Lemosho route 8 days

Lemosho route 8 days

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 3 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Drive from Moshi or Arusha to  Londorossi Gate, where we will complete entry formalities. From here a forest track requiring one hour drive to Lemosho Glades. After lunch, we will walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite,

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1

• Distance: 8km
• Hiking Time: 7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

We will follow a trail that leads out of the forest and into a savannah  giant heather moorland zone. Our ascend through scenic rolling hills, we will cross several streams to reach the Shira Ridge before descending to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from the plateau is spectacular.

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

• Distance: 6km
• Hiking Time: 2 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp

• Distance: 7km
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east towards the peak of Kibo and passing that junction. Here our path goes east, towards the Lava Tower, also called the Shark’s Tooth. Shortly after passing the Lava Tower, we meet the second junction that brings us to the Arrow Glacier. From here we continue down to the Barranco Hut, where we will rest, have dinner and overnight. Despite the fact that we did not changed elevation from the point where we started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for the summit.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Distance: 5km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we take short scramble to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley, beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. We will use this day also for acclimatization.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Distance: 4km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and cross the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail, used for descend from the mountain later. From here we continue up to the Barafu Camp. Here we will rest, have dinner and prepare for the summit day. From Barafu you can enjoy the view of two volcanic cones Mawenzi and Kibo peaks,  and that view is quite spectacular and you should not miss it.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

• Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic

An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers. The last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. At the rim we will reach Stella point, from where we have further hour to Uhuru Peak.  After a short stop for taking photos we descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on past Millenium camp down to Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge. Those with the strength left from  the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha

• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi or Arusha.