Kilimanjaro – day 2

After breakfast at the Protea Aishi hotel, the team will be driven to the Umbwe gate (1800m) while passing through banana and coffee plantations.  On arrival at the gate they’ll all sign the register while the porters get the food and gear ready. The route initially follows a forestry track winding up through the natural rain forest. It then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, with huge trees surrounding the climbers. There are spectacular views of deep gorges and if they’re lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above  in the distance.  Umbwe camp (3000m) is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.

Sean’s preferred route is the Umbwe route because you don’t battle the crowds and the scenery is mind-blowing – spectacular waterfalls and gorges alongside the route.  The Umbwe route is steeper than the other hiking routes but well worth the effort because it’s not as busy as the others and has the best views by far…