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Climb
Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route - 6 Days / 5 Nights
Day
1 – Lemosho Glades (2100 m) to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) (2750 m)
The drive from
Moshi to Lemosho Glades (2100 m) via Londorossi Park's gate (2250 m) takes
about three hours with a 4by4 vehicle. At the Londorossi gate (2250 m)
you will acquire your climbing permit and to fill in your particulars
in the park's register. To reach Lemosho Glades the vehicle follows a
narrow trail leading through corn and potato plantations. On arrival at
this departure point, your assigned guide will sort out all baggage and
food that needs to be carried up the mountain. You will receive a lunch
pack and head into the forest towards the first camp, Mti Mkubwa (2750
m).This is only route on  Kilimanjaro
where you walk through a series of valleys, resulting in the frequent
gain and loss of altitude. The route is the one of a few where on the
first day on armed ranger may accompany you because the Lemosho Glades
has buffalo, elephants and other big game. Colobus and blue monkeys are
often seen skimming the tree tops on the first two days. Tents are pitched
at the camp while water is collected and meals prepared for supper. Overnight
temperatures can reach freezing levels, so frost can be expected in the
morning.
Day
2 – Mti Mkubwa (2750 m) to Shira 1 (3500 m)
After breakfast you'll receive a lunch pack and follow the trail
heading into the Giant Heather Moorland Zone. The path crosses through
valleys and a few streams before ascending the Shira ridge, gaining altitude
to about 3600 m. From this point you will see the Londorossi Camp and
road that ends on the Shira plateau. After reaching the top of Shira ridge,
the trail gradually descends to camp 2, Shira 1 (3500 m). Stronger hikers
pass this camp and head straight for Shira 2 (3850 m). Cathedral and Shira
needle are now full view from camp. Expect frost in the morning, with
temperature dropping below freezing overnight.
Day
3 – Shira 1 (3500 m) to Shira 2 (3850 m)
This day starts with a gentle walk across the Shira plateau into
the Moorland. The trail crosses the Londorossi road and passes through
samba camp towards a small ridge. Here you can have lunch and make use
of the numerous photo opportunities presented on a clear day. This is
generally a short day and Shira 2 (3850 m) is reached without much effort.
Porters will pitch tents while drinking water and meals are prepared.
If you don't decide to wander around the area, rest is the order of the
day. Expect frost in the morning, with temperatures dropping below freezing
overnight.
Day
4 – Shira 2 (3850 m) to Arrow camp (4800 m)
On this day you will gain almost 1000 m in altitude and you should
move at a much slower, steady pace. The trail exits the moorland and enters
the Alpine Desert joining at a junction with the Machame Route. You will
reach Lava Tower (4600 m) where there are good campsites; stronger hikers
will stop for lunch and continue to Arrow Camp (4800 m). If you are feeling
strong at this point enjoy lunch, take pictures and continues down the
valley across a stream before ascending a ridge that finally leads to
Arrow Camp (4800 m). Porters will pitch your tent, collect water and prepare
supper. Use this opportunity to rest as ascending the Western Breach can
be physically and mentally taxing.
Expect temperatures to drop considerably during this gain in altitude.
There are spectacular views of Meru Peak, Lava Tower, the Shira Plateau
and numerous glaciers. The camp is littered with boulders and rocks from
previous rock falls. Care should be taken when ascending the Western Breach
as there are frequent rock falls triggered by the Freeze-Thaw process.
This form of weathering occurs in areas where temperatures on the ground
surface frequently fluctuate above and below freezing. Diurnal freeze-thaw
cycles only penetrate a few centimeters into the rock or soil, producing
thermal contraction and expansion. Thermal contraction of soils leads
to frost cracks or fissures that usually become ice-filled and from ice
wedges but can also be filled by wind-blown sand.
After crossing
a particular point on the ascent, turning back is not an option because
of dangerous conditions on the Western Breach. If for physical or health
reasons you are unable to summit, you must continue to the crater rim
and immediately head for Stella Point to start your descent to Barafu
Hut (4600 m).
Some of your stronger Kilimanjaro hikers choose to camp in the crater
next to Furtwangler Glacier; this option presents an opportunity to view
the ash pit. Sleeping in the crater can be cold, uncomfortable and dangerous.
Careful consideration should be given before making this choice as on
could be exposed to serious Altitude Sickness that could prove fatal.
