Arrow Glacier & Drygalsky Glacier

• Places

Arrow Glacier, once part of the picturesque Little Barranco glacier ensemble, now exists only in memories atop Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This glacier, alongside its counterpart, the Drygalski Glacier, has succumbed to the relentless forces of global warming, leaving behind a poignant void on the summit.

The gradual disappearance of these icy remnants serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of climate change on the once-frozen landscapes of Kilimanjaro, transforming them into a testament to environmental fragility.

Insights about Arrow Glacier

• Once part of Little Barranco Glacier, now extinct due to global warming, Arrow Glacier remains a stark reminder of climate change’s impact on Kilimanjaro’s landscape.
• Essential rest point along Kilimanjaro’s Western Breach Route..
• Adjacent to the Western Breach wall formed by a massive landmass descent.
• High winds, scarce rainfall, and low humidity characterize the campsite.
• Experience unique weather phenomena on Kilimanjaro.
• Home to a few spiders, Arrow Glacier Camp reflects the mountain’s climatic history.

Location of Arrow Glacier

Perched majestically on the western slope of Mount Kilimanjaro’s Kibo Peak, the Arrow Glacier stands as a poignant relic of the mountain’s once-grand icecap. This glacier, nestled at an altitude between 5,470 and 5,300 meters (17,950 and 17,390 ft), tells a story of time and transformation near the iconic Uhuru Peak.

The Arrow Glacier, a captivating natural wonder, shares proximity with the formidable Western Breach Route, often referred to as the Arrow Glacier Route and the scenic Lemosho Route. Its strategic location adds an element of challenge and allure to the ascent.

Amidst this breathtaking landscape, the Arrow Glacier Camp emerges as a vital oasis for climbers, named after the very glacier it neighbors. This active campsite not only offers refuge but also serves as a testament to the ever-changing dynamics of Kilimanjaro’s formidable terrain.

The Drygalski Glacier

The Drygalski Glacier Nestled on Mount Kilimanjaro’s northwestern slope, once a majestic part of the expansive Northern Icefield, graced the Kibo Peak in Tanzania. In the annals of Kilimanjaro’s glacial history, this glacier stood tall, with its origins near the revered Uhuru Peak.

The Northern Ice Field, a once-thriving source for the glacier, supplied its majestic lip, reaching an impressive height of 4,800 meters (15,700 feet). In the past, the Credner Glacier adorned its northern face, while the Great Penck Glacier embraced it from the south, creating a picturesque spectacle.

Erich von Drygalski, the renowned German geographer, lent his name to this icy marvel, immortalizing it in the narrative of Kilimanjaro’s glacial legacy. Though time has witnessed the retreat of the Drygalski Glacier, its story remains etched in the geological tapestry of East Africa.

Additional Information

ROUTES                                        Rongai Route, Northern Circuit Route

AMENITIES                                  Lunch and Picnic Site

VEGETATION                              Heath Vegetation Zote