In 2014, we will lead climbs up the Machame and Umbwe trails on Kilimanjaro.\u00c2\u00a0 The Machame and Umbwe routes take us past some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular scenery.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Since we have a large difference in altitude between the start of the climb and the summit, we get the opportunity to go through many vegetation zones for a complete \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Kili experience.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Another plus is that the crowds are less than on the normal, Marangu route.<\/p>\n
![\"Machame](\"http:\/\/www.mountainguides.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Machame-Camp.jpg\")
<\/a>Machame Camp<\/p><\/div>\n
The Kilimanjaro National Park staff has done a lot of work in recent years on the Machame trail.\u00c2\u00a0 Improved drainage has eliminated the deep mud issues of the past. The camps have also been improved, and there are Park rangers stationed at the camps to ensure that porters are not overloaded and that rubbish is removed.
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![\"\"](\"http:\/\/mountainguides.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Hiking-up-through-the-forest-on-Umbwe-Route-Simonson-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t- \n\t\t\t\tHiking up through the forest on Umbwe route (Eric Simonson)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>
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![\"\"](\"http:\/\/mountainguides.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/The-steep-spot-Simonson-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t- \n\t\t\t\tThe steep spot (Eric Simonson)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>
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![\"\"](\"http:\/\/mountainguides.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Shira-Plateau-Simonson-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t- \n\t\t\t\tShira Plateau (Eric Simonson)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>
\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\nOn the Umbwe route, we’re taking the “road less traveled” for good reason. Your first overnight will be near the Umbwe Cave, at an intimate campsite in the rain forest. You’ll experience some slightly steeper and sporty trekking, most noticeable on Day 2.\u00c2\u00a0 This more direct route takes us to Barranco Camp in two days, where we’ll then spend an active rest day acclimatizing.\u00c2\u00a0 A little extra effort, but worthwhile in every respect.\u00c2\u00a0 The camp at Barranco is spectacular, starring up at the Western Breech, while beginning the following morning with a fun climb of the Barranco Wall.\u00c2\u00a0 From Barranco and above, the Machame and Umbwe routes converge, sharing the same campsites all the way to the top.<\/p>\n
![\"Barranco](\"http:\/\/www.mountainguides.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Barranco-Camp-Simo-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/a>Barranco Camp (Eric Simonson)<\/p><\/div>\n
Both the Umbwe and Machame trail are 7 day ascents of the mountain.\u00c2\u00a0 By taking a full 7 days for the climb, people have a very reasonable acclimatization program. On ay 5, going to high camp from Karanga is short, which allows us to reach high camp without having had a hard, long climbing day, so we get there early, shortly after noon. That means plenty of time to drink, eat, pack and rest in preparation for our early start the next day when we push up to Uhuru Peak for the team\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s summit bid.\u00c2\u00a0 We will descend via the Mweka Route as required by the National Park.<\/p>\n
![\"Kilimanjaro](\"http:\/\/www.mountainguides.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/2012-Morford-Summit-small.jpg\")
<\/a>Kilimanjaro Summit (Clarissa Hughes)<\/p><\/div>\n
For more details, please review the trip itinerary found here: http:\/\/www.mountainguides.com\/kilimanjaro-itin.shtml<\/a><\/p>\n
Summary:\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong> You can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t go wrong with either the Umbwe and Machame routes.\u00c2\u00a0 But whichever route your choose, please keep in mind that Kili is very physically demanding.\u00c2\u00a0 You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll want to do your part to be in excellent shape and come prepared to work hard.\u00c2\u00a0 With you bringing your best to the table, your efforts will be doubled because you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll have the best-of-the-best walking beside you each step of the way.\u00c2\u00a0 We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll send one of our world-class IMG guides to lead the way.\u00c2\u00a0 Andy Politz, Craig John and Sheldon Kerr bring their combined decades of high altitude experience and medical training with them on each climb.\u00c2\u00a0 They will be your greatest source of encouragement if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re struggling to keep going and your best safety net in the event you must descend quickly due to altitude sickness.\u00c2\u00a0 Having experts with you on an endeavor like Kilimanjaro<\/a> is essential.\u00c2\u00a0 That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s why in the last 20+ years we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve not missed the top as a team yet.\u00c2\u00a0 Join us in Tanzania in 2014.\u00c2\u00a0 You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll be glad you did!<\/p>\n
- \n\t\t\t\tShira Plateau (Eric Simonson)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>
- \n\t\t\t\tThe steep spot (Eric Simonson)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>
- \n\t\t\t\tHiking up through the forest on Umbwe route (Eric Simonson)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>