MT. KILIMANJARO – LEMOSHO ROUTE
CRATER CAMP
MT. KILIMANJARO – LEMOSHO ROUTE
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS ITINERARY ON KILI
Route Portrayal;
The Lemosho route is the least exploited initial ascent route on the west side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The starting point is expediently high and managed which makes it easy and gives one enough time to enjoy flora and fauna. Wildlife sighting is possible on the first to third day during trekking. On second day the route emerge up to the western edge of the Shira Plateau the oldest peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro. With clear weather trekkers can enjoy the first sight of glaciers on Kibo peak the youngest peak. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although eight days is ideal.
Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro, and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended.
Daily itinerary:
DAY 1
HOURS 3 – 4
TERRAIN: Up and Down into the Rain forest (Mud or dust)
ZONE: Rain Forest
LEMOSHO TRAILHEAD (7,750 ft / 2,370 M) ~ FOREST CAMP (9,200 ft. / 2,800 m)
Departure from Moshi / Arusha at around 8:30am for Londorosi gate, the drive will be about 3 hours; to Londorosi gate all entry formalities are done. Once done with registrations drive to Lemosho trail-head for lunch and start trek (another hour to reach the trail-head). Since the trek begins in the rain forest one should be prepared for rain and mud. Overnight at Forest Camp (Mti Mkubwa Camp)
DAY 2
HOURS 5 – 7
TERRAIN: Up and down through roots and rocks
ZONE: Forest, Heather and Moorland
FOREST CAMP ~ SHIRA 1 CAMP (11,500 ft. / 3,500M)
Hike through rain forest for a while then into heather; have your camera handy for a stunning view of forest below and Mt. Meru in a distance. After several hours of hiking stop for lunch then continue steadily up hill onto shira plateau. With clear day you will spot glaciers on Kibo peak with stunning view of Shira Cathedral and Needle. Camp can be spotted at a distance. In the evening or morning hours view of kibo is outstanding.
DAY 3
HOURS: 5 – 6
TERRAIN: Fairly flat with few up hills
ZONE: Moorland to semi alpine
SHIRA 1 CAMP ~ MOIR CAMP (13,800 ft. / 4,200M)
Hike through lush of heather and moorland then into expensive high Savannah desert before reach moir hut in the alpine zone. For extra acclimatization one can take walk around for the higher lands around the camp; views are superb. Lunch will be served at Fisher camp; at fisher there is stunning view of shira plateau.
DAY 4
HOURS: 4 – 6
TERRAIN: Steady up hill, rocky, down hill to barranco
ZONE: Semi alpine, alpine, moorland
MOIR CAMP ~BARRANCO CAMP (12,850ft. / 3,950M)
Begin the day by walking up hill into the junctions from Shira II and Machame routes. Walking through moon like creates spectacular view on surrounding areas. Today is another acclimatization day as the highest point is at Lava Tower 15,100ft (4600M) then you will go down to Barranco camp. Area around great barranco valley is rich of Giant Senecio and Lobelia Deckenii (this plant closes during the night and open up in the day light). Lunch wil be served at Lava Tower area to enable one to spend sometimes at high altitude before go down to barranco for overnight.
DAY 5
HOURS: 5 -7
TERRAIN: Up hill climbing, down hill scree, rocks,
ZONE: Alpine to moorland
BARRANCO CAMP ~ BARAFU CAMP (13,100 ft / 3,980M)
Wake up early to start the day by going up through the great barranco wall “breakfast” , it takes about 1HR30 to climb it; guides will assist trekkers then down to Karanga camp, lots of view and vegetation to take picture. On a clear day once reached on top of the wall you will be amazed with the view of kibo glaciers. Reach Karanga camp for lunch then continue “pole pole” up hill to Barafu camp.
DAY 6
HOURS: 5– 8
TERRAIN: Up Hill few rocks and scree
ZONE: Alpine desert and arctic
BARAFU CAMP ~ UHURU PEAK (19,340 ft. / 5,895 m) ~ CRATER CAMP (18,880 ft. / 5,755m)
Very early morning wake up depending on the group. Dress up for very cold weather and pack very basic things that you will need on this particular day. After breakfast start trekking pole pole up hill on scree and rocks path to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Ask your guide to provide you with lukewarm water before start. The temperatures range from just below freezing at early in the morning, to between 48 deg. F (9 deg. C) to 18 F. (-8 deg. C) during the day at the summit. After about 6 hours of walking, you will come to the edge of the crater; Stella Point, at 19,000ft (5,795M) on the crater rim is the end of the steep track. It takes about 45min to Uhuru Peak from Stella point on a less step up hill. The trek to Uhuru peak from Stella point involves lots of sight seeing; huge glaciers on the left and deep smooth crater on your right. At distance on the north one will be able to see northern ice field (biggest ice field on Mt. Kilimanjaro). After great momentous at the summit descend down to crater camp for rest and possible option excursion around crater camp.
HOURS: 6– 8 (3 to barafu, 4 to Mweka camp)
TERRAIN: Down Hill few rocks and scree
ZONE: Alpine desert, moorland, and heather
CRATER CAMP ~ MWEKA CAMP (10,150 ft. /3086M)
If capable wake up early, after breakfast start descending to Barafu camp while enjoying sunrise from the crate camp; a stunning photo of shadow of night trekkers at Stella point with sunrise behind thme. Stop at Barafu camp for a major break / lunch then continue down to Mweka camp through high camp. Make sure you have reworked your shoe lace for proper adjustment to avoid toe injuries.
DAY 8
HOURS: 2– 3
TERRAIN: Down Hill on well made path
ZONE: Rain forest
MWEKA CAMP ~ MWEKA GATE (5,400 ft. /1645M)
Wake up time depends on what next after climbing Kilimanjaro; after breakfast start descending to the gate. At the gate there will be a minor ceremonia with will involve issuing certificates. Then shower.