/19,340ft). The ascent from the camp to the summit takes between 6 and 8 hours. The views from the summit are breathtaking; to the north stands Mt Kenya, the second highest peak on the continent and to the west Mt Meru. You ll spend about an hour on the summit, taking in the exposure and watching the clouds as they begin to form around the tips of the volcanoes. From the exhilaration of 5

6 reaching the summit you continue eastwards along the crater rim, following the top of the tourist track, to Stella Point. Here, you leave the tourist track and turn down steep scree to the littlefrequented Barafu Hut (4,600m) and on to Millennium Camp (3,800m). This is a long but very rewarding day. Day 11 Descent via the Mweka Hut (3,100m) You ll continue your descent to Mweka Hut. From here the path descends steeply through lush green forest. The route follows the crest of a broad ridge separating two river valleys, before the path widens and leads you to Mweka Village. From the village of Mweka, you are taken by either private bus or Jeep to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved shower and a celebratory drink. But not too many, as you ll be leaving this evening for the airport! In the early evening, our transport will arrive for the transfer back to Kilimanjaro International Airport. The flight takes off at about 22:00, to head back north through the night. Day 12 Arrive home The KLM flight arrives back in the UK at around 10 am. PLEASE NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of trekkers can all contribute to changes. The Trek Leader and our local agent will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset! 6

7 » Economy class return airfares from the UK (unless Land Only)» UK airline taxes» National Park fees and Peak Permits» All internal hotel/airport transfers (unless Land Only)» The best available accommodation in Moshi» Evening meals in Moshi» All road transport by private vehicles» All camping facilities and meals during the trek (leading brand tents used throughout)» Porterage of 12Kg of personal gear per person on the mountain» All costs for Jagged Globe accredited leader, local Tanzanian guides and helpers» Jagged Globe kitbag or fleece» Visa fees» Overseas airports taxes not paid in advance through the international airline ticket» Bar bills and laundry» Travel insurance» Evening meals in Moshi» Optional trips and sightseeing tours» Tips» Lunch in Moshi* * You return from the mountain and have a late lunch in the hotel in Moshi, which is not included in the cost. It is usual for the team to host the lunch and to invite the mountain staff (but not the porters, who we say goodbye to at the park gates) to say thank you for their help on the climb. For those flying home the same day, you have to find time to pack and to shower, for which some rooms are made available. For everyone, on the day you fly home, you leave the hotel before dinner (no later than 6 p.m.) for the journey to the airport. We recommend you have a big lunch, and that you buy food again in the airport before boarding, as dinner is not served on the flight until departure from Dar es Salaam much later that evening. 7

8 We recommend the following Safari extension taking in the major parks of the area, Ngorongoro and Tarangire, to see more of Tanzania s wildlife. You can book this at the same time as your trek please see website for pricing. The hotels cannot be guaranteed but if full, we will endeavour to book hotels of the same standard. Day 12 Day 13 Moshi Lake Manyara - Ngorongoro After breakfast you will transfer to Lake Manyara with a picnic lunch from the hotel for a full day game drive around Lake Manyara. The Manyara Region takes its name from Lake Manyara, which is one of the major lakes formed by the Great Rift Valley. It is a major wildlife water source and an essential part of the wildlife ecosystems of Serengeti National Park. In addition, Lake Manyara is the country s largest breeding ground for tens of thousands of flamingos. Dinner and overnight Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge. Ngorongoro Crater After breakfast descend down to the crater with lunch boxes for full day game drive. Ngorongoro district in Tanzania, home to the famous Ngorongoro crater and bordering the Serengeti national park, is surely one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. Animals are free to move here. This free mobility of animals and rich volcanic soil, lush forests and spring source lakes on the crater floor tend to attract tourists throughout the year. Ngorongoro also has some of the bird prey, the most common bird prey is the Augur Buzzard which is either black and white or rare all black and also the Verreaux s Eagle. Dinner and overnight at Roika Lodge. Day 14 Tarangire to Moshi You will have an early morning game drive before returning to the lodge at 8.30am for breakfast. After packing you ll then have a half day game drive in Tarangire before returning to Moshi. Tarangire lies to the south of the large open grass plains of 8

