Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route climbing - Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )

Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route: Africa Natural Tours (For Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Zanzibar) Tanzania safari company in Moshi

Specialized in:  Wildlife safaris, Mountain climbing, Cultural tourism and Beach holidays in East Africa

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TOUR OVERVIEW

Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

The Secret Favorite

The 10 days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is one of most scenic trails on the west of Kilimanjaro and it is a virtual climate expedition. The shallow mountain stream wanders peacefully through the Barranco Valley's bottom amid the clouds. Frosting shields the valleys whilst the azure glaciers extravagantly scatter across the landscape of the ice fields. Immature trees flourish amongst the towering emerald canopies and the lush vegetation conceals the moist floors. Thick shadows cast down from the bright sun. Faint buffalo trails are carved into the smooth grounds of the Shira Plateau and milky white mist clings to and enrobes everything it can. You will encounter the stunning sights of the Lava Tower and scramble up the impressive Barranco wall. There is a slight chance of spotting some magnificent wildlife along the leisurely trail. The 10 days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route provides optimal conditions for acclimatization which increases your chance of reaching the glorious summit.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

We will send a driver to the airport to pick you up and take you to the hotel in Moshi. Orientation will take place at the hotel. Our guides will emphasize all the important details regarding your trek and an inspection on your hiking gear will occur.

Day 2: Starting point (2,300m) to Mti Mkubwa (2,750m)

Walking Time: 3 hours Distance: 7 km Altitude Gain: 450m

You will enjoy an enticing breakfast at the hotel before proceeding from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (1,800m). The three hour drive travels on an unpaved stretch of bumpy road through the town of Boma Ng’ombe and the Sanya Juu village offers motorists an intimate encounter with the natives. After completing the necessary park registration, you will be transported to the initial point of your trek at 2,350m.

The glory of the forest is revealed in the illuminating radiance from the sun. Almond-brown trees stand serenely, brimming with a tender glow. Gems of amber encrust the bark exterior. Green canopies deliver shelter for the exotic blue monkeys. The short trek through the rainforest leads to the Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m).

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)

Walking Time: 6-7 hours Distance: 10 km Altitude Gain: 800m

As the trail begins to move towards Shira Camp 1, the scenery transforms dramatically from the lush rainforest to the barren heather moorland zone. The parched landscape is speckled with enormous lobelias, contrasting white fauna and flora and dusty sand dunes. We will journey up the steep ridges leading to the Shira Plateau, featuring the glorious views of the looming Kilimanjaro and the raging bloodshot orb of light slowly sinks beneath the horizon of Mount Meru in the west. We will cross several tranquil streams as we continue over the Shira Ridge (3,600m) and on a declining slop to Shira Camp 1.

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)

Walking Time: 3-4hours Distance: 8km Altitude Gain: 290m

You will begin the day with a delicious breakfast and trek on an exposed moorland zone. This route is less frequented making it tranquil and untouched. Reaching Shira Plateau will reveal the stunning views of the peak of Kilimanjaro.

 The exhilarating sensation of witnessing the summit is magical. A hot lunch will be served at Shira Camp 2 (3,810m). Your guide will lead brief excursions for acclimatization; afterwards you are free to relax.

Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower

Walking Time: 6-7 hours Distance: 11km Altitude Gain: 110m

The Lemosho Route connects with the Machame Route before approaching the molten Lava Tower. The gentle incline leading to the Barranco Camp is encompassed in beautiful sceneries and encrusted in vivid desert shrubberies (6-7 hour hike). Shark’s Tooth is an enormous, serrated rock that a volcano discharged thousands of years ago, it is also an indication that we must travel south and cross the light valleys to the immense Lava Tower (4,600m). Specks of snow will gradually scatter themselves on the scenery and as we descend to Barranco Camp the frosted landscapes of the Western Breach will begin to sprout. The ashen Barranco Wall is engraved with extraordinary indents and olive foliage is strewn across the ‘Breakfast Wall’.

Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,930m)

Walking Time: 4 – 5 hours Distance: 5km Altitude Gain: 200m Altitude Loss: 220m

The day commences with a simple trek up the astonishing Barranco (200m high). For a short period, you will need to use your hands and feet to scramble up the wall and upon reaching the surface you will have an opportunity to marvel at the scenic splendor of the vistas of Kibo. The trail traverses up and down with various shallow streams leading to the flickering, glittery streams of the Karanga River. An appetizing lunch will be served at the Karanga campsite (3,930m). The short trekking will assist your acclimatization.

Day 7: Karanga Camp (3,930m) to Barafu Camp (4,700m)

Walking Time: 2- 4 hours Distance: 4km Altitude Gain: 770m

The rocky zone provides an uphill path that features landscapes battered in the crystal glow of the Southern Glaciers. Intersecting with the Mweka route allows us to witness the splendid vistas. A sixty-minute climb up a steep, rock strewn Lava Ridge is your ticket to the Barafu Camp (4681m).

 Reaching the camp signifies that you have dominated the Southern Circuit of the mountain and the enchanting, sky-piercing view of the summit is submerged in an ocean of clouds. The terrain at the campsite resembles an unfinished painting. The landscape is blanketed in a thin layer of snow with sparse vegetation. A substantial, warm meal will be served and we suggest that you jump into your sleeping bag as soon possible. We will embark on our journey to the summit at midnight.

Day 8: Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5,895m) (midnight start) descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Walking Time: 14 - 16 hours Distance: 19km Altitude Gain: 1195m

You will be awoken at 11:00pm and we will provide you with a light snack and a steaming cup of tea before you begin your 5km trek to the summit. This is an extended hike that lasts approximately 16 hours making this the most challenging day on the 10 days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route.

 Temperatures typically range between -5°C and -10°C. The gradually increasing incline of the valley located near the eerily tranquil scree fields traverses amongst the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers – the view is so astounding that the freezing temperatures will be forgotten. At Stella’s Point (5,672m) brilliant gold and orange hues bleed like fire over the rocks. The first slither of the sun peeks over the skyline in a radiant, white form and the snow turns liquid gold and silver. After sixty minutes you will reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,89m). You will have an opportunity to take some photos and marvel at the surrounding scenery, glinting ice cliffs and the jagged Mawenzi Peak.

 Our descent requires us to turn around and embark on the trail to Barafu Camp where we will have a brief resting period. The spectacular, vast plains of the Kilimanjaro are so enchanting that the 9km route to Mweka Camp (3,100m) feels rapid. The route is moderate and lasts four to five hours. As you venture on the declining rocky spree trail, the scenery will start to sprout and the ice will melt away. The barren landscapes of the moorland will be the first milestone, dense vegetation and exotic wildlife will begin to radiate as we approach the forest habitat. We will proceed to the campsite where you can scoff down a scrumptious, piping hot dinner whilst seizing the last opportunity to observe the Milky Way.

Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m) to Moshi

Walking Time: 4 – 5 hours Distance: 10km Altitude Loss: 1300m

The melodies of your porters celebrating will fill the air whilst you enjoy an appetizing breakfast. The 1,300m descent to the Mweka gate is classified as an easy trek and will only last a few hours. Gold Summit Certificates will be awarded to every member in your group as a small souvenir. Our drivers are one relaxed stroll to the Mweka village away and they will transport you to the hotel where an invigorating hot shower, plush mattress and clean clothes await you.

Day 10: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport

Our driver will bring you to the airport from where you will take your flight back home. If you’ve decided to go on a safari – well, that’s a different adventure and we’ll take care of that for you!

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 & cook
• 9 breakfasts; 8 lunches; 7 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

For more information visit www.africanaturaltours.com