Kili – Day 2 – Umbwe caves

Heard from Sean last night that they were comfortably ensconced at the Ashi Protea hotel. He briefed everyone about the climb ahead, what gear to wear on each day and how to avoid altitude sickness (by eating lots, thereby raising your red blood cells, and drinking constantly to keep hydrated). The rugby fans in the group then stayed up to watch the dismal Sharks vs Stormers match!

The group would have left the hotel early this morning and travelled to the Umbwe Park Gate passing through villages with banana and coffee plantations, and where they begin the ascent at 2,100m. The route initially follows a track winding up through natural rain forest. It then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, with huge trees surrounding them. There are spectacular views of deep gorges and if they’re lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above in the distance. The path then continues rising steadily to the first tented camp at Umbwe Caves (3,000 m) which will take 5 to 6 hrs.

Lunch in the forest