Day
5 – Arrow Camp (4800 m) to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) to Mweka Camp (3100 m)
You will be woken around midnight to commence
your summit. The first section is on scree that then changes to patches
of ice and snow. Foot holes are generally available, and depending on
conditions, you will be required to ‘short rope' for safety reasons. You
will later follow a path between and over rocks up to the crater edge.
Scrambling is required on some sections before you arrive on the crater
‘lip' alongside Furtwangler Glacier. From hear you walk around the glacier
within the crater, and then ascend the final section of scree up to Uhuru
Peak (5895 m). This short section takes about 45 minutes at altitude.
The descent takes you along the crater rim to Stella Point, before descending
via Barafu Hut (4600 m) to High or Mweka camp (3100 m) on the edge of
the rainforest. Should weather conditions deteriorate during the first
few days of your climb, the route via Barafu Hut would be a safer option
as the rocks along Arrow Glacier can become iced-up and very slippery.
Day
6 – Mweka Hut (3100 m) to Mweka Village (1450 m) to Hotel
A hearty breakfast is served before you descend through the rainforest
to the park's gate. On reaching the gate you must enter your particulars
in the park's register. The guides are issued with gold certificates as
well as climbers who reached Uhuru Peak. You can buy drinks, beer, maps,
books and shirts fro the ranger. After all formalities are over, continue
your descent to the Mweka Village (1450 m) where transport awaits to transfer
you to the hotel for a bath or shower. Certificates are presented during
supper by either your guide or team leader.
Price
US$ 1450 per person:
Any additional day is US$ 210
The price is inclusive
of:-
2 transfers from Moshi to Lemosho park gate -return
3 meals per day while trekking - Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian
6 days Kilimanjaro trek- Lemosho
5 nights accomodation in camps while trekking Lemosho
First and Last night accommodation at standard accomodation hotel in Moshi
-Bed and Breakfast.
All park entrance fees and government levies
English speaking mountain Guide and assistant guides
Minimum of 3 Porters per client
The Price does not include:
Gloves,
Sun glasses, Sleeping bag, Hats , Rain suits, Warm Jacket,
Heavy boots, Scarf's, Rain Trousers
Note:
All the above items can be hired at a reasonable price
Kilimanjaro
Summit Gear List
.
Leather or thermal boots
.
Gore-Tex, Microtex or K-Tech Trilaminate jacket
.
Gore-Tex, Microtex or K-Tech pants
.
Fleece jacket
.
Fleece pants
.
Gore-Tex mittens or gloves
.
Fleece gloves (use as inner for Gore-Tex mittens)
.
Thermal glove liners (use as inner for Gore-Tex gloves)
.
Gaiters
.
Fleece balaclava
.
Thermal balaclava
.
Thermal top
.
Thermal long johns
.
Thermal socks
.
Sunglasses with UV protection
.
Day pack
.
Head torch
.
Thermal flask
Kilimanjaro Trekking gear: (Wear between
camps)
.
Rain suit or poncho (mainly used in the rain forest)
.
Hiking boots or cross trainers
. Day pack
. Short pants
. Tracksuit pants
. T-shirts
. Sun hat (peak
caps do not offer enough protection)
. Woolen socks
. Fleece beanie
. Water bottle
Kilimanjaro General gear & equipment
.
Duffel bag
. Walking stick
(adjustable)
. Sleeping bag (-10
rating)
. Sleeping mat
Kilimanjaro Helpful hints
.
Drink at least three to four litres of water a day.
. Use water filters and purifying pills to minimize
stomach bugs.
. Take enough snacks like energy bars, drink mixes,
etc.
. Do not move too fast, walk at a slow steady pace.
. Move as lightly as possible, do not carry unnecessary
weight.
. All clothing in Duffel bags or backpacks must be protected
with sack-liners to avoid getting wet, especially through the rainforest.
. High factor lip balm and sun block is essential.
. Nausea and headache pills should be kept handy on summit
night.
. Symptoms of altitude sickness can be reduced by using
medication (consult your doctor).
. New boots should be walked-in; this avoids blisters.
. Use a sleeping mat when camping.
. Use a thermal flask on summit night; other water bottles
will freeze.
. Allow camera or video camera to acclimatize; do not
wrap or place them in plastic bags.
. Thermal glove liners allow easier camera handling on
the summit.
. Use only new camera and headlamp batteries on summit
night.
. Guides and porters will expect tips; confirm amounts
with your tour operator.
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