The Lemosho Route starts off on the western flank of Kilimanjaro, offering spectacular views of Mt Meru and the plains of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. Your first day takes you through a dense rainforest, that gradually thins out with each upward step and by day two you can already see the summit of Kilimanjaro, glistening in the distance. On the third day, the route joins the Machame Route and a long, but rewarding, road lies ahead until you reach the summit. The extra day on this 8 day trek gives you the opportunity to better acclimatize, thus increasing your chances of reaching the top.
On your arrival at Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO) our representative will pick you up from the airport and then transfer you to a hotel in Arusha, or Moshi depending on your preference. Over dinner at your accommodation you will be briefed on the plan for summiting Kilimanjaro.
Your first day by this route is only a few hours of easy hiking from Lemosho Gate to Forest Camp, and gives a good opportunity to stretch your legs in anticipation of the long trek ahead.
After an early breakfast, you will start a 5 hours walk through the forest and up into the Hagenia zone. The vegetation begins to thin out as you approach the Shira Plateau, one of the three craters of the Kilimanjaro volcanic massif. From Shira Camp there are exquisite views of the Shira Needles and far-off Mount Meru
Enjoy the fabulous view of Uhuru Peak as it greets you this morning. Today’s trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock and bearded heather (a large plant that is common int the Kilimanjaro region). You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through the delicate landscapes of volcanic lava, caves, and foaming streams. A trek of approximately six hours will take you to your next campsite; you should arrive between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. Most climbers tend to pace themselves, walking slowly, sipping at their water bottles and resting about every half-hour.
On your 6 a.m. wake-up call today, you will find the entire Shira Plateau at your feet, with sweeping views across to Mount Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (15,000 ft), where you will stop to have lunch. After crossing the Bastains stream, you begin the descent towards Barranco Camp. Grand Barranco is an immense canyon. Numerous waterfalls, which are fed by streams coming from the mountain, converge here to form the Umbwe River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as on the previous night. Today’s trek lasts for about six hours and arrival at camp is between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.
Another early start to birdsong, as you begin your hike to Karanga Camp (which is on the same altitude as Barranco Camp, so now you should be well acclimatized to this elevation). You will encounter a bit of a scramble at Barranco Cliff before climbing up and down the slopes of the mountain for most of the way to camp. This section of the trail takes approximately four hours. In the afternoon you have an opportunity to hike in the Karanga Valley , where giant senecios and lobelia grow. Rest as much as you possibly can to prepare yourself for the climb ahead
The lovely scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on alpine desert terrain; a mainly mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Mawenzi Peak towers majestically to the right and Kibo Peak seems just a stone’s throw away. Arrival at Barafu Camp should be shortly before 3 p.m. Climbers who wish to attempt the summit should retire early tonight, as the next day is the longest of the whole climb.
It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult and hikers should carry as little as possible for this stage which starts at midnight. Temperatures range from -4 degrees to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Climbing steadily, flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, for about six hours will bring you to the edge of the crater between Stella and Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit.
Concentrate on your feet, and follow your guide very closely for this section of the journey – the track around the edge of the crater is rocky and icy. Uhuru towers at 19,340 ft and is the highest point on the continent of Africa – and this is where you now stand!
Relax and have a warm refreshment at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night. Arriving at camp at around 5 p.m. you will look back and realize that you have trekked a total of thirteen hours today!
Take time to appreciate once more the tropical rainforest on your descent to Mweka Gate. This final descent can take anything from two to five hours, depending on trail conditions (rain can occur at any time of year at this elevation and a muddy trail calls for a very slow pace). After collecting your Certificate of Achievement, you will be met by your vehicle for the drive back to the reserved lodge in Arusha, Moshi or near the airport.
Based on available arrangement, you will be dropped-off at airport or proceed to safari with our safari guides.
If you have questions about any aspect of an itinerary, don’t hesitate to ask. Customization is our specialty.
