9 Days Lemosho Route - Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )
9 Days Lemosho Route: Africa Natural Tours
AFRICA NATURAL TOURS (The best tour
company in Tanzania)
Specialized in: Mountain climbing,
Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism and Beach holidays
Contact +255 653 679 958 OR +255
692 436 113
9 Days Lemosho Route
The 9 days Lemosho Route is one of
the lengthiest, most picturesque routes on Kilimanjaro and it is our ‘secret
favourite’. You will traverse through tranquil trails that feature scenic
grandeur. In the rainforest the exquisiteness of dawn’s light pierces the lush,
emerald sward. Mist embraces the lichen coated bark and the melodic piping of a
songbird splits the silence whilst the distinctive blue monkeys swing above.
This leads to the smooth surfaces of the stunning Shira Plateau and the
magnificent sight of the looming Lava Tower. Barranco Valley provides beautiful
sights of the azure glaciers. Vast plains of Savannah are decorated with
splotches of wildlife and there is a possibility of encountering elephants or
buffalo. The Mweka Route is used to descend and you have a good chance of
completing the 9 days Lemosho Route due to the advantageous acclimatisation
conditions. Kilimanjaro captivates the hearts of those who reach the summit but
this route exceedingly epitomises Africa’s magnificence.
Our Package Includes
- Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
- Pre and post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
- Park, camping & rescue fees
- Mountain tent & mattress
- Professional English speaking guide(s), porters & chef
- 8 breakfasts; 7 lunches; 6 dinners
- Water; tea and coffee with meals
Not Included
- Flights
- Lunch & dinner in Moshi
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Personal equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Tips for guide(s), porters & cook
- Soda and Alcoholic beverages
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
Our driver will pick you up at the
airport and proceed to the hotel. Orientation for your trek will take place
shortly after you arrive and your guides will provide comprehensive information
that will assist you in reaching the summit. Your trekking gear will be checked
before you leave.
Day 2: Starting point (2,300m) to Mti Mkubwa (2,750m)
Trekking Time: 3 hours | Distance: 7 km | Altitude Gain:
450m
After enjoying an appetising meal at
the hotel, you will embark on a bumpy three-hour drive from Moshi to the
Londorossi Gate. We will travel amid the fascinating town of Boma N’gombe and
the native people of Sanya Juu. Registration will be completed at the gate and
then we will drive to the starting point of your trek at 2,350m. The trail
journeys through the thick, untamed rainforest for the duration of the day.
Adorable Bush Babies and curious Black and White Colobus Monkeys may peer down
from the high trees. Mti Mkubwa Camp is our final destination for the day and
the hike is fairly short.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)
Trekking Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 10 km | Altitude Gain:
800m
The trail heads towards Shira Camp 1
and there is shift in scenery to the heather and moorland zone – an arid
landscape sprinkled with contrasting silver fauna and flora as well as the
enormous lobelias. Stunning views of Mount Meru engulfing the fiery sunset are
present in the west and the gleaming Kibo Peak makes its presence known. The
light clouds will begin to float around you as you cross several calming
streams to get to the Shira Ridge (3,600m). We will proceed to Shira Camp 1 where
a delicious meal awaits.
Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)
Trekking Time: 3-4hours | Distance: 8km | Altitude Gain:
290m
The moorland landscape remains with
its dusty, rocky ground and low grasses and shrubs. The bright everlastings
erupt from the ground and the concentric rings of leaves on the celestial
lobelias are astonishing. The scenic views of the towering mountain are best
observed from this area and the path is generally flat. A steaming hot lunch
will be served at Shira Camp and after the short excursions for acclimatization
are complete, you will rest for the remainder of the day. In the evening the
stars twinkle from the infinite arch of darkness. In areas they are sapphire
balls and beautiful, shimmering in their heavenly finery. The ones on the
outermost boundary, virtually outside the span of human comprehension, are like
glinting pinpricks in a shroud of blackness.
Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) to Barranco camp (3,950m) via
Lava Tower
Trekking Time: 6-7 hours / Distance: 11km / Altitude Gain:
110m
Today the Lemosho route connects
with the Machame route before approaching Lava Tower. The landscapes are
magnificent and the trail begins with a gentle incline towards the beautiful
sights Kibo Peak. The first milestone is a jagged ridge named the Shark’s Tooth
(4,400m) and after crossing the mysterious shadow valleys we will come across
the protruding Lava Tower (4,600m). Thousands of years ago enormous volcanos
erupted and spluttered the remains of the once molten rocks. The gradual
descent to the Barranco Camp features incredible views of the bleached Western
Breach and the striking Barranco or ‘Breakfast’ Wall. This day follows the
mountaineering principles of walking high and sleeping low, making it an ideal
acclimation day.
Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Barafu Camp (4,700)
Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours / Distance: 9km / Altitude Gain:
750m
The day begins with a moderate trek
up the Barranco Wall, it is steep but the climbing only requires your hands and
feet for a short period of time (200m). Feelings of satisfaction will begin to
emerge once you witness the beautiful landscape that includes the smoothed
edges of Kibo peak and a vantage point of the frosted scenery. The trail begins
to fluctuate as we cross various small streams and the Karanga River that
excitedly hops over the rocks. We will stop at the Karanga Campsite for an
appetising lunch (3,930m). An hour’s climb up a steep, granite lava ridge will
lead us to the Barafu Camp. This signifies that you have conquered the South
Circuit of the mountain and the views of the summit will shift. The infertile
grounds at the Barafu Campsite tend to freeze over and the temperatures shift
dramatically. A warm, hearty meal will be prepared and we suggest that you rest
early as the midnight climb to the summit (1188m) is only a few hours away.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5895m) (Midnight
start), descent to Mweka Camp (3100m)
Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours / Distance: 5km / Altitude Gain:
1195m
You will be awoken at 11:00pm to
ensure that you have a light snack and a hot beverage before you embark on your
5km trek to the summit. Sixteen hours are needed to complete the trek, it goes
without saying, and this is the most taxing day on the 9 days Lemosho Route.
The temperatures will dip to lows of up to -10°C. The trail along the stunning
valley on the edge of scree fields will gradually increase. Stella’s Point
(5,672m) is the first milestone and you will pass the glowing Rebmann and
Ratzel glaciers. Illuminating rays of orange, red and purple begin to burst
from the sky as you reach the southern rim of Kibo (Marks an hour until the
summit). Upon reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) you will attain an intangible
reward, the heaven touching apex of the mountain drenched in a shroud of clouds
and splotches of gleaming snow impale the lush floor. Across the horizon you
will see the glaciers protruding like a row of thorns. Swaddled around them are
necklaces of powdery snow, frosty ice fields and Mawenzi Peak. We will begin
descending towards the Barafu Camp where we will have a short break before
proceeding to the Mweka Camp (3,100m). The 9km trails features stunning views
of the magnificent Kilimanjaro plains. The incline traverses down a rocky screed
path through barren moorland and then you will enter the magnificent forest
(4-5 hour hike). A tantalising meal will be served at the campsite and you will
be able to snuggle in your sleeping bag.
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m)
Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hours / Distance: 10km / Altitude Loss:
1300m
You will enjoy an appetising
breakfast before you descent to the Mweka Gate (1,300m). The leisurely stroll
provides you with beautiful sceneries. A Gold Summit Certificate will be
awarded upon reaching the gate, a token to symbolize successfully tackling the
9 days Lemosho Route. From the tranquil Mweka Village you will be driven back
to your hotel.
Day 9: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport
Today our driver will transport you
to the airport from where you will link your flight back home. If you’ve chosen
to continue on a safari – well, that’s another
adventure and we’ll manage that for you as well!
For more information www.africanaturaltours.com
Comments
Post a Comment