7 Days Lemosho Route On Kilimanjaro
- 7 Days
Overeview
The route starting from a trailhead at Lemosho gate in Western Kilimanjaro. Then route approaches from the Lemosho Glades and Forest allowing for a gentler ascent to the plateau. It is also a very scenic route with fine views across to Meru and Masai Steppe and a chance of seeing game. The route picks up Machame and continue the Southern Circuit Route of Machame (i.e., Lava Tower/Barranco/Barafu/Stella) Widely considered being the most scenic route, it is without any doubt breathtakingly beautiful with a wider range of eco-systems and views along the trail. The impressive Barranco Valley is praised by all who climbed it. The “Whisky” route to Marangu’s “Coca-Cola”, it is more demanding and less subscribed, with a longer ascent, thereby appealing to more serious trekkers.
Day 1: Forest Camp
After early breakfast at your hotel transfer to Kilimanjaro entrance gate with picnic lunches. After completing the necessary registration formalities at Lemosho gate we start climbing through the forest up to the forest camp – a gentle walk of a few hours to stretch our legs in anticipation of the long climb ahead.
Dinner and overnight at FOREST CAMP (BLD).
Day 2: Shira 2 Camp
After breakfast in the chattering forest, we start a slow walk to aid acclimatisation through the forest and into the Hagenia zone, where the vegetation begins to thin out as we approach the Shira Plateau reveals the magnitude of the distant snow-capped crater, we slowly climb into the alpine heather zone, approaching the Kibo massif from the west, to our camp. Then you will have lunch at SHIRA ONE CAMP. Today is a shorter walk allowing for further exploration of the lobelias, senecios and other endemic plants on an acclimatising walk.
Dinner and overnight at SHIRA 2 CAMP.
Day 3: Barranco Camp
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will have a hot lunch at Lava Tower thereafter descend to your next camp. This day is very nice for acclimatization because you will ascend to Lava Tower 14900ft then descend to Barranco Valley. Beautiful plants giant senecio are seen at this camp
Dinner and Overnight at BARRANCO CAMP.
Day 4: Karanga Camp.
This morning you begin your hike to Karanga Camp where you will arrive in time for lunch. You will encounter a bit of a climb at Barranco Cliff and spend the rest of the trek climbing up and down the slopes of the mountain most of the way to your next camp. The climbing is not considered difficult and you should arrive at your camp late afternoon and you are well advised to rest as much as you possibly can to prepare for the climb ahead. Also, this is a day on which we supply fresh foods from town market to make sure that our clients will have successful climb for the remaining days.
Dinner and overnight at KARANGA CAMP (BLD).
Day 5: Barafu Camp.
The scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on a moraine with a view of Mawenzi peak towering majestically to the right, and overhead, Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Lunch will be taken along the way or at Barafu Camp. Climbers who choose to ascend the peak will go to bed very early this night, as the next day is the longest one.
Dinner and overnight at BARAFU CAMP (BLD).
Day 6: Ascent to Summit / Descent Mweka Camp
You will be awakened at midnight and after a light breakfast, start climbing at around 1 a.m. It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult. Here, very few will not be suffering from altitude sickness in some form or another; and climbers should carry as little as possible on this portion of the climb. Temperatures will range from -4° to 5° Fahrenheit. Making your way up a path that is flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, you will climb for about six hours before reaching the edge of the crater, between Stella and Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit. Uhuru stands at 5895 m and is the highest point on the continent of Africa. The track around the edge of the crater is rocky and icy. Concentrate on your feet, and follow your guide very closely for this portion of the journey.
The descent is now easier than the ascent. You will reach Barafu Camp after about three hours (around 11:30 AM). Climbers will be given the opportunity to rest and have some refreshments before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night. Arriving into camp at around 5:00PM, you will have trekked a total of thirteen hours today.
Dinner and overnight at MWEKA CAMP (BLD)
Day 7: Mweka gate – Hotel.
After breakfast then continue to go down to Mweka gate where you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. Meet by a driver guide and drive back to your hotel in Arusha. It is a welcome treat to sleep in a bed, take a hot shower and celebrate.
Kilimanjaro Package includes:
- Transfers to/from the mountain trail heads
- Kilimanjaro Park entrance fees, camping fees, rescue fees.
- Services of trained professional English-speaking Mountain guides, cooks and porters.
- All food for the duration of the climb, top quality food specially considered for maximum nutrition needs.
- Complimentary fruits and juice while hiking
- Portage of 1 bag (maximum 15 kgs) per person
- Safety equipment e.g. Oxygen cylinder or Gamow Bag
- Oximeter for checking blood levels of clients daily
- Camping equipment including mountain Hardware tents, mess tent, chairs etc.
- Services of hot water bottle while sleeping for comfort
- Portable flashing toilet
- Solar light in every accommodation tent
Kilimanjaro Package does not include:
- Tips to the guides, cook and porters
- Bottled Mineral water
- Visas
- Laundry
- Telephone calls
- Other items of personal nature
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