Lemosho Route 8 days
Mount Kilimanjaro
This climb offers several days heading up Lemosho through the Afromontane forests of the lower slopes
before breaking out into the open vistas of the Shira Plateau.
Walking becomes more of a ramble at this stage and one can afford to look around without fear of losing
the track and soak in the scenery that towers down around you from all sides as you cut across the heath
zone. This traverse of the Shira Plateau gives you completely different views of the summit which you have in your focus for days. After reaching Lava tower, the route rejoins onto that of the Machame route for the final scramble to the summit. All over-nights on this route are camping only.
To get away from the ‘bottleneck’ of the Baranco Wall and the final ascend to the top, experienced
climbers can opt for a “Western Breach” approach. A more technical climb requiring specialized
equipment and extra safety measures along with summiting porters and chefs
.
Preparation day
Your mountain guide will visit you at your hotel for a full briefing of your upcoming climb and check all your personal equipment for the climb.
Day 1
After breakfast you will departure for the Londorosi gate at West Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a coffee or tea while your guide secures the climbing permits and then continue along the 4x4 track to the starting point of the Lemosho Route. You will have a light lunch and then slow start the ascent through the lush rain forest. This route has little human traffic so flora and fauna are richer than the more popular routes on the mountain.
O/n Mti Mkubwa Camp - Altitude is 2,780 mts (L, D)
Day 2
Breakfast at the camp, then continue to make your way out of the forest and onto open moorland. Today’s walking day is around 6 - 7 hours with short breaks on the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then cross the Shira Caldera, a high desert plateau. You should get your first close views of Kibo today as you make your way onto Shira 1 camp.
O/n Shira Camp 1 - Altitude is 3,610 mts (B, L, D)
Day 3
The landscape will once change again as you walk on ground that once was a lava flow and just before reaching Shira Camp 2 you will pass the giant Scenecia’s that can grow to almost 9 meters in height. You will spend the night at Shira Camp 2 and with a little luck enjoy the wonderful view of the Kibo summit in a warm evening sun.
O/n Shira Camp 2 - Altitude 3,840 mts (B, L, D)
Day 4
After breakfast you begin a gradual climb cutting your way through the low Alpine bush. Bird watching on these open slopes can be rewarding with several different types of birds of prey scouring the scrub for small mammals. The scenery will change to rusty, red moraine fields as you continue on toward Lava tower at 4,630 mts and the finally descend of today to Baranco Camp. Lunch will be taken on route. This is a good day for acclimatization as you reach a higher altitude than that of Baranco, walking times average 5 - 7 hrs.
O/n Baranco Camp - Altitude 3,900 mts (B, L, D)
Day 5
This morning you begin the daunting climb up the Baranco wall. It looks far worse than it is as you continue steadily to Karanga camp. Enjoy a hot lunch on arrival followed by relaxation or head out on a side walk of the area.
O/n Karanga Camp (B, L, D)
Day 6
Today you head around the south side of the mountain passing through the Alpine desert and moraine fields. Barafu camp is reached in 4.5hrs - 6hrs. Relax and soak up the vistas below you. Rest and try and get some sleep as you will be woken at around midnight for your final challenge.
O/n Barafu Camp - Altitude 4,600 mts (B, L, D)
Day 7
Gear up and start your ascent to the highest peak in Africa (Uhuru Peak) standing at (5,895 mts). Have your camera’s ready for when the sun winks a sleepy eye at you. After you’ve done the victory dance on the summit you start the descent to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a short rest. Proceed down toward Millennium Camp or Mweka Camp depending on the descent pace.
O/n Mweka Camp - Altitude 2,985 mts (B, L, D)
Day 8
The final stretch proceeding back down into the forest, a beautiful walk again offering good bird watching opportunities. There are some good view points en route looking into the valley below. Continue down to the gate for celebrations and champagne brunch with the entire team. You transfer vehicle will be taking you to your hotel for well deserved showers and relaxation.
(B, L)
Summary:
Day 1: 3-4 hours of walking – Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,780 meters
Day 2: 6–7 hours of walking – Shira Camp 1 at 3,610 meters
Day 3: 3-4 hours of walking - Shira Camp 2 at 3,840 meters
Day 4: 5-7 hours of walking - Baranco Camp at 3,900 meters
Day 5: 3-4 hours of walking – Karanga Camp at 3,995 meters
Day 6: 4-6 hours of walking – Barafu Camp at 4,600 meters
Day 7: 5-6 hours of walking – Mweka Camp at 2,985 meters
Day 8: 3-4 hours of walking to Mweka Gate
Inclusive:
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees
Meals as stipulated
Professional mountain guide, chef and crew
Camping equipment such as sleeping tents, mess tent, table and stools and cooking equipment
Private chemical toilet and toilet tent
Emergency Evacuation Cover
Emergency oxygen
All transfers and activities as mentioned above
Exclusive:
Tips:
guide $80-$150
assistant guide $60-80
chef $50-$70
porter $25-$40 (per porter)
Drinks (drinking water will be boiled and treated on the mountain)
Personal climbing gear including sleeping bag and thermarest
Visa and airport departure tax
International flights and airport transfers
COVID testing and additional transport if required
Items of personal nature and not mentioned in the above itinerary