8 Days Lemosho Shira Route
Day One: Londorosi Gate (2,100m/6,890ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m/9,023ft) Elevation Gain: 650 meters, 2,133 feet
Lemosho is an ideal route for climbers seeking a more private experience during climbing Kilimanjaro. Although Lemosho route joins with another popular Machame route on day three, the first two days on the mountain are relatively quiet with few other trekking groups on the trail. On the first day, arrive at Londorosi gate the entrance point.
After registration at the gate proceed the drive up to the starting point for climbing. Pass through the rain forests of Kilimanjaro viewing trees and birds along the way. Enjoy picnic along the way before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day Two: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m/9,023ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,720m/12,200ft) Elevation Gain: 970 meters, 3,177 feet
Leave forest zone on day two then meet Kilimanjaro moorland zone. When the trail flattens out you can able to views of Kibo peak. Climb Shira Plateau after lunch, the plateau created when Kibo lava flows filled up the Shira crater. Stop at Shira One Camp for dinner and overnight. Also for the faster and energetic climbers can able to proceed to Shira 2 Camp (3,830m/12,560ft).
Day Three: Shira One Camp (3,720m/12,200ft) to Shira Two Camp (3,840 meters/12,532ft) Elevation Gain: 120m, 332ft
This is an acclimatization day that allows you to take day hikes that explore the Shira Plateau. You can hike only a short and gain just over 1000 feet in elevation.
Day Four: Shira Two Camp (3,840m/12,532) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Elevation Gain: 110m, 428ft
Although this up and down day ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed 690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before beginning your descent to Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for acclimatization.
After breakfast, continue east on the Shira Plateau for two hours before reaching the junction for Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue on through the barren landscape for another thirty minutes before stopping for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the highest point of the day before descending quickly to Barranco Camp.
Barranco Camp is considered to be the most scenic campsite on the Machame Route. From the campsite, enjoy magnificent views of Mount Meru, Heim Glacier and Kibo.
Day Five: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet
Leave Barranco Camp after morning breakfast proceeding to Karanga Valley. The day begins with an hour and a half scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to pull your body up. After reaching the top, make a short descent to Karanga Valley. We generally camp on the ridge above the valley to allow for greater acclimatization.
Day Six: Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) Elevation Gain: 400 meters, 1,320 feet
After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo glaciers as well as junction that connect both Mweka and Machame. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, there are stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the way. Upon arrive to the camp try to sleep as soon as possible as the next climbing to reach the peak begins at midnight.
Day Seven: Summit day from Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters, 4,240 feet, Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters, 9,170 feet
Around midnight begins the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your head lamp. The ascent to the crater rim is most challenging part of the entire climbing tour. The trail is steep up to the crater rim the Stella Point.
The climb from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual and not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the climb long and difficult. Upon reaching the Uhuru point enjoy taking photos before beginning the descent to Barafu Camp for morning breakfast then later to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight. On the way down from Uhuru enjoy a breath taking views of mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers.
At Barafu Camp enjoy morning breakfast with short break before descending to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day Eight: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft) Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters, 5,250 feet
After morning breakfast descend to Mweka Gate. Enjoy your last beautiful day on Kilimanjaro passing through mountain green forest. Upon arrive at Mweka Gate meet your drive and then transfer back to Arusha/Moshi.