9 southern Maasai and is the best-kept secret on the northern safari circuit. It offers wonderful panoramas of wide savannah grasslands dotted with open acacia woodland and studded with large Baobab trees. The density of game is second only to the Ngorongoro Crater. Dinner and overnight at Keys hotel. Day 15 Rest day and fly home Rest day at the hotel. You will leave the hotel at about 5 p.m. for departure from Kilimanjaro International at hrs. Day 16 Arrive home The KLM flight arrives back in the UK at around 10 am. If you d like to unwind after climbing Kilimanjaro, the tropical Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar has a fascinating combination of Arabic and African cultures and if you are still feeling energetic, you could do some snorkelling or diving! We recommend the following itinerary, which you can book online at the same time as your trek prices on our website are based on twin-sharing. If booking on your own please contact us to confirm the price. The hotels cannot be guaranteed but if full we will endeavour to book hotels of the same standard. Day 13-14: Fly to Zanzibar and stay in hotel in Stone Town for two nights. Day 15: Travel to Nungwi on the northern pinnacle of Zanzibar Island. The Beach Hotel offers extensive views over the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Day 16-18: Relax on idyllic beaches or take a diving lesson. You have three whole days in paradise! Overnight Beach Hotel. Day 19-20: Return journey home. 9

10 For flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport from the UK, we use KLM via Amsterdam. Using Amsterdam as the hub, KLM offers flights to Kilimanjaro from most of the regional airports in the UK. So, if you would prefer to fly from your local airport, rather than from Heathrow, we can arrange this for you. Please indicate when you book the airport you would like to fly from, either by giving us a call or on your booking form. We will do the rest. You will be scheduled to fly from the UK to Amsterdam to catch the same onward flight to Tanzania as everyone else in your team. So you will not be travelling to Africa alone as the expedition members will all be united on arrival in Amsterdam. Kilimanjaro International Airport is only a short distance from our hotel base in Moshi and is the most conveniently located airfield for entering the region. Unlike some operators, we fly directly into Tanzania rather than travelling across land from Nairobi in Kenya. We therefore avoid the hassle of obtaining two visas (for both Kenya and Tanzania) and do not have to endure the long and tiring. The maximum team size is 12, plus a Jagged Globe leader, English speaking Tanzanian guides and local porters - you ll only need to carry what you need each day. Jagged Globe leaders are selected for their excellent personal track record of mountaineering at high altitudes, and their ability to successfully manage a team with differing backgrounds. You can read more about our leaders on our website. The ascent of Kilimanjaro by the Umbwe Route and the Western Breach is one of the world's great mountaineering adventures, suitable for mountaineers who have done several Grade 1 and preferably some Grade 2 or 3 scrambles in the British Hills (such as Striding Edge, Aonach Eagach or Grib Goch), or equivalent. No previous experience of high altitude is necessary. In deciding if you should climb Kilimanjaro by the Western Breach remember that you will be scrambling on steep, loose terrain, prone to rockfall, in the dark, in the cold, at high altitude and the rocks may be icy in places, or covered in snow. Teams may decide to summit via the Barafu route if there has been recent stonefall or snow. We recommend the Jagged Globe Advanced Scrambling course in Snowdonia if you are preparing for Kilimanjaro. You can find out more about our Rock Climbing and Scrambling courses on our website: 10

11 A complete equipment list is sent to you on booking. We have an equipment hire service, which includes down jackets and down sleeping bags. Any trek or expedition to Kilimanjaro relies on the hard work of local Tanzanian porters. It is their carrying of our supplies and baggage that makes the journey possible. Jagged Globe is careful to ensure that they are well treated, not exploited and have good protection from the elements. The porters working on our treks are issued fleeces and waterproofs, which they can keep. Our treks to Kilimanjaro abide by the rules and regulations of the National Park with porters carrying no more than 15kg. We make sure that our porters never go any higher on Kilimanjaro than Barafu Camp. We also ensure that all porters going on the mountain have access to shelter such as tents or huts, and the use of a sleeping bag. In addition, Jagged Globe supports the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) and Porters Progress and provides help and advice to those organisations to improve the working conditions of the porters on whom we depend. All team members are asked to provide feedback on porters' working conditions in post-trip questionnaires. 11

12 Jagged Globe offers pre-trip weekends for all expeditions and treks. The pre-trip weekend is a key element of your trek or expedition. You do not have to be booked onto a trip to attend a weekend, so it s the perfect opportunity to meet us and find out more about Jagged Globe. The pre-trip weekend provides team members with important information and skills that will enhance your experience of the trip. It is a chance to meet other team members, should they be attending, as well as giving you the opportunity to meet our office team, visit our specialist equipment shop and try on any hire equipment you may need. Normally a number of different teams meet over the weekend. The Saturday is based in and around Sheffield with presentations on personal equipment, dealing with altitude, expedition safety and staying healthy. In the evening there will be a meal and social gathering to get to know others on your trip. On Sunday we will go outdoors to the nearby Peak District. The activity will be focused on your trip. This will be a walk, scramble or rock climbing sessions using fixed rope and abseiling, if appropriate, at a nearby crag. The weekends are free to attend and are normally scheduled 6 8 weeks prior to your trip departure date. If you are booked onto a trip confirmed dates will be enclosed with your Booking Confirmation . If you have yet to book a place on a trip, please us to enquire about a suitable pre-trip weekend date. To book a place we will need to know at least 10 days beforehand. We look forward to meeting you at the weekend. Programme Day Time Activity Saturday 9.30am Meet at Jagged Globe. Introductions, tea/ coffee. Personal kit and equipment. Avoiding altitude illness. Looking after yourself on expedition pm 1pm 5pm Lunch, please bring a packed lunch (there are nearby shops if you forget) Drive out of town for practical sessions e.g. Roping up for glacier travel, using fixed rope, abseiling, rock scrambling and remote camping skills. Return to Jagged Globe. Saturday 7-10pm Meet at a pre- booked venue for dinner followed by a 12

13 evening presentation about your trip. Sunday 9am Meet at Jagged Globe. Drive out to the Peak District for a whole day activity. A chance to break in boots and test waterproofs. 4pm Weekend finishes. Take kit bags or fleeces and any hire kit away with you. Please note that you will need normal UK hill walking equipment including packed lunch, boots, waterproofs and insulating layers. Some options may include: Grade 1 Trekking, e.g. Everest Base Camp Bleaklow Head from Doctor s Gate. 400m ascent and descent. 8km walk over heather moorland taking in steep slopes in ascent and descent with a visit to a crashed aircraft on the way. Grade 1 Trekking peak, e.g. Kilimanjaro Lemosho Glades Kinder Scout from Edale. 730m of ascent and descent. 10km walk over paths and rough moorland taking in Ringing Roger and Woolpacks on the way. Grade 2, Semi technical trekking peak, e.g. Mera Peak Kinder Scout Plateau via Blackden Brook. 350m of ascent and descent. 9km of steep walking with some steep scrambling on route. Descent via Fairbrook Naze. Grade 3/4, Technical expedition, e.g. Bolivian Climber/ Alpamayo A day s single pitch rock climbing. Climbing on one of the 150 crags in the Sheffield area looking at movement skills, abseiling, free hanging jumar use and crevasse rescue. Getting here Jagged Globe is located close to Sheffield city centre. We are around mins walking distance from Sheffield railway and Interchange Coach stations. We are located next to The Foundry Climbing Centre in the Kelham Island area of the city. There is free car parking within the Foundry Climbing Centre car park as well as ample on street parking. Accommodation There is lots of hotel accommodation in Sheffield, however the following hotels are within easy walking distance of Jagged Globe HQ. Holiday Inn. 4 Star, Victoria Station Rd, Sheffield S4 7YE. Stately redbrick property with an elegant restaurant and a lounge bar. Approximately 50 a night. 500m away. Hampton by Hilton. 3 Star, West Bar Green, Sheffield, S1 2DA. Set in a former police station, this new urban hotel is centrally located with free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Approximately 50 a night. 600m away. Mercure Sheffield St Paul's Hotel and Spa. 4 Star, 119 Norfolk St, Sheffield, S1 2JE. Adjacent to the city's Winter Gardens, amenities include a modern British restaurant with a glass ceiling and city-view dining, plus a chic champagne bar. There's also a spa with a heated indoor pool. Approximately 80 a night. 1400m away. 13

14 We can organise this expedition on a 'tailor-made' private basis for groups such as families, clubs or charities. Depending on your mountaineering experience, you might require a Jagged Globe leader or prefer to go 'self-led' with assistance from local Tanzanian guides. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable, particularly self-led options. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and preferred dates. We will put together a no-obligation quote. If you would like to book a place on this expedition, you can do so securely on our website, over the phone or by sending in a booking form by post. A deposit secures a place on your chosen departure. You will initially receive an automated acknowledging that your booking has been received. We will then confirm your booking in writing and send you a receipt for the deposit, an invoice for the final balance, ATOL certificate and equipment list. You will be given an account on a secure area of the Jagged Globe website, where you can complete other essential administration relating to the trip. Book Now: 14