8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS LEMOSHO ROUTE

Category: Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

· Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft

· Distance: 6 km

· Hiking Time:3-4 hours

· Habitat: Rain Forest

· Full board at Forest camp Know as {Big tree Camp}.

We depart Arusha/Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site which is Forest camp Know as {Big tree Camp}.

Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira One Camp

· Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft

· Distance: 8 km

· Hiking Time 5-6 hours

· Habitat: Moorland

· Full Board at Shira One Camp

We continue on the trail leading out of the 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. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut

· Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft

· Distance: 14 km

· Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

· Habitat: Moorland

· Full Board at Shira 2 camp

We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we Stay at shira 2 camp or continue 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 is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp OrShira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco.

· Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft

· Distance: 7 km

· Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

· Habitat: Semi Desert

· Full Board at Shira 2 or Moir Hut camp

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

· Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft

· Distance: 5km

· Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

· Habitat: Alpine Desert

· Full Board at Karanga Camp.

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.

· Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft

· Distance: 4 km

· Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

· Habitat: Alpine Desert

· Full Board at Barafu Hut Camp.

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

· Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)

· Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

· Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent

· Habitat: Arctic

· Full Board at Mweka hut Camp.

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will need gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Moshi

· Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft

· Distance: 10 km

· Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

· Habitat: Rain Forest

· Half Board

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Kilimanjaro Nature Tours vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.

Price includes:

· National Park gate fees

· Transport from Moshi to starting point on mountain and return to Moshi

· camping fees /Hut fees

· Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes

· Porters' salaries

· Rescue fees (required by national park)

· All meals on the mountain

· Cooking equipment, and eating utensils

· 2 nights’ accommodation before and after climb at standard hotel

· VAT (Valued Added Tax)