Lemosho
route - 7 days in mountain and 3 relaxing days
Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro
Internationa Airport (KIA) where we are transported
to the hotel. Overnight in Arusha .
Day 2: Today
we will accompany a guide of the Kilimanjaro on
a day trip to meet and learn more about the situation
on Kilimanjaro . This will enhance our understanding
of the local culture rather than just the tourist
version and proceeds go the benefit communiy.
Overnight at Lion farm for perfect view the Mountain
in both evening and early morning, as well as
hearing the sound of Africa bush
Day 3:
Today we bid farewell to those who are going to
the Lemosho Route and drive to Londorosi Park
Gate (7,425’, 2 hours). From here a forest
truck requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho
Glades. Ascending through the dense equatorial
forest, we may see colobus and Sykes monkeys and
evidence of Cape buffalo and elephant. Our fist
campsite, Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, is in
a wonderful forest (9,075’, 3 – 4
hours)
Day 4:
We we begin the day hiking through thick forest
festooned with “Old man’s bread”
. The trail gradually steepens as we move through
a transition zone and then enter the giant heather
moorland zone. Several streams are crossed before
it gains the Shira Ridge at about 11,880’,
and drops gently down to Shira I camp located
by a stream on the Shira Plateau (11,550’,
7 – 8 hours).
Day 5:
A gentle walk across the plateau leads us a little
higher on the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 camp on
moorland meadows (12,705’, 4 – 5 hours).
Our afternoon is free to explore and view the
rare flora – giant senecios, lobelias, and
hilechyrsums – of this “tropical alpine”
altitude zone.
Day 6:
Today we ascend through the moorland zone to Kilimanjaro’s
alpine desert zone our rocky path leads amongst
outcrops to the Lava Tower where there are good
campsites (15,180, 5 – 6 hours). There are
great views over the Shira Plateau, down to the
African Plains below, and across to majestic mountains
in the distance.
Day 7:
We make a short but steep hike up a scree path
to the site of the Arrow Glacier hut (15,940’,
2 – 3 hours). We spend the afternoon resting
up for tomorrow’s hike.
Day 8:
This is undoubtedly our toughest day going up.
We ascend by the steep but stunningly spectacular
Western Breach route. We ascend on switchbacks
over frozen scree and follow a ridge trail that
meanders over large boulders (we may have to use
our hands for balance). Once we reach Kilimanjaros
Summit Plateau, it is possible to camp almost
anywhere in the crater. (18,810. 8 – 9 hours)
Day 9:
After breakfast we make a two-hour hike up the
final 800 feet to Uhuru Peak, the true summit
of Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet. We then make a
steepl rigorous descent following the standard
route along the summit crater rim back to 19,000
feet, then turn off to descent via the Mweka Route.
We stop for lunch at 15,000 feet and after a good
rest, continue the 10,000 descents to Mweka Hut,
8 hours.
Day 10:
A 3 – 4 hour descent through beautiful
forest brings you to the Park gate and our waiting
transport. Drive back to the hotel, hot showers,
and a celebration dinner.
Day 11:
Arusha city tour via Maasai traditional handcraft
shop.
Day 12:
Transfer to Airport
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