Day
One: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Lemosho is ideal for climbers
seeking a more intimate hiking experience. Although the trail joins with the
more popular Machame route on day four, the first three days on the mountain
are relatively quiet with few other trekking groups on the trail. On the first
day, arrive at Londorossi Gate at about 12pm. Spend about an hour at the gate
while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final
preparations. Please note that the arrival time at the gate may vary depending
on road conditions.
After registering at the gate, drive
to the trailhead and enjoy a picnic lunch before starting the trek to Mti
Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. Pass through the rain forests of Kilimanjaro viewing
trees and birds along the way. Arrive at the campsite in the late afternoon and
relax for the rest of the day.
Day
Two: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Hike through the forest en route to
Kilimanjaro’s moorland and enjoy the stunning variety of beautiful wildflowers.
As the trail flattens out, take in your first views of Kibo peak. After lunch
climb the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo’s lava flows filled up the Shira
crater. Stop at Shira 1 Camp, where you will relax for the rest of the day.
Day
Three: Shira I to Shira II Camp
This is an acclimatization day that
allows you to take day hikes that explore the Shira Plateau. Look to the west
at sunset and you may catch a glimpse of the twin eruptions from the craters of
Ol Donyio Lengai (The Mountain of God), an active volcano 100 kilometers
distant.
Day
Four: Shira II Camp (to Barranco Camp
Although this up and down day ends
with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed
690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before beginning your descent to
Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for acclimatization.
After breakfast, continue east on
the Shira Plateau for two hours before reaching the junction for the Machame
Route. Continue through the barren landscape for another thirty minutes before
stopping for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the highest point of the day
before descending quickly to Barranco Camp. From the high point see the Lava
Tower, a 300-foot lava formation jutting from the mountainside. Optional detour
via Lava Tower.
The descent to Barranco Camp will
take you through a valley that is home to many unusual plants including the
Senecio Kilimanjari. Barranco Camp is considered to be the most scenic campsite
on the route. It is set in a canyon among forests of Senecio Kilimanjai beneath
the Heim glacier. From the campsite, enjoy magnificent views of Mount Meru,
Heim Glacier, Kibo’s southern face and the imposing Barranco Wall.
Day
Five: Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast
for Karanga Valley. The day begins with an hour-and-a-half scramble up the
Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may
have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through
fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green
Karanga River Valley. Karanga Camp is located on the ridge above the river
valley.
Day
Six: Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, begin the hike to
Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as
the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail.
During the hike you will pass the Heim, Kersten and Decken glaciers. Although
the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, there
are stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the way. Try to sleep after
finishing dinner as you will need to wake before midnight to start your summit
ascent.
Day
Seven: Barafu Camp to Crater Camp
Due to the steep ascent at high
altitude, this is the most challenging day of the ascent. Leave Barafu Camp
early in the morning to begin your hike to the top of Kibo Crater. It is
important to remember to snack during the ascent to keep up your energy. You
will likely lose your appetite during the hike and begin to feel new effects of
altitude sickness.
After ascending Kibo's wall, hike to
Crater Camp, the highest camp on Kilimanjaro. The camp is located inside
Kilimanjaro's Kibo crater, and offers stunning views of the surrounding
glaciers. Some climbers choose to summit in the afternoon instead of the
following morning. Porters can carry your pack if your altitude sickness.
Day
Eight: Crater Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
At dawn, begin the final ascent to
Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The hike to the summit is slow, taking
up to two hours to gain 180 meters. Reach Uhuru around 8am and take photos at
the roof of Africa. Descend to Barafu Camp where you'll eat brunch. At 1pm
continue to Mweka Camp, your final camp on Kilimanjaro.
Day
Nine: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (
After breakfast, complete the trek
with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one,
passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent
as the trail can be slippery.Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station
of Mweka Gate to take you back to Arusha. You can buy t-shirts, souvenirs and
sodas at the gate. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the gate before departing the
mountain.