Lemosho Route overview (Photos by LuxeSafaris Director who reached Uhuru Peak, July 2017)
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One of the newer routes, beginning on the western side of the mountain. A scenic route including three nights between 3,800m and 4,000m before reaching Barafu base camp, providing excellent opportunity for acclimatisation in readiness for the climb to the summit. Fuller details on kit list, accomodation on the mountain, nutrition provided during the trek all available on request. Itinerary Day 0: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi town, arrival at hotel, briefing about the trek by the guide and equipment check. Day 1: Drive (approx 2.5 hours) to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m) for park entrance formalities. drive into the park through dense forest for about half an hour to the drop-off point where the trek begins. A moderately steep track for 2.5 hours through amazing and unspoilt natural forest to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,800 m), arrival around 5pm and camp for the night. As this region is also home to wild game, an armed ranger will accompany you during the first 2 days of your trek. If starting on the Shira route, drive from Londorossi gate to Morum picnic site (3,400m) and a 4 hour trek to Shira 1 camp, overnight stay there. Next day, trek to Shira 2 camp via Cathedral junction. Whilst the detour via Cathedral may seem a Long way, it has fabulous views and is also excellent for acclimatisation (walk high, sleep low) Day 2: Mti Mkubwa camp (2,780 m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m). Starts on a small trail that passes through the rainforest. The forest gradually thins out and the landscape changes into heath and moorland where plants like Erica and lobelia start to dominate the landscape. Cross Shira Ridge and after 4 to 5 hours trekking, arrive at Shira Camp 1 for lunch. Enjoy the fantastic views of Mt Meru and the Rift Valley. In the afternoon, head to Shira Camp 2 (approximately 4 hours) and overnight camp. Day 3: Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m) – Lava Tower (4,640 m) – Baranco Camp (3,960 m). Whilst the climb is approximately 740 m, overnight will be at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. Excellent for acclimitisation. After 6 to 7 hours’ walking, arrive at Baranco Camp – perhaps the most beautiful camp on Kilimanjaro with a view of Baranco wall. Day 4: Baranco Camp (3,960 m) – Karanga Camp (4,035 m). Ascend the Baranco wall (approx 250m, takes around 2 hours), arguably the most exciting part of the trek save the one to the summit. At the top of the wall, head down again towards the Karanga Valley and Karanga camp for the night. Walking time around 5 hours. Option - For a 6 day trek, Bypass Karanga Camp and go straight to Barafu Camp on Day 4. Some climbers choose this 6 day option if they feel fit and well acclimitised. Your guide, having monitored your progress is best placed to advise on the options. Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m). A short hop of around 3-4 hours, reaching Barafu camp around noon or 1pm, Offers a great view of the summit. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from Barafu. Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,080 m). Very early in the morning (starting between midnight and 2 am), start for the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. At Stella Point (5,756 m), stop for a short rest and possibly for sunrise. From Stella Point, a 1-hour ascent to the summit, Uhuru Peak. Faster hikers may wish to see sunrise from the summit. After a short break and taking photos, return to Barafu Camp just before midday. After a warm lunch and rest for about 1 to 2 hours, descend to Mweka Camp (3,080 m) about 3 hours away. Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Moshi. After breakfast, continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. Just before Mweka gate, Colobus monkeys may be seen on the trees along the trek. Pickup from the gate to drive to the hotel. Next day, dropoff to airport or onward travels on Safari / beach |