9 Days Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is one of the best options for climbing Kilimanjaro. The route provides plenty of time for acclimatization and takes in the entire scenery of the mountain as it practically traverses it from west to east. The access via the western route requires a bit longer drive to the trail head but is well worth it as you get to drive through some wild country and may even be lucky enough to spot buffalo or an elephant. During the first few days of the trek you will ascend the western flank of the mountain a side of mountain few visitors reach as you ascend through the lowland jungles to the Shira Plateau. After reaching Shira Camp 2 on the third day the remainder of the trek follows the traditional Machame Route and the number of trekkers on the trail increases. The fourth day of trekking is quite helpful for acclimatization as you ascend to the Lava Tower (15,000 feet / 4600m) before descending to the campsite in Barranco Valley. Another day of trekking brings you to the high camp at Barafu, which lies on a barren volcanic plain. Climbers spend the afternoon resting here before making a midnight summit push. It's a 6 hour slog to the crater rim and another hour of traversing across the rim of the crater to reach Uhuru Peak the final summit and highest point in Africa. The Nine days Lemosho route variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 9 day Lemosho route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.
DAY 1: Kilimanjaro Airport - Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will be waiting for you. He will take you to the Meru View Lodge, where the rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to explore the town of Arusha (taxi required) or just relax at the lodge. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour. You will spend the night at Meru View Lodge.
Lunch; Dinner
DAY 2:Arusha - Marangu Gate (1,860 m) - Mandara hut (2,700 m)
After breakfast at the lodge, you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek begins and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 3 to 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, the Mandara Hut . After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views towards Kenya. Evening meal and sleep stay at Mandara Hut.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 3:Arusha - Starting point Lemosho (2,385 m)-Big Tree Camp (2,780 m)
In the morning, you will be picked up at the lodge and taken to the Londorossi Gate (2,250 m). Here you will be registered by the national park authorities. Then you will drive an approximate 15 km on a bumpy track that will take you into the dense rainforest to the drop-off point where your trek begins. You will follow a moderately steep track, which leads you through an amazing and unspoilt natural forest to the Big Tree Camp, your destination for today. As this region is also home to wild game, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger during the first 2 days of your trek.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 4:Big Tree Camp (2,780 m) - Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m)
Today's long trek starts on a small trail that passes through the rainforest. As one climbs, the forest gradually thins out and the landscape changes into heath and moorland where plants like erica and lobelia start to dominate the landscape. You will cross the Shira Ridge and after 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you will reach the Shira Camp 1. Here you will stop for lunch, relax a bit and enjoy the fantastic views of Mt Meru and the Rift Valley. For the last part of the climb (approximately 3 hours), you will climb another 250 m in altitude. The landscape will change again and you will pass giant senecios that can grow to almost 9 m in height. At Shira Camp 2, you will camp for the night and with a little luck, enjoy the wonderful view of the Kibo summit at sunset.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 5: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) - Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
Today's trekking leg has many ascents and descents and shortly after the start, you will tackle the steepest part of the entire route - the Barranco Wall. Every now and then, you may need your hands to hold on as there are no climbing “paths”. Safety is paramount and your guides will assist you whenever necessary. After reaching the top of Barranco Wall, you will walk along the mountain ridge. From here you will have fantastic views of the southern glacier of Kibo as well as of the Kibo summit. You will get to Karanga Camp around lunch time.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 6:Karanga Camp (4,035 m) - Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
After breakfast you will walk along a trail that passes through an alpine desert area until you reach the destination of today - the Barafu Camp. In the afternoon you can relax and stretch your legs in preparation of the upcoming summit night. You will have dinner early in order to catch a few hours sleep, before you will be woken up at around midnight.
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Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 7: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) - Mweka Camp (3,080 m)
After some hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at around midnight. By torchlight you will start walking on the lava ash that is still frozen. After 5 to 7 hours you will arrive at Stella Point (5,730 m), the crater rim of Mt Kilimanjaro. Another 1 to 2 hours climb along the crater ridge will lead you to the summit of Uhuru Peak. From “Africa's Roof”, you will be able to see the surrounding landscape being lit up by the rising sun – a truly liberating experience. After a short break and taking photos, you will return to Barafu Camp just before midday where the rest of the crew will be waiting for you. You will have a warm lunch and rest for about 1 to 2 hours before you make our way down to the Mweka Camp about 3 hours away Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 8: Mweka Camp (3,080 m) - Mweka Gate (1,630 m) - Arusha
The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the Meru View Lodge and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to rest or to celebrate your achievement. Breakfast
DAY 9:Day 9 Arusha - Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari or relax at the Indian Ocean Breakfast
Inclusions
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- 2 nights 3* hotel accommodation in ARUSHA (before and after climb).
- Transfers to and from ARUSHA to the trail head.
- Kilimanjaro national park permits, rescue fees and the Hut fee.
- Value added tax (V.A.T)
- Expert guides, assistant guides, cook and porters (climbing crew)
- Fresh meals (3 course) on the mountain.
- Sleeping bag, foam (mattress) 1.5 inches thick
- Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only.
- Private toilet
- Accommodation on the mountain
- Breakfast at the hotel (warm)
- Bites and snacks
- Bottled water.
- Air fare
- Things of person nature
- Personal gear and equipment
- Alcoholic and Soft Drink
- Tips and other gratuities
EXCLUSION