Mount Kilimanjaro Trek
This is Mount Kilimanjaro trek on Lemosho Glades route. It is one of the lesser used initial Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes. This is partly because of its remote location of the starting point.
About 8 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek on Lemosho Route
This is Mount Kilimanjaro trek on Lemosho Glades route. it is is one of the lesser used initial Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes. This is partly because of its remote location of the starting point. Likewise there are some difficult roads leading to the trailhead.
The trail-head is at relatively high elevation. Mount Kilimanjaro trek on this route will start slow and easy. Buffalo and elephant sightings are possible through the forest on day one.
Mount Kilimanjaro trek on this route as per this itinerary covers the longest distance. Fitness will play a big role in the enjoyment and success of Mount Kilimanjaro trek here.
8 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek on Lemosho Route Itinerary
Day 1: LEMOSHO TRAILHEAD (7,800 ft) - FOREST CAMP (9,500 ft)
You will be met by our Tanzania safari rep at 0630 hrs. You will be briefed on the Mount Kilimanjaro trek adventure. Departure from Arusha will be at around 7:30am for Londorossi gate.
This is 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then it is another one-hour drive to the Lemosho trailhead. You will arrive in time for lunch.
On foot, Start your Mount Kilimanjaro trek through undisturbed forest. This winds to the first camp and are only about 3-4 hours of trekking. You will overnight at Forest Camp (Mti Mkubwa Camp).
Day 2: FOREST CAMP - SHIRA 1 CAMP (12,200 ft)
Your Mount Kilimanjaro trek gets you out of the forest. You will take a steep track into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock. The rocks are draped with lichen beards.
Ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau. You will finally reach Shira 1 camp at the edge of the plateau. The days trek will take you approximately 5-6 hours. Enjoy the amazing view of Kibo from across the plateau.
Day 3: SHIRA 1 - SHIRA 2 CAMP (12,600 ft)
Full day will be spent in exploration of the Shira plateau. Mount Kilimanjaro trek goes east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak. You have the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone.
This is the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Your arrival will be at Shira 2 camp (Fishers’ Camp). This is located at an altitude of 12,600 ft. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth and averages 12,500 feet. Trekking time without the optional excursions is about 3 hours.
Day 4: SHIRA 2 CAMP - BARRANCO CAMP (12,950 ft)
Your Mount Kilimanjaro trek proceeds steadily upward. You will go over expansive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower. This is a 4 hours trek and arrival is in time for lunch.
Lava Tower is a 300-foot volcanic plug. It marks an exposed pass at 15,000 feet. In the afternoon, descend the steep track into the Great Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp is set in a valley enclosed on three sides. This is with the massive valley walls and the Kibo massif itself.
Hanging glaciers glint in the sunshine above. This is amidst the eerie landscape of plants such as the giant groundsels. They are scientifically called Senecio Kilimanjari. There is also the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia. Trekking time of the day is 6-7 hours.
Day 5: BARRANCO - KARANGA CAMP (13,100 ft)
This is a short trekking day is taken to reach Karanga Valley Camp. The camp is at 13,000 feet (3,950 m). It is located between Barranco and Barafu Camps. It is on this day of your Mount Kilimanjaro trek that acclimatization takes place.
The day begins with a scramble up the steep ‘Barranco Wall’. You will then be traversing up and down the slopes of valleys. They have carved their way into the mountain’s southern face. Kibo’s glaciers loom above to your left.
The jagged peaks of Mawenzi jut into the African sky at just under 17,000 feet straight ahead. You will reach the Karanga Valley after 3-4 hours of trekking. This is to find a hot lunch served at camp.
The afternoon can be taken to relax or take excursions from camp.
Day 6: BARRANCO CAMP - BARAFU CAMP (15,200 ft)
From here your Mount Kilimanjaro trek trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder as you go up. The landscape grows sparser as you get closer to Barafu Camp.
Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge. The camp acts a base camp for the midnight peak attempt. Your Mount Kilimanjaro trekking time is 4-5 hours.
Eat and drink as much as possible I preparation for the long trek. Early retiring to bed for enough rest is also recommended
Day 7: BARAFU - UHURU (19,340 ft) - MWEKA CAMP (10,200 ft)
The steaming hot drink will arrive very early on this day. A midnight wake-up call is the start of a juggernaut (12-17 hours of trekking). You will begin trekking at 0100 hrs.
You will go through winding path of endless switchbacks. These will take form and shape in the shadows of the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers. This will be early morning hours of the dawn. The spires of Mawenzi will be silhouetted behind you. This will be against the red glow of the sun from beneath the clouds.
After about 6 hours of walking, you will come to the edge of the crater. It is Stella Point, at 19,000 feet (5,790 m) on the crater rim. It marks the end of the steep track. From here, there is a gentle slope about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak.
The strength it takes to ascend this final 340 feet is for many monumental. You will enjoy some short time at the summit. This is to be followed by descending the steep scree trail back to Barafu Camp.
You will have a break here for some rest. Proceed to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 8: MWEKA CAMP - MWEKA GATE (6,000 ft)
Your Mount Kilimanjaro trek descends straight to the gate. This will be about 3 hours trek. You will arrive in time for lunch.
You will receive your Kilimanjaro trekking certificate here. Later enjoy a transfer Arusha for overnight.
---------- End of 8 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek ----------
8 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek Costs:
Mount Kilimanjaro Trek Inclusions/Exclusions
- Group transport to and from Moshi to the trail head
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees and Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
- Private toilet
- Four season, 3 person mountain tents, double occupancy
- Sleeping pad, foam, 1.5 inches thick
- Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
- Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
- Breakfast at hotel
Not included in 7 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek price:
- Airfare
- Lunch or dinner at hotel
- Beverages at hotel
- Personal gear and equipment
- Tips
Costs of extra services:
- Single supplement, for single tent/room, per trip $250
- Extra porter, for excess gear, per day $30
- Extra hotel night in Moshi, check in 11 AM, check out 10 AM, per double room $90
- Sleeping bag rental, Mountain Hardwear Lamina, synthetic -30F, per trip $50
- No rental reservations necessary, payable in Tanzania
- Trekking poles rental, telescopic, per trip $20
No rental reservations necessary, payable in Tanzania - Mount Meru climb (4 days/3 nights + 2 nights hotel)
per person $1,495 (2+ climbers), solo climber $1,695
Other Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages
6 days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing
6 days Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro
7 days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
