8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing - Lemosho Route

8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing - Lemosho Route

Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours

8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing | Lemosho Route

Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours

Overview

The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is an unspoilt, remote, less-used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. Trekkers sometimes use it to ascend the Western Breach route, or follow it with the Kibo South Circuit to ascend by the easier Barafu Route. The first day of the route is rich in game animals, and armed rangers may accompany a group temporarily.

DAY 01: Londorossi Park Gate | Mti Mkubwa

Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate 2100m, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site 2750m.

DAY 02: Mti Mkubwa | Shira Plateau 1

The second day continues on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp 3500m. Here you catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

DAY 03: Shira Plateau 1 | Shira Hut 2

A gentle walk across explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp, 11 km walk which will take about 7hrs. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth 3840m.

DAY 04: Shira Hut 2 | Barranco

You begin the day climbing for about 4 hrs up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower, tall volcanic rock formation. You descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 3950m. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

DAY 05: Barranco hut | Karanga Valley

You begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. 4hr steeper climb up leads to Karanga Camp 4000m. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

DAY 6: Karanga Valley | Barafu Hut

You leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut 4600m. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

DAY 07: Barafu Hut | Stella Point | Uhuru Peak | Mweka Hut

Very early in the morning (around midnight), you begin pushing to the summit. The 6hr trekking is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (5725m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, you now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 08: Mweka Hut | Mweka Park Gate

On the last day, you continue the descent through beautiful forest for about 4hr to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

NOTE: It is possible to do this route in just 7 days by skipping the acclimatization day.

What's included in this package

  • Transportation in a custom safari minibus with pop-up roof ideal for game viewing and sightseeing.
  • Services of a professionally trained and experienced English speaking driver/guide
  • Full board accommodation in the lodges as mentioned
  • Bottled water for use during the safari
  • Game drives and all park entry fees


What's not included in this package

  • Your International Flight transportation to and From Nairobi
  • Personal expenses like visa fees, travel/baggage insurance, laundry, beverages, tips etc.
  • Christmas, New Year and Easter supplements