The Lemosho Route -7 Nights /8 Days
Destination: Kilimanjaro
Duration: 8 days
The Lemosho Route is the route that is furthest from Moshi on the far west of the mountain, and the drive to the start of the trek takes over two hours. The vehicle drives on a narrow road through farmland. You will pass busy villages and maize and vegetable fields.
This is a very scenic route and you walk through a series of valleys, and up to Mti Mkubwa Camp you will bee accompanied by an armed ranger in case you meet elephants, buffalo or other big game. You will often see Black & White Colobus Monkeys and Blue Monkeys in the forest.
Karibu (Welcome) – You will be met by some of your team at the Airport and transferred to your hotel for dinner. After that your guide will brief you and you will have time to prepare your bags for tomorrows climb. Put all that you need for the summit, and the higher altitudes in a waterproof bag (max 16 kgs), which will be carried by the porters throughout the climb. Your personal belongings, camera, passport, anything you need while hiking will go into your small waterproof day pack. –Anything you need for the rest of your holiday can be left with us and locked in our office lock up.
Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp ( 2,750m) – On day one, we drive to Londorossi Park Gate (2,250 m, ). From here a rough forest road requiring a 4X4 leads to Lemosho Glades ( 2,390 m, 11km, 45 minutes). Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite. You will see Black & White Colobus monkeys, Blue Monkeys and maybe elephants on the way. The first day is an easy walk to Mti Mkubwa Camp. The camp is named after the big Podocarpus Milanjianus trees around the camp. These trees are very tall evergreen conifers found in montane cloud forests areas all over East Africa.
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3500m) – After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually gets steeper and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge (3,600 m) then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.About5 to 6 hours of steady hiking, with a hot lunch on, route to the Shira 1 Camp, where we stay for the night.
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Camp (3950m) – After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Moir camp (3,950m) on moorland meadows by a stream. The Shira Plateau is a World Heritage Site. The Camp is set amidst a typical upland moorland landscape with rough vegetation of Senecons (Giant Groundsel). There is a good view of Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes from here. 5 to 6 hours walking.
Moir Camp to Barranco Camp via The Lava Tower (4,600m) – From the Moir Camp we continue to the east, passing the junction near the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes towards the Lava Tower, which we will walk to for acclimatisation. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier (4,876 m). We now continue down to the Barranco Camp ( 3,950 m). Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. 7 to 8 hours of walking.
Barranco Camp to Karanga camp (3,963m) – After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge going up the spectacular Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite (3, 963m). Today is a short day of about 4 hours walking. By varying the altitude on this route, you are helping your body to acclimatise.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600m) – After breakfast, we leave the Karanga Valley and pass the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue to the Barafu Hut (4,600 m). You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from our campsite. Again about 4 hours walking in very sparse vegetation.
Barafu Camp to the Summit (5,985m) – Waking up very early (midnight), we continue our way to the summit of Uhuru Peak ( 5,985 m). This part of the climb takes about 7 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will be able to see the sunrise from the summit.
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp – From the summit, we make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka camp site (3,100 m), stopping at Barafu on the way for lunch and a short rest. This part of the descent takes about 6-7 hours. You might want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.
Mweka Camp to Moshi – After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel. You will get your certificate (hopefully) It is time for celebration! 5 hours walking.
On the next day, you will be driven back to the airport for your flight home, leave on one of our safaris, or fly onwards to the island paradise of Zanzibar.
