This long, little-used route parallels the lower part of the Shira Route. Our Company leads treks up the Lemosho Route. The Lemosho Route is an unspoiled, remote, little-used, and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. Above the plateau, you approach Kilimanjaro’s great western Breach, then follow the south circuit to reach the easier Barafu Route. This is one of the few routes where an armed ranger accompanies our groups, since there are still animals in the forest around the Lemosho Glades.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to theHotel in Arusha/Moshi for your overnight.
Day 2
Londorossi Park Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp, 5 hours
after breakfast and a briefing from your guide, drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Park Gate (2250m, 1.5 hours). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2000m, 11Km. 45minutes) and a possible campsite. Walk along beautiful forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, (2750m, and 3hours).
Day 3 Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp, 5 hours
the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone then crosses the Shira Ridge (3600m) to drop gently down to Shira 1 Camp located by the stream on the Shira Plateau (3500m).
Day 4 Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp, 2 hours
A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream (3850m). A variety of walks are available on the plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day.
Day 5 Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Hut, 7 hours
The moorlands soon come to an end and the rocky path leads amongst outcrops to the Lava Tower (4600m) then continue to Barranco Hut (3900m).
Day 6 Barranco Hut to Karanga Valley, 4 hours
after breakfast we leave Barranco Ridge, walk up the Barranco Wall that ends up at the foot of the Heim glacier. Passing the Barranco Wall, continue to walk along to Karanga valley.
Day 7 Karanga Valley to Barafu Hut, 4 hours
Continue to the Barafu Hut which is located at an altitude of (4 600 m) here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are seen from this position.
Day 8 Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Hut, 15 hours
Wake up very early, at around midnight, take some light tea with cookies, start trekking to the summit, Uhuru peak (5895m). Spend some time at the summit, start descending to Barafu Hut for brunch and some rest, then walk down to Mweka Hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 9 Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate, 3 hours
after breakfast, walk down the Mweka Montane forest to the Mweka gate, board the already waiting vehicle, and drive back to Arusha/ Moshi to Hotel for celebration and overnight.
(One more extra day may be spent on Either Shira 2, Barranco or Karanga for acclimatization purposes to make the program a 9 day program. If you want to do it for 8 days you can omit day 3 and you can walk from Shira 1 to Barranco Camp. So it will be 8 days climbing.)
Package Includes:
– Full board accommodation on the climbs and BB in Arusha
– All park entry fees, hut fees, rescue fees, Guide and porter’s fees.
– Knowledgeable Mountain Guide and porters on climbs for professional trekking.
– Transport to and from the mountain gates.
– Cook and all kitchen utensils on the climb
– Service of an English speaking mountain guide (Tanzanian)
– Crew allowances and park entry fees – Government taxes
Package Excludes:
-Flights
– Mountain Gears, (available for hire, $10@ item per trip)
– Visa, Travel Insurance and Intl. flights
– Extras i.e. drinks, laundry, telephone and internet
– Tips to the Crew (highly recommended)
