9 Days Lemsoho Route

Overview

• Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time:3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast you will be picked up at the lodge and taken to the Londorossi Gate at the height of 2,250 m. After the necessary registration has been completed, a bumpy drive will take you into the dense rainforest, from where your adventure commences. The moderately steep track makes its way through an unspoilt natural forest to the Big Tree Camp (2,780 m). You will be accompanied by an armed ranger for the first 2 days of your trek as wild game can be found in the area. You will spend the night in tents at Big Tree Camp.

Please Note: This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended the following:

• Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffee
• Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)
• Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your physician prior to the trip in case of potential allergies

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Overview

• Elevation (ft): 9,498ft to 11,500ft
• Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
• Hiking Time 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Health
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Overview

• Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800ft
• Distance: 11 km/ 7miles
• Hiking Time 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Health
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Overview

• Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 15,190ft to 13,044ft
• Distance: 7 km/ 4 miles
• Hiking Time 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Overview

• Distance Covered: 7km
• Time to be used: 4- 5 hrs
• Altitude: 3,960 m to 4,035 m
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After sleeping below the Great Barranco Wall, you get your chance to tackle this hurdle. Dont worry Its much easier than it looks. Continue up until you reach just below the Heim Glacier. Then head down through the Karanga Valley. This is the last place for your porters to gather water. They will collect all the water for the remainder of the ascent here. You will settle in here at the Karanga Camp. After lunch, you can spend the afternoon doing light exploring or resting while taking in the views of Mawenzi s towering spires.

Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp Or Kosovo

• Altitude: 4034 m to 4,640 m
• Elevation: 13,235 ft to 15,295 ft
• Distance Covered: 6 kms
• Time to be used: 3-4 hrs
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Awakening to the sunlight dancing off the Kibo Summit, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out to todays destination Barafu Camp. Most of the day will be spent walking through very dry desertic terrain, with Kibo ever present on your left side. After 3 to 4 hours you will reach Barafu Camp, where you will have an early dinner and night as the highlight of your trip is only a few short hours away. At this point, 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. Once at the camp, you can relax, have dinner and call it an early night.

Overview

• Elevation (ft): 13,235 ft to 15,295 ft
• Altitude:4034 m to 4,640 m
• Distance: 6km
• Hiking Time : 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Awakening The day starts particularly early today. You will be up with the sunrise in order to begin the most challenging day of any you will spend on the mountain. After 5-7 hours of climbing the scree and ash paths of the Kibo, you will arrive at Stella Point, the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. From here you will then hike down to the Crater Camp which lies at an altitude of 5730 m, making it the highest camp on the mountain. If the weather conditions are good, Crater Camp offers you staggering views of the surrounding glaciers.

Overview

• Start: Crater Camp (5730 m)
• Finish: Uhuru Peak (5895 m) TO Mweka Camp (3080 m)
• Altitude: 165 m to 2815 m
• Walking Time: 7-9h
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The final ascent begins in the early morning hours with the first signs of the sunrise. Though this leg is just two hours long, the high altitude ensures that it is particularly slow and arduous. After ascending 170 meters or so you will reach the summit of Uhuru Peak (5895 m). Now standing on the Roof of Africayou will be able to see the surrounding summits and landscapes in all their glory a truly special experience. After a short break and a few celebratory images, you will return to Barafu Camp just before midday where the rest of the climbing crew is waiting for you with a warm and well-earned meal. After an hour or so you will continue to descend to Mweka Camp (3080 m) which is approx. 3 hours away. Here you will have an evening meal followed by a relaxing evening and a good nights sleep.

Overview

• Altitude: 3,080 m to 1,630m
• Distance Covered: 9.3km km down
• Time to be used: 2 - 3 hrs.
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to relax, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement Do not forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!