Lemosho route

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Lemosho route

Probably our favourite route because the trail covers much more of Kilimanjaro. You'll pass through a wider variety of habitats and enjoy some of the best views to be had. The trail starts in the forest at the western side of Kilimanjaro. After a few days you'll traverse the southern section below Kibo, joining the Machame route. You'll summit via Stella point then descend through the Mweka trail. This trail can be climbed in 7 days, with some long trekking days. An 8 day climb is recommended to extend your acclimatisation and have time to enjoy the beauty of Kilimanjaro.

DAY ONE - LEMOSHO GLADES TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP

altitude 2360m - 2800m

distance 6km

time (approx.) 3-4 hours

You'll start your Kilimanjaro trek on the western side of the mountain at Lemosho Glades. After the registration process at the National park gate there's a short drive to the actual trail head. This area is practically teeming with colobus monkeys so you have a really good chance to see them. It's a lovely undulating hike through the forests where you'll see a huge variety of vegetation. There are also occasionally elephants around. We've not seen one yet but found fresh evidence of their passing, literally. After around 3 hours you'll reach your camp for the night within a small forest clearing.

DAY TWO - MTI MKUBWA CAMP TO SHIRA ONE CAMP

altitude 2800m - 3500m

distance 8km

time (approx.) 7 hours

Todays hike is a long one. There are some steep stretches as you traverse around and over the lava flows that make up the outer flanks of the Shira crater. You'll leave the forest zone a short while out of the camp and enter the heathland with the giant heather trees and St John's wort bushes.. The vegetation thins out to moorland habitat at the crater rim. then a short descent followed by a fairly flat stroll to camp. The camp is on the western side of the Shira plateau. Late afternoons will often bring breath-taking first views of Kibo.

DAY THREE - SHIRA ONE CAMP TO MOIR CAMP

altitude 3500m - 4200m

distance 13km

time (approx.) 6 hours

The first few of hours today' trek are nice and easy, walking over blessedly flat terrain. You'll then leave the busier main trail which heads over to Shira 2 camp. Your guide will take along a very quiet alternative trail that will bring you toward the Lent hills. There's a couple of hours gradual ascent up to Moir camp, tucked in at the head of a valley. The afternoon can be spent taking a further acclimatisation hike up to the top of the lower Lents where you should have fabulous views over the Shira plateau and see Kili's little sister, Mount Meru, poking out through the clouds. Taking this alternative route and camp will aid your acclimatisation.

DAY FOUR - MOIR CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP

altitude 4200m - 3950m

distance 12km

time (approx.) 7 hours

Leaving this wonderfully quiet camp your trail starts to skirt around the southern slopes of Kibo. You'll join the trails coming from the Shira camps where Lemosho and Machame combine as 1 trail. The route passes Lava Tower a basalt plug over 60m high,. Here, if you're lucky, you'll have views of the Western Breach. This is your high point today. After this the trails descend down into the Barranco valley a stunning valley studded with giant groundsels and giant lobelia

DAY FIVE - BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

altitude 3950m - 4050m

distance 7km

time (approx.) 4 hours

The morning climb today is a highlight for many. Scaling the Barranco wall. It can look daunting from camp, especially when you see the first porters negotiating the scrambles. It's not a difficult ascent and your guides will give you loads of help on the scrambly bits. Once you reach the top you'll hopefully be rewarded with an awesome view of the Kibo massif which suddenly appears alarmingly close. From here it's an undulating trail that leads you to the Karanga valley. There's just the valley to cross and you'll reach Karanga camp. Should the clouds part, you'll enjoy great views over the plains and of Kibo itself.

DAY SIX - KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

altitude 4050m - 4600m

distance 6km

time (approx.) 3-4 hours

You'll have a short, breathy walk, today following a mostly steady gradient up to Barafu camp. A hot lunch to pack in the energy for the summit bid. Plenty of time to prepare your kit and rest before your dinner and an early night.

DAY SEVEN - BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MILLENIUM CAMP

altitude 4600m - 5895m UHURU PEAK ! - 3830m

distance 18km

time (approx.) 7-9 hours ascent 6-7 hours descent

This is it ! It's the time to start the final ascent to Uhuru Peak ! It's a very, very early start. You'll begin your summit climb just after midnight. Crunching your way up the scree slopes of Kibo. It's a punishing slog but worth all the pain and effort. Possibly most amazing, sunrise you'll ever see will appear on the horizon behind Mawenzi. You'll probably be around Stella Point (5730m) at this time. It's time for a much needed breather before walking around the top of the crater rim finally reaching Uhuru. Take some time to enjoy the views of the crater and glaciers. Then you'll retrace your steps back to Barafu for breakfast and a rest. You'll then descend down to Millenium camp which will feel oxygen rich after the summit and enjoy a long nights sleep.

DAY EIGHT - MILLENIUM CAMP TO MWEKA GATE

altitude 3830m - 1800m

distance 13km

time (approx.) 5-6 hours

Feeling refreshed this morning, you'll have time to thank your crew after breakfast. Then it's the final descent down to Mweka Gate. You'll pass back through the heath and forest zones. Look out for colobus monkeys ! At the gate your guide will arrange your certificates and our driver will be ready to whisk you away to your hotel for a lovely long hot shower and an evening of celebration.

Prices (quoted per person in USD)

1 participant $3025 2 participants $2450 3 participants $2410

4 participants $2380 5 participants $2365 6 participants $2330

7+ participants $2320

Price includes:

2 nights accommodation in Moshi (B&B plan double occupancy)

airport pickup and drop off (Kilimanjaro International Airport - JRO)

camping equipment - tents, tables, chairs, utensils, etc.

park fees and taxes

meals while on the mountain

transportation from your hotel to/from the park gate

english speaking guide, cook, porters (other languages upon request)

purified drinking water while on the mountain

private toilet tent (private for your group)

oxygen cylinders (for emergency use only

Not Included:

Airfare

Tourist Visa

Meals while not on the mountain

sleeping bag and items listed in the packing list (see before you climb page)

Travel/Medical Insurance (highly recommended)

AFTER YOUR CLIMB

If you've booked a safari, beach holiday or day trip with us you'll have your confirmed onward travel details from us before starting your climb.

TinTin Adventure Safaris & Treks

Kilimanjaro and Safari Experts

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Lemosho route