Kilimanjaro Climb Routes: Lemosho

<p>Depart from your local lodge in Arusha at around 7:30am for the Londerosi Gate trail head, about 1.5 hour driving. Upon completion of entry registration formalities we will meet the rest of the crew cooks and porters ready for the climb; we start our hike through uninterrupted rainforest which winds to the first camp, only about 3-4 hours of hiking. First camp will be at Forest Camp (Mti Mkubwa Camp).</p>

<p>After being out of the forest, take a steep trail into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock. Ascend through the lush steep hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching camp at the edge of the plateau; hiking time is four to five hours. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.</p>

<p>The entire day exploration the Shira plateau also known as Fisher camp, hike east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Arrive at Shira 2 camp at 12,600 ft. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12,500 feet. Hiking time without the optional excursions is about 2-3 hours.</p>

<p>Start scrambling up the steep Baranco wall for an hour and a half. While you will be using your hands to reach and pull yourself upward, the climb is not as challenging as technical rock climbing would be. At the top of the wall you can see the Baranco valley and the campsite you slept at the previous night. You will hike up and down the greener valley which is the last water point before the Kibo Summit.</p>

<p>A short day but steep uphill climb crossing barren landscape with lots of boulders and shattered rocks. You will see the Southern Ice field and Rebmann glaciers on your left. Keep going along a very steep ridge until we reach a rocky section for more scrambling for about one hour and a half. Our next camp will be on large rocks with very steep cliff faces. We will go to bed very early because we will have to wake up at 11 pm for the summit.</p>

<p>We will start our ascent to the summit with head lamps at 12 midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point in about five to six hours. We will rest there for a short time with a hot cup of tea while enjoying 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 (19,340 ft) 5,895m. Pass close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. We will start our descent which is steep and rigorous via Stella Point to Barafu hut Camp. We will stop at Barafu Camp for lunch and a good rest then proceed down to Mweka Camp.</p>

<p>This festive day will include Kilimanjaro songs, and a hike down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate Today’s hike will take us about 3 to 4 hours and will include a picnic lunch, presentation of certificates and photos. After lunch we will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha, where you will have hot shower and a relaxing dinner.</p>