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.
Route Climbed: Western Breach Date Climbed: July 20, 2004
Our group of 4 reached the summit in bright sunshine after spending the night camping on the crater rim next to the glacier. It was my 2nd time at the summit! The first time was via Machame. This time via the Western Breach - which is much more impressive than Machame. The hike to the actual ashpit was the highlight of my trip! Special thanks to the rest of the team (Tom, Nina & Adria) and to Wilbert and our outstanding F&S Kiliwarrior crew - www.go-kili.com
Route Climbed: Machame/Western Breach Date Climbed: July 15-21, 2004
David Link & David Deffner reached Uhuru Peak on July 19 at 8:00 am, after climbing the Arrow Glacier/Western Breach route from Lava Tower. The weather was exceptionally fine, and we had minimal problems with altitude sickness. Our guide Peter Mato, was excellent, and we'd recommend him wholeheartedly. David & David's Excellent Kilimanjaro adventure was "Extreme Team Pole Pole!"
Our group--ages 53 to 62--of seven from the United States took six days to ascend the peak, and two days down the Marungu Route. Other than headaches and one member with mild pulmonary edema, we all successfully summited. Dry, mild weather comforted our ascent.
Route Climbed: Machame-Mweka Date Climbed: December 24, 1998
Went with Alpine Ascents International. It was a very well prepared trek, I would recommend it to anyone. A real nice walk, with the summit day being the only substantial challenge. Carry some coin to buy some beer at the Mweka hut on the way down. From what I remember, Safari Lager is the way to go.
Route Climbed: Machame (ascent), Mweka (descent) Date Climbed: march 4, 2004
On the mountain for 7 days (decided to take an extra day for better acclimatisation). Dry night and a clear sky during our summit attempt. Left Barufu at 0.30 am and reached the summit (Uhuru Peak) at 7.15 am.
Easy climb. Walked slowly avoiding many stops for resting (because of the cold wind). On the summit together with my wife (and climbing partner) Astrid, CJ and Macho. Great views!
Route Climbed: Lemosho Gate to Shira Plateau & up Western Breach Date Climbed: Feb. 5,2004
We spent 7-days on the mountain, our first 3 were dry & warm. The last 4-days was a mixed bag! We had rain 2-days, followed by 2-days of snow. This made conditions on the Western Breach difficult without ice axe nor crampons. Because many of the rocks that needed to be overcome, had a thin coat of ice on them. Besides all the new snow & iced-over rocks, we had snow falling with high winds, which made visability poor. After finally reaching the summit, taking a few pictures & having a warm cup of tea, we descended via the Mweka Route.
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: 6 february 2004
Spent a fantastic 6 days on the mountain, although the weather was rather rainy. Happily we had a dry night for the summit attempt, with a full moon. Got very well till about 150 metres below Stella point. Then it became hard and when I reached Stella Point I was actually suffering from AMS (maybe because I refused to take Diamox for the trip in order to climb the mountain by fair means). Went on to Uhuru Peak anyway, which I reached at about 07.30 with a little help from the guide.
All the three of our expedition reached the summit.
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.
HeyItsBen - Nov 10, 2004 3:54 pm
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: September 6, 20047 day Machame route climb. Great experience! Tanzania is beautiful, and the people are incredible.
Mhtrussell - Nov 9, 2004 5:57 pm
Route Climbed: Rongai Date Climbed: 5 November 2004Nobody told me about the fantastic views of the glacier and the crater from the top - only about how hard it would be!
ChuckO - Oct 12, 2004 10:39 pm
Route Climbed: Arrow Glacier Date Climbed: apr 2000Great climb. My altitude P.R., then and now. Fresh snow on summit day made the climb challenging. 15hour summit day, worked me pretty hard. Loved it!
praveenbhatia - Oct 8, 2004 5:57 pm
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: Sept 28 2004Reached the summit (Uhuru) at 7:30 am. The summit climb was long and tough - was a full moon night. Wonderful experience.
mposner - Sep 9, 2004 9:38 pm
Route Climbed: Machame Route Date Climbed: August 1, 2004Great climb. Summit day was long. Went with Alpine Ascents. You can check out my journal and pictures at:
www.mkwposner.com/Kili.htm
Matt
climbhighsleeplow - Sep 1, 2004 8:27 pm
Route Climbed: Western Breach Date Climbed: July 20, 2004Our group of 4 reached the summit in bright sunshine after spending the night camping on the crater rim next to the glacier. It was my 2nd time at the summit! The first time was via Machame. This time via the Western Breach - which is much more impressive than Machame. The hike to the actual ashpit was the highlight of my trip! Special thanks to the rest of the team (Tom, Nina & Adria) and to Wilbert and our outstanding F&S Kiliwarrior crew - www.go-kili.com
akclimbing - Aug 17, 2004 5:06 pm
Route Climbed: Machame-Arrow-Glacier-Western Breech up / Mweka down Date Climbed: January 22 20041 st . day Machame gate - Machame camp
2 nd Machame camp - New Shira camp
3 d New Shira C. - Arrow-Glacier camp
4 th Arrow Glacier -camp - summit - Mweka camp
5 th Mweka camp - Mweka gate
Absolutely fantastic trip, best weather conditions, snow and ice above 4700m. From Uhuru-peak fantastic view over the snow-covered crater-plateau.
Thanks to our guides G. Stelzig from Mitterberg / Austria and our african guides William and Arbogast.
All 12 members of the group reached the summit.
k2link - Aug 3, 2004 8:59 pm
Route Climbed: Machame/Western Breach Date Climbed: July 15-21, 2004David Link & David Deffner reached Uhuru Peak on July 19 at 8:00 am, after climbing the Arrow Glacier/Western Breach route from Lava Tower. The weather was exceptionally fine, and we had minimal problems with altitude sickness. Our guide Peter Mato, was excellent, and we'd recommend him wholeheartedly. David & David's Excellent Kilimanjaro adventure was "Extreme Team Pole Pole!"
tahoeberne - Jul 31, 2004 1:17 am
Route Climbed: Rongai Date Climbed: July 6, 2004Our group--ages 53 to 62--of seven from the United States took six days to ascend the peak, and two days down the Marungu Route. Other than headaches and one member with mild pulmonary edema, we all successfully summited. Dry, mild weather comforted our ascent.
Peter Eliassen - Jul 22, 2004 3:53 pm
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: August 19, 2002What an experience...the 7-day route is so beautiful.
bennovak - Jul 17, 2004 5:50 pm
Route Climbed: Machame-Mweka Date Climbed: December 24, 1998Went with Alpine Ascents International. It was a very well prepared trek, I would recommend it to anyone. A real nice walk, with the summit day being the only substantial challenge. Carry some coin to buy some beer at the Mweka hut on the way down. From what I remember, Safari Lager is the way to go.
nunkun - May 17, 2004 6:54 pm
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: 18th January 1999It was nice, but with a cold wind at the top!
Rockhopper - Mar 15, 2004 9:20 am
Route Climbed: Machame (ascent), Mweka (descent) Date Climbed: march 4, 2004On the mountain for 7 days (decided to take an extra day for better acclimatisation). Dry night and a clear sky during our summit attempt. Left Barufu at 0.30 am and reached the summit (Uhuru Peak) at 7.15 am.
Easy climb. Walked slowly avoiding many stops for resting (because of the cold wind). On the summit together with my wife (and climbing partner) Astrid, CJ and Macho. Great views!
Elwood - Mar 1, 2004 9:40 am
Route Climbed: Lemosho Gate to Shira Plateau & up Western Breach Date Climbed: Feb. 5,2004We spent 7-days on the mountain, our first 3 were dry & warm. The last 4-days was a mixed bag! We had rain 2-days, followed by 2-days of snow. This made conditions on the Western Breach difficult without ice axe nor crampons. Because many of the rocks that needed to be overcome, had a thin coat of ice on them. Besides all the new snow & iced-over rocks, we had snow falling with high winds, which made visability poor. After finally reaching the summit, taking a few pictures & having a warm cup of tea, we descended via the Mweka Route.
il.rocciatore - Feb 11, 2004 2:59 pm
Route Climbed: Machame Date Climbed: 6 february 2004Spent a fantastic 6 days on the mountain, although the weather was rather rainy. Happily we had a dry night for the summit attempt, with a full moon. Got very well till about 150 metres below Stella point. Then it became hard and when I reached Stella Point I was actually suffering from AMS (maybe because I refused to take Diamox for the trip in order to climb the mountain by fair means). Went on to Uhuru Peak anyway, which I reached at about 07.30 with a little help from the guide.
All the three of our expedition reached the summit.