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Lemosho route 8 days 7 nights
Overview
It is an eight-days, seven nights hike. Get all the right gear and get hiking. It is of course a challenge but that is exactly what guests look for in a Kilimanjaro hiking expedition. We will even go as far as stating that the challenge is what makes the hike interesting and adventurous and as a bonus guests get to hold a certificate on reaching the summit at Kibo.
Highlights
- See one of the few snow cupped summits in Africa
- Engage in birding with several bird species inhabiting the Kilimanjaro forest vegetation
- Experience different climatic conditions
- Hike to the highest point on the African continent
- Own a certificate on the completion of the hike to the summit of the mountain
Day 1: Lemosho – Forest Camp (9,000 Ft)
Your first day by this route is only a few hours of easy hiking from Lemosho Gate to Forest Camp, and gives a good opportunity to stretch your legs in anticipation of the long trek ahead.
Day 2: Forest Camp – Shira Camp 1 (11,000 Ft)
After an early breakfast, you will start a 5 hours walk through the forest and up into the Hagenia zone. The vegetation begins to thin out as you approach the Shira Plateau, one of the three craters of the Kilimanjaro volcanic massif. From Shira Camp there are exquisite views of the Shira Needles and far-off Mount Meru.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – To Shira 2 Plateau (12,500 Ft)
Enjoy the fabulous view of Uhuru Peak as it greets you this morning. Today’s trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock and bearded heather. You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through an ethereal landscape of volcanic lava, caves and foaming streams. A trek of approximately six hours will take you to your next campsite; you should arrive between 2 and 3 p.m.
Day 4: Shira Plateau to Barranco Camp (13,000 Ft).
On your 6 a.m. wake-up call today, you will find the entire Shira Plateau at your feet, with sweeping views across to Mount Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (15,000 ft), where you will stop to have lunch. After crossing the Bastains stream, you begin the descent towards Barranco Camp. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as on the previous night. Today’s trek lasts for about six hours and arrival at camp is between 4.30 and 5.30 p.m.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (13,000 Ft).
Another early start to birdsong, as you begin your hike to Karanga Camp (which is on the same altitude as Barranco Camp, so now you should be well acclimatized to this elevation). You will encounter a bit of a scramble at Barranco Cliff before climbing up and down the slopes of the mountain for most of the way to Karanga camp.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (15,200 Ft).
The lovely scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on alpine desert terrain; a mainly mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Mawenzi Peak towers majestically to the right and Kibo Peak seems just a stone’s throw away. Arrival at Barafu camp around 4:30 p.m. Climbers who wish to attempt the summit should retire early tonight, as the next day is the longest of the whole climb.
Day 7: Ascent to Summit (19,430 Ft) / Descent to Mweka Camp (10,200 Ft).
It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more challenging and hikers should carry as little luggage as possible. The hike commences at midnight. Temperatures range from -4 degrees to 5 degrees, in about six hours the climb will bring you to the edge of the crater between Stella and Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit. Uhuru towers at 19,340 ft and is the highest point on the continent of Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to the Gate
Congratulate yourself today on your great achievement! The descent to the gate takes approximately five hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at the gate, you will be rewarded with a certificate attesting your success. After lunch transfer to Moshi/Arusha for overnight or to the airport for your flight back home.
