Kilimanjaro National Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Wildflowers Photo Gallery

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This is a relatively short, steep, scenic route. It is better to descend it (from Machame or Mweka routes) than to climb it. There are splendid views of Kibo, the Great Western Breach, and the Barranco.

Directions

From the main Moshi-Arusha road, drive north past Weru Weru for 15 kms along the Lyamungu road. Turn right at the T-junction towards Mango, across the Sere River and after 150 m turn left to leave your car at Umbwe Mission. Continue along former forestry track to 2100 m and up the path along the narrow ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe Rivers. Depending on when you left Umbwe, you should choose Bivouac I or II. From the bivouac or camp, continue up the ridge to the end of the beeline, and follow the cairned path to the Barranco Hut. From Barranco Hut you can go west to Shira and the Northern Circuit, or up to Lava Tower Hut and the summit via the Great Western Breach. You can also go eastwards on to the Southern Circuit.

Distances

Umbwe (about 1400 m) to Bivouac l: 4-6 hrs
Bivouac I to Bivouac II: about 3 hrs
Bivouac II to Barranco Hut: about 2 hrs
Barranco Hut to Lava Tower Hut: allow 3 hrs
Barranco Hut to Shira Hut: 5-6 hrs

Huts

Bivouac I: 2800 m. This is an all-weather rock shelter with water 15 m below.
Bivouac II: 3780 m. This shelter is a rock overhang. Water is from a spring 15 minutesdown the ravine to the west or on the east side of the ridge, 300 m down.
Barranco or Umbwe Hut: 3900 m. Here an unfurnished uniport with a wooden floor, sleeps 5-6. Water is from streams nearby and there is a platform toilet. A 1/2 hour walk from Barranco Hut brings you to some caves at the foot of the Barranco Wall, which are used as they are more spacious than the hut.

Special Thanks to Thomson Safaris and Tanzania National Parks for contributing Tanzanian information.