KILIMANJARO CLIMBING 7 DAY LEMOSHO ROUTE

Landing day

Pickup from the Airport (Kilimanjaro Airport is recommended (JRO) drive to Panama Hotel Moshi for the briefing, gear Checking and overnight.

DAY 2;

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation: : 2389 m to 3890 m

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Lemosho Gate, which takes about 3 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

DAY 3;

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 camp

Elevation: 2785 m to 3610 m to 3850 m

Distance: 19 km/13miles

Hiking Time 7 - 9 hours

Habitat: Health

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.On arrival you will get the lunch then continue to Shira 2 camp.

DAY 4;

Moir Hut to Lava Tower

Elevation: 4140 m to 4620 m

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 4620 m to 3900 m

Distance: 3 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the

Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

DAY 5;

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3900 m to 4000 m

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

DAY 6;

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4000 m to 4620 m

Distance: 4 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

DAY 7;

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 4620 m to 5895 m

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 5895 to 3100 m

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 8;

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3Elevation1640 m

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, A vehicle will meet us at Mweka gate to take us to Moshi.