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Lemosho
route - 7 days in mountain and 3 relaxing days
Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Internationa Airport (KIA)
where we are transported to the hotel. Overnight in Arusha .
Day 2: Today we will accompany a guