Embarking on this 8 days Kilimanjaro hike through Lemosho route means a great opportunity for you to conquer the most scenically stunning route. This route takes hikers from the west part of Mt. Kilimanjaro while exploring the scenic rainforest prior joining the Lemosho route to cross the stunning Shira Plateau. Before you get yourself to the summits, expect to navigate via several features and overnight will be in camps/huts.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Travel from Arusha to Forest Camp
Leave Arusha town for Kilimanjaro National Park, about 3 to 4 hours’ drive. On arrival, you will assemble at the starting point of the Lemosho trail that is at Londorossi gate. Today, your trek involves exploring the western part of Kilimanjaro Mountain and the Lemosho route begins from the Afromontane rainforest also the first 4 ecological zones to be encountered on Kilimanjaro Mountain. As you trek, keep eyes on some of the interesting fauna and once you reach the Forest Camp, settle for a leisurely lunch and the rest of evening.
Day 2: Trek to Shira 1 Camp
Enjoy your breakfast and later, continue on rising and falling terrain above the rainforest while enjoying the spectacular views of the Shira ridge and the Kibo summit. You will have lunch at the camp in the afternoon and at this point, be ready for the breathtaking views of the Kibo peak.
Day 3: Depart Shira 1 Camp for Moir Hut
After breakfast, cross the Shira plateau –notably one of the highest plateaus on earth and is also among the few most scenic areas awaiting you on this ultimate hiking expedition. Enjoy 3-4 hours’ trek across the moorland meadows to where you will have lunch break. Later, continue ascending to Moir Camp arriving in the afternoon and in case you still have energy, proceed to Lent hills in the nearby area for altitude acclimatization.
Day 4: Moir Hut Camp – Barranco Camp
Set off from Moir navigating via the Kibo slopes. This area features little floral and faunal species due to its extreme temperatures. Have lunch nearby the volcanic rock (Lava tower) and those still energetic can proceed on an ascent to the lava tower prior descending down to Barranco camp.
As you access the Barranco camp, navigate via the scenic Garden of Senecios/giant groundsel. This also comes with numerous giant lobelias and the Barranco valley is amazingly one of the beautiful areas along the Lemosho route.
Day 5: To Karanga Camp
After breakfast, you will embark on a short trek to Karanga camp. To get to the top of Karanga valley, be ready to use all your 4 limbs. Continue following a path that sojourns through several inclines and declines to Karanga camp.
Altitude acclimatization is essential here but expect to have the stunning view of sunset, the southern glacial valleys and ice fields.
Day 6: Descend to Barafu camp
Embark on half day ascent to Barafu camp where you will have lunch and also get some time to relax. Navigate via rocky alpine desert and today, your hike won’t be as demanding as the previous ones.
Day 7: Transfer to Mweka Camp
From Barafu camp, embark on a journey to conquer the final summit. Patience, endurance is what you need to get to the summit and expect to encounter the coldest and windiest areas of your adventure. Continue with the hike till you get around the rim at Stella Point (18652ft) and enjoy the beautiful sunrise while also viewing the scenic Mawenzi peak.
Ascend through Stella Point ushers you to Uhuru peak –the Roof of Africa. At this point, have your camera ready for action packed photography and proceed at a slow pace to appreciate the stunning rainforest sceneries as you access the Mweka camp.
Day 8: From Mweka camp to Mweka gate, drive to Arusha
A hefty breakfast be enjoyed at the camp and later, begin descending via montane forest. Today, you will descend to Mweka gate where you will meet the driver guide and you will be transferred to Arusha.
In Arusha, check in your lodge or hotel to freshen up and then settle for your celebratory dinner, share experiences for your Mount. Kilimanjaro climb.
End of safari.
