Lemosho Route 8 Days
One of Bush2Beach Safaris favorite treks to reach Uhuru peaks summit and certainly the most relaxed, scenic and uncluttered open routes that Kilimanjaro has to offer. If you have the time and funds then a Lemosho-route attempt of climbing Kilimanjaro is certainly “away from the crowds” of the more busy routes such as Machame and Marangu.
The climb offers several days heading up Lemosho through the afromontane forests of the lower slopes before breaking out into the open vistas of the Shira Plateau.Walking becomes more of a ramble at this stage and one can afford to look around without fear of losing the track and soak in the scenery that towers down around you from all sides as you cut across the heath zone. This traverse of the Shira Plateau gives you completely different views of the summit which you have in your focus for days. After reaching Lava tower, the route rejoins onto that of Machame for the final scramble to the summit. All over-nights on this route are camping only; the price will vary depending on how many people are climbing in the group.
(To get away from the ‘bottleneck’ of the Baranco Wall and the final ascend to the top, experienced climbers can opt for a “Western Breach” approach a more technical climb requiring specialized equipment and extra safety measures along with summiting porters and chefs)
Un-spoilt nature
A big plus of Kilimanjaro Lemosho route is that wildlife is still present in the lower forested areas with elephant movement and presence very visible adjacent to the pristine un-trodden paths and excellent chances of seeing black and white colobus monkey unperturbed by your presence as you gain altitude which each new day. Access to the start of the climb at Londrosi gate can be challenging whatever time of year so the adventure actually begins before putting on your day pack – during the wetter months or months following the rains the track is strictly 4 x 4 only and climbers heading for this route should be prepared as in the past to hike the final distances if conditions are too bad in order to begin the trek to Forest camp sometimes arriving to camp just after dark.
To allow for pre-climb acclimatization, especially for those coming from sea-level, there are several possibilities to stay in and around West Kilimanjaro. Taking in wildlife during walking, horseback or 4 x 4 based safaris, along with the chances to head out under an African Milky way sky for exciting night drives, also with time on your hands visit the Wachaga tribes that live in and around the Podocarpus forested areas of Lemosho.
Itinerary
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Below, we go through the adventure day-by-day, giving you a better feel of the adventure.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Kilimanjaro airport - you will be collected by your driver guide and transfer to Moshi where you check in at your choice of accommodation.
O/n Kaliwa Lodge (D)
Day 2: Briefing
After breakfast, you will meet your Kilimanjaro guide and receive a briefing on your coming climb. A great opportunity to ask any last minute questions and for you and your guide to double check your clothing and equipment. In the afternoon you will then set out on a 2-3 hour acclimatization walk, this gentle walk will help you warm up before you start Kilimanjaro tomorrow.
O/n Kaliwa Lodge (B, D)
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, departure for Londorosi gate west Kilimanjaro. Here park fees will be paid, then continue along 4x4 track to the starting point of the Lemosho Route - enjoy a light lunch and then slow start the ascent through the lush rain forest. This route has little human traffic so flora and fauna are richer than the more popular routes
O/n Mti Mkubwa Camp - Altitude is 2780mts (B, L, D)
Day 4: Shira Camp 1
Breakfast, then continue to make your way out of the forest and onto open moorland. Today’s walking day is around 6 - 7 hours with short breakfast on the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then cross the Shira Caldera a high desert plateau, you should get your first close views of Kibo today as you make your way onto Shira 1 camp.
O/n Shira Camp 1 - Altitude is 3610mts (B, L, D)
Day 5: Shira Camp 2
The landscape will once change again; your will walk on ground that once was a lava flow and just before reaching Shira Camp 2, you will pass the giant Scenecia’s that can grow to almost 9 meters in height. At Shira Camp 2, you will spend the night and with a little luck, enjoy the wonderful view of the Kibo summit in a warm evening sun.
O/n Shira Camp2 - Altitude 3840mts (B, L, D)
Day 6: Baranco Camp
After breakfast, begin a gradual climb cutting your way through the low Alpine bush. Bird watching on these open slopes can be rewarding with several different type of birds of prey scouring the scrub for small mammals. The scenery will change to rusty red moraine fields as you continue on toward Lava tower 4630mts, finally descend to Baranco Camp. Lunch will be taken on route. This is a good day for acclimatization as you reach a higher altitude than that of Baranco, walking times average 5 - 7 hrs.
O/n Baranco Camp - Altitude 3900mts (B, L, D)
Day 7: Karanga Camp
After breakfast, begin the daunting climb up Baranco wall, it looks far worse than it is – continue steadily to Karanga camp. Enjoy a hot lunch on arrival followed by relaxation or head out on a side walk of the area – your guide will advice.
O/n Karanga Camp (B, L, D)
Day 8: Barafu Camp
This morning you head around the south side of the mountain passing through the Alpine desert and moraine fields. Barafu camp is reached in 4.5hrs - 6hrs. Relax and soak up the vistas below you. Rest and try and get some sleep, you will be woken at around midnight for your final challenge.
O/n Barafu Camp - Altitude 4600mts (B, L, D)
Day 9: Uhuru Peak
Gear up and start your ascent to the highest peak in Africa (Uhuru Peak) this stands at (5895m). Have your camera’s ready for when the sun winks a sleepy eye at you. After you’ve done the victory dance on the summit. Start the descent to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a short rest. Proceed down toward Millennium Camp cutting through lowland grasses and scrub. Break for picnic lunch and refreshments continuing down to Mweka camp or depending on descent pace and how the legs feel, Millennium Camp. O/n Mweka Camp - Altitude 2985 mts (B, L, D)
Day 10: Exit the park
After breakfast, proceed back down into the forest, a beautiful walk again offering good bird watching opportunities, there are some good view points en route to the valley below. Continue down to the gate, for champagne brunch. Here you will meet one of our vehicles and head for the comforts of the lodge and a well earned shower.
O/n Kaliwa Lodge (B, L, D) or The Hibiscus (B, L, D)
Day 11: Departure
After a good night sleep and a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your departing flight. (B)
Note: O/N = Overnight, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
| Amount of persons: | Price p.p. (usd): |
| 2 people sharing | 2985.- |
| 4 people sharing | 2450.- |
| 6 people sharing | 2405.- |
| Note: prices are based on two adults and indicative. Single supplement is $ 195 | |
- Included:
- Meals as stipulated |B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner
- Emergency Evacuation Cover
- All transfers and activities as mentioned above
- Park fee, Conservation fees and Community Development Fees
- Accommodation as stipulated
- Water, Tea and Coffee During the Climb
- Excluded:
- Visa and airport departure tax
- Items of personal nature and not mentioned in the above itinerary
- Tips for Guides, Assistant Guides, Porters and Cooks
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