Mighty Kilimanjaro Lemosho Rt.

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s the highest free-standing mountain in the world (5,895 meters, 19, 341 ft), also known as “The Roof of Africa”. The vegetation and landscapes are amazing ranging from lush green rain forests to, wide expanse of moorlands, to alpine deserts to glaciers and snow-capped summit. Climbing Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable adventure. “Never measure the height of a mountain until you have reached the top. Then you will see how low it was.” (Dag Hammarskjold)

Lemosho route is one of the newer routes. It is ideal to cover it in 8 days for a better altitude acclimatization. This route is preferred due to the beautiful scenery and less crowds. The route starts from the long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. The first 2 days you trek through the lush green rainforest forest to Shira ridge, you cross the entire Shira plateau. Crowds are less till the route joins the Machambe route near Lava tower. Then the route traverse’s underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

Mighty Kilimanjaro Lemosho Rt. Itinerary

Fly into JRO airport or arrive by road to Loitoitok border. Met on arrival and transferred to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.Depending on the arrival time, you’ll be briefed about the program either today or next morning. (D)
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft | Distance: 6 km/4 miles | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rain Forest Early morning breakfast then depart Marangu for Londorossi Gate, arriving in about 5 hours, for completing the entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. The hiking begins from the trailhead, through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft | Distance: 8 km/ 5miles | Hiking Time 5-6 hours Habitat: Moorland Continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau which is very scenic.
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft | Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Moorland We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk in the east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft | Distance: 7 km/4 miles | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Semi Desert Terrain Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft | Distance: 3 km/2 miles | Hiking Time: 2-3 hours | Habitat: Semi Desert Terrain We begin the day climbing up a ridge then heading southeast towards the Lava Tower – known as the volcanic plug from where once, lava shot out the vent. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft | Distance: 5 km/3 miles | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Semi Desert Terrain We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft | Distance: 4 km/2 miles | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Semi Desert Terrain We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue trekking up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers sneak peek of the summit from various angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft | Distance: 5 km/3 miles | Hiking Time: 7-8 hours | Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft | Distance: 12 km/7 miles | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours | Habitat: Rain Forest Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft | Distance: 10 km/6 miles | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates you will then drive back to the lodge where you will shower, rest and then meet your guides in the evening for a small handing over ceremony for the certificates. The guides will sing for you and bid you farewell.
Breakfast, transfer to the Loitokitok border or to JRO airport to board your onward flight.

Activities

Trek to the Mt. Kilimanjaro Summit

What’s Included

Transport from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
All the Kilimanjaro National Park fees.
The hut fees.
All the food that will be used on the mountain.
Fees for our well trained, experienced, charming English-speaking guides.
Honest and hardworking porters.
All the cooking utensils and other equipment used on the mountain.
Transport from Kilimanjaro National Park gate to Kilimanjaro any hotel.
Transfer to Tarakea/Loitoktok , Kilimanjaro International Airport or Moshi or Arusha.

Things to Carry

Duffel bag or backpack that the porters can carry is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds).
Wrap electronics & clothing in sealed water-proof / plastic bags.
In the day pack, take along water, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, rain pants, jacket at a minimum and other essential.
Clothing: inner layer to be wicking (no cotton), next layer insulating & warm and top layer water proof but breathable.
Clothing: Shorts, Khakis, t-shirts, long underwear, fleece jacket, wool sweater, fleece pants, down jacket, rain jacket & pants.
Clothing: Sport bras (women), Mittens and gloves, Wool or pile hat, balaclava, hand & foot warmer.
Shoes: Trekking shoes for hiking day, warm, waterproof, and with ankle-support. Tennis shoes for evening.
Sleeping bag (Rated -25 degrees C/-10 degrees F or colder is recommended),
Tents are provided at no charge
Water bottles and Camelback (2-3). Get 3 liters of water before the trip. En-route, guides will boil water for you.
Water filter or iodine purification tablets.
Sun hat with brim, Sunglasses, Bandana, Trekking poles, Headlamp or flashlight, Camera, Tripod, Batteries, Binoculars.
Notebook, journal, pencil, pen, pocket knife, electricity adapter, energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods.
Playing cards, games, books, kite for recreational activities.