8 - Day Kilimanjaro Trek - Lemosho Route
Climbing
through different climate zones it starts on heaths and winds further across
alpine meadows to ascend to the arctic zone near Uhuru Peak. The descent, in
turn, passes through a rainforest. All this makes this route the most scenic on
Kilimanjaro. The total distance covered on Lemosho Route is 46 kilometers (28.5
miles). The best views on the mountain and increased chances of successful
summiting come free of charge.
Day 1. From
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Early
in the morning your guide will arrive at the hotel in order to meet you. Then
you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3-4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park's
western entrance: Londorossi Gate (2,200 m). After the quick formality of
acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service,
the group will start trekking towards the first camp of the route: Mti Mkubwa
Camp (2,780 m).
Raincoats
are necessary on this day in particular, as you will be walking through
rainforest. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will
prepare everything necessary, put tents and cook lunch for you. After lunch the
group will depart on an acclimatization hike towards Shira 1 Camp that features
a 300 meter gain in altitude, after which you will hike back down to Mti Mkubwa
Camp, where a hot dinner will be waiting.
Day 2. From
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
An
early wakeup, breakfast and a gradual trek upwards until 3,500 meters; at that
point for the first time you will be able to see stunning views of Shira Plateau
and Kibo Volcano. On the whole, the passage from Mti Mkubwa Camp to the second
high-altitude Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) is rather easy and takes about 5-6 hours.
This will allow you to start the acclimatization process gradually, which is a
mainstay of good trekking. When you reach the camp, your team of specialists
will cook you lunch and you will have the chance to rest in your tent or walk
around the nearby area.
Day 3. From
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Departing
from Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) and a light trekking towards the second high
altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m). This trek is not difficult and you will
be able to enjoy spectacular views of Africa and the unique flora of
Kilimanjaro and the surrounding area. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the
trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa), weather permitting. When
you arrive to camp you will have lunch, and after a two-hour rest everyone will
complete an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 300
meter gain in altitude.
Day 4.F rom
Shira 2 Camp to the Lava Tower and descent to Barranco Camp
After
breakfast you will leave Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) and start your way to the key
point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot
of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be
difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully
acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is
where lunch will be. Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here you
can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and
steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a
very simple hiking trail.
Day 5. From
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Early
wakeup, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you
leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups).
Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After
the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous
ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts
at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be
offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will have to complete an
acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200-meter gain in
altitude, and then descent back down to the camp.
Day 6. From
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
In
the morning after breakfast you begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m),
the starting point for a night summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Our team will
set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you
can relax. After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization
hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) and then back to
Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the
remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.
Day 7. Ascent
to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp
Departure
from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro:
Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the
most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a
personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental
conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the
nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour
rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).
Day 8. Descent
from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
The
camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel
relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the
summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate
(1,650 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you,
followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the
guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in
our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel. The day after you can
rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport. (If applicable).
This Safari Includes
·
Park fees
·
All Taxes/VAT
·
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
·
All accommodation
·
A professional driver/guide
·
All transportation
·
All Meals (As specified in the itinerary)
·
Drinks (As specified in the itinerary)
Excluded
·
International flights
·
Tips form safari driver/guide and chief
·
Personal items
·
travel insurance, visa fees
·
All
things of personal nature