Climbing Kilimanjaro by Lemosho Route in 10 Days

After breakfast, we drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Park Gate (2,250m/7,380 ft). From here we follow a forest track in a 4WD vehicle for 11 km/7 mi (45 minutes) to Lemosho Glades (2,000m/6,560 ft) and a possible campsite. From the Glades, walk for 3 hours along beautiful forest trails to the Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite (2,750m/9,020 ft) 18 km. Distance: 18 Km Habitat : Montane Forest

After breakfast, continue your trek along the trail. The trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. We will cross the Shira Ridge at 3,600 m/11,810 ft and drop gently to Shira Camp 1 located by a stream on the Shira Plateau. After a long day, have dinner and stay overnight at Shira Camp 1. Distance: 12 Km Habitat: Semi-Desert MEALS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, we will trek from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m/12,600 ft). Have your breakfast and start your trek with a gentle walk across the plateau leading to Shira Camp 2 on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the plateau making this an excellent day of acclimatization. Reach Shira Camp 2 for dinner and overnight stay. Distance: 6 Km Habitat: Alpine Desert MEALS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will hike east up a steep path above the highest vegetation toward Kilimanjaro’s looming mass. After several hours, you walk through a rocky landscape to reach the prominent landmark called Lava Tower at 4,630m/15,190ft. This chunky remnant of Kilimanjaro’s earlier volcanic activity is several hundred feet high, and the trail passes right below it. For extra credit, the sure-footed can scramble to the top of the tower. After a lunch stop near Lava Tower, we descend for 2 hours below the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and BreachWall to Barranco Camp at 3,950m/12,960 ft. Stay overnight. MEALS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we continue up a steep ridge to the great Barranco Wall, and then you climb this imposing obstacle, which is easier than it looks. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you can now appreciate the beauty of Kilimanjaro. With Kibo’s glaciers soaring overhead, you descend into the lush Karanga Valley to the Karanga Valley campsite. From the camp, you can look east and see the jagged peaks of Mawenzi jutting into the African sky. After a hot lunch in camp, your afternoon is at leisure for resting or exploring. After two long days, this short day is very important for your acclimatization, since your summit push is about to start. MEALS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the morning, we hike east over intervening ridges and valleys to join the Mweka Route, which will be your descent route. We will turn left towards the mountain and hike up the ridge through a sparse landscape for another hour to the Barafu Hut where you will receive a hot lunch. The last water on the route is in the Karanga Valley; there is no water at Barafu Camp, even though Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice.” The famous snows of Kilimanjaro are far above Barafu Camp near the summit of the mountain. Your tent will be pitched on a narrow, stony, wind-swept ridge, so we will make sure that we familiarize ourselves with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. Prepare your equipment and warm clothing for your summit climb, and drink a lot of fluids. We will have an early dinner and stay overnight. Distance: 13 Km MEALS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we will trek from Barafu Camp (4,550m) to Uhuru Peak, the summit (5,895m). Your 6-hour climb will continue northwest up through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point. The crater rim is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. At Stella Point (5,685 m/18,650 ft), we will stop for a short rest and a chance to see a supremely sanguine sunrise. At Stella Point, you join the top part of the Marangu Route. We will not stay here too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Depending on the season and recent storms, you may encounter snow on your remaining hike along the rim to Uhuru Peak. On the summit, you can enjoy your accomplishments and know that you are creating a day that you will remember for the rest of your life. After your 3-hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, you will have a well-earned but short rest, collect your gear, and hike down a rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft). This camp is in the upper forest, so you can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared, and the camp office will sell drinking water, soft drinks, chocolates, and beer! MEALS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we will trek from Barafu Camp (4,550m) to Uhuru Peak, the summit (5,895m). Your 6-hour climb will continue northwest up through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point. The crater rim is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. At Stella Point (5,685 m/18,650 ft), we will stop for a short rest and a chance to see a supremely sanguine sunrise. At Stella Point, you join the top part of the Marangu Route. We will not stay here too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Depending on the season and recent storms, you may encounter snow on your remaining hike along the rim to Uhuru Peak. On the summit, you can enjoy your accomplishments and know that you are creating a day that you will remember for the rest of your life. After your 3-hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, you will have a well-earned but short rest, collect your gear, and hike down a rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft). This camp is in the upper forest, so you can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared, and the camp office will sell drinking water, soft drinks, chocolates, and beer! MEALS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is your final day of the tour. After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Our representative will escort you to the airport for your flight back home. MEALS Breakfast