Summary

The Lemosho route covers a lot of the same ground as the Machame Route, only it starts from the west. It is an eight day route that ascends up to the Shira Camps on the western slopes where it meets up with the Machame Route. The route is somewhat easier and shorter than Machame, but harder than Rongai and Marangu. The hiker can experience the thrills of seeing the Lava Tower or "Shark's Tooth" and passing beneath the lofty Barranco Wall. These features steal one's breath away. On the upper reaches of the mountain the hiker completes the "South Circuit" which offers many different angles of viewing Kibo, the summit. The climber feels a strong sense of witnessing Kili's many faces while closing in on the top. A unique feeling of seeing your goal and progressing toward it enraptures the hiker. Much like cancer, it is finally clear and rewarding when one sees the cure and moves toward it relentlessly. Duration: 8 days hiking.

Details

• Route Map
  

• February 14, 15, 16

  Feb. 14	Fly to Moshi
  Feb. 15	Arrive in Moshi
  Feb. 16	Hotel and meet group day. Tour Moshi.

  
  
• February 17, 18

  Feb. 17

  Climbing To Mti Mkubwa Camp     2100m to 2750m      6900ft to 9000ft      About 3 hours After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (2250m / 7382 ft, 2.5 hours). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2100m / 6890 ft, 11km, 45 minutes) and a possible campsite (park fees are not paid to camp here). Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

  Feb. 18

  Climbing To Shira 1 Camp     2750m to 3500m       9000ft to 11,500ft        About 5 hours After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Several streams are crossed, then it gains the Shira Ridge at about 3600m (11,811 ft) and drops gently down to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

• February 19, 20

  Feb. 19

  Climbing To Shira 2 Camp     3500m to 3850m       11,500ft to 12,600ft        About 2 hours After breakfast, a gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the Plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day.

  Feb. 20

  Climbing To Barranco Hut     3840m to 3860m     12,600ft to 12,700ft      About 6 hours From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876 meters (15,997 ft). We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860 meters (12,664 ft). Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

• February 21

  Feb. 21

  Climbing To Karanga Hut      3860m to 4200m        12,700ft to 13,800ft        About 4 hours        After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley (4200m / 13,780 ft) campsite.

• February 22

  Feb. 22

  Climbing To Barafu Hut      4200m to 4600m        13,800ft to 15,100ft        About 4 hours   After breakfast, we leave the Karanga Valley and pass the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 4600 meters (15,092 ft). You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

• February 23, 24, 25

  Feb. 23	SUMMIT DAY! Climbing To Summit and Mweka Hut        4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)     15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)         About 11 hours In the early morning, we continue our way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5985 meters (19,636 ft). This part of the climb takes about 6 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site at 3100 meters (10,171 ft). This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down.         Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Beer and soda may be available for purchase at the Mweka Hut -- the only place on this route.
  Feb. 24	Decend To Moshi      3100m to 1830m        10,200ft to 6000ft         About 4 hours After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).         A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi. It is time for celebration!
  Feb. 25	We will leave this day for our flight back to the States or start safari Safari:  We will collect you from your hotel and travel by van to Lake Manyara for a safari.  Stay in Highview lodge.

• February 26, 27, 28, March 1

  Feb. 26	Ngorongoro AM village by Highview PM (Stay at Highview)
  Feb. 27	Return from 3 day Safari via local stops such as Elephant Cave walk, Village tours (very interesting) and night flight to USA or continue with 5 day safari-Ngorongoro and drive to Serengeti, tour afternoon  and overnight at Serengeti Wildcamp FB.  This private camp is  located in the Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park. It is composed of several accommodation tents and a dining tent set in the wild bush. Tents are very spacious and are equipped with 2 large beds, a table and chairs and a bathroom with portable toilet and shower (warm water comes from buckets). Each tent also has a private veranda where you can relax in the evenings watching the sunset.
  Feb. 28	3 day safari Arrive back in USA Or Continue with 5 day Safari-Full Day tour and afternoon in Serengeti and overnight at Serengeti Wildcamp FB
  Mar. 1	Finish Safari 5 day via local stops such as Village tours, night flight departs for States. Arrive in USA Monday, March 2nd.