The Lemosho Route begins in a rainforest, on a magnificent forest trail, which are unspoiled and little used. The route leads onto the Western side of Shira plateau. This route offers the most varying terrain, with lots of opportunity to acclimatize along the way. The first two days include gently rolling trails across the ancient lava flows of the collapsed Shira Volcano with excellent views of Kilimanjaro’s summit. The Shira Plateau is very beautiful with good views of the Western Glaciers. Upon reaching the Shira Plateau, the route merges with the Machame route. Overnights are spent camping in tents.
Day 1
Lemosho Gate – Big Tree Camp 2100m (6890ft) – 2650m (8695ft)
Transfer after an early breakfast. After completing the necessary registration formalities at the Park gate, it is an easy day of walking from the Lemosho road head up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. Enjoy lunch in the glades before continuing to Big Tree camp. Overnight at Big Tree Camp
Average hiking time: 4 Hours
Day 2
Big Tree Camp – Shira 1 Camp 2650m (8695ft) – 3480m (11417ft)
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 when the afternoon mists come in! We might walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock flanked by steep pinnacles, before reaching the next camp near Shira Cave. This campsite has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. Overnight at Shira Camp 1
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley, sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below.
Overnight at Barranco Camp.
From Barranco Camp you’ll start ascending the Barranco Wall (100m – very steep) and continue hiking to Karranga Valley. Enjoy your pack lunch and refill your water bottles as this is you last water point. The vast and barren moonscape of the Alpine desert is a very harsh and rugged environment. Only tussock grasses and a few tiny flowers can live on this altitude. Uhuru Peak sometime hauls itself through the clouds and it seems very close.
Overnight at Barafu Camp.
An early start is required (01:00 am) for the summit attempt and Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa at 5,895m. The trail is tougher than anything experienced on the ascent with a sustained switchback climb through steep scree. Slowly and with regular stops is the best way to do it. After Stella Point on the Crater Rim, it is a very short but very long walk to Uhuru Peak. SUMMIT!!!!! the highest peak in Africa. From the summit it is a sustained descent to Mweka Camp.
Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Average hiking time to the summit: 7Hours Average descending time: 3 Hours
The day is spent descending through open moorlands and the rain forest to the Park Gate. Transfer to a heavenly shower and a real bed at the RIGHT altitude.
Tel / Fax: +27 (0)12 808 3309 / 997 0208, Email:
info@exploreplus.co.za
Postal Address: Postnet Suite 274, Private Bag x4, Moreleta Park, Pretoria, 0102
