Climbing Program Summary
This is regarded as one of the prettiest route on Kilimanjaro. We begin trekking in the thick, fertile rainforest until we reach the wildflowers and shrubs of the heath ecosystem. Approaching from the west, we cross one of most beautiful areas on Kilimanjaro, the vast Shira Plateau, before traversing the mountain along the southern circuit. The Lemosho route is for those with previous backpacking experience.
Climbing Program Details by Day
Day 1: Registration at Londorossi Walking Through Farmland to Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2,650 m); [2-3 hours walking]
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Londorossi National Park gate, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho road head. The last section of the road is of poor quality and difficult to drive after rain, sometimes we start walking a kilometer or two below the road head. We often have our lunch at the road head before starting to walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. We camp at Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2,650 m); [2-3 hours walking]
Day 2: Traversing Part of Shira Plateau to Shira One Camp (3,550 m) [6-8 hours walking]
We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in! We walk part way across the plateau to Shira One Camp (3,550 m) [6-8 hours walking]
Day 3: Trek Through Lava Tower Junction (4,550 m.) to Great Barranco valley (3,900 m); [7-9 hours walking]
A morning of sustained ascent and panoramic views brings us to lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,550 m.). The trail then descends to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m); another spectacular campsite sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [7-9 hours walking]
Day 4: Trekking Through Barranco Wall to Karanga Campsite (4,000 m) [4-5 hours walking]
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4,000 m), the last water point on the way to the summit. [4-5 hours walking]
Day 5: Trek to Barafu campsite (4,600 m), South-East valley (4,800 m) [3-5 hours walking]
We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600 m) for lunch. There is a short acclimatization walk to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4,800 m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. [3-5 hours walking]
Day 6: Trek to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m) then descend to Millennium Camp (3,800 m). [10-15 hours walking]
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Millennium Camp (3,800 m). [10-15 hours walking]
Day 7: Steady Descend to Mweka Gate (1,650 m) [4-6 hours walking]
A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes us to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m); and on through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. [4-6 hours walking]
