Lemosho Route 8 Days 7 Nights –Kilimanjaro Climb
Overview
As a newer route, it is more remote and arguably more beautiful, but a bit longer and slightly more expensive. It starts on the Western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate, which is a further drive from town, and was introduced as an alternative to the Shira route. After beautiful forests and moorlands it crosses the Shira Plateau on day 3 to connect with the Machame Route at Lava Tower and down towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit. You may be lucky enough to see buffalo, elephant and other game. Because this route can be done over a longer period of time for acclimatization, it has a higher success rate of summit. Duration: 7 or 8 days Difficulty: Medium Scenery: Excellent Traffic: High
DAY 1: LONDROSSI GATE – MTO MKUBWA CAMP: 6k /4mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 23770m/7800ft to 2895m/9500ft
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA I CAMP: 8km/5mi | 4-6hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 2895m/9500ft to 3505m/11,500ft
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SHIRA I CAMP –SHIRA HUT : 14km/9mi | 5- 7hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 3505m/11,500ft to 4200m/13,800ft We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue 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 is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
DAY 4: SHIRA HUT – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 7km/6mi | 4-6hrs | Semi Desert
Elevation: 4200m/13,800ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
DAY 4: SHIRA HUT – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 7km/6mi | 4-6hrs | Semi Desert
Elevation: 4200m/13,800ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
DAY 6: HIKE KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 4km /2 mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
DAY 7: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 5km /3mi up | 5- 7hrs | – MWEKA CAMP: 13km /8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Descent to 3090m/10,150ft
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy thisincredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.DAY 8: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 10km/6mi |3-4hrs | RainforestElevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ftAfter breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations
Our price includes
Full briefing before you trip ü Park fees & Camping fees ü Camping equipment
Rescue fees
Food (3 meals per day)
Water
Salaries (guide, cooks, porters)
Transport to and from the mountain for yourselves and the crew ü Lunch box for the first day
Crew park fees
Administration fee
Certificates of achievement
Sleeping tent, mess tent ,camping chairs and table
Airport transfer 2 ways Complimentary
What’s not Included
International flights
Visas
Travel insurance
Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic beverages
Additional personal equipment
Gratuities
Additional activities for after the climb e.g. safaris, waterfall visit,massage etc
GRATUITUES: Tip on Mountain Kilimanjaro is recommended for group sharing as following:Guide $15 – $20/guide/day Cook $10 – $15/day Porters $8 – $10/porter/da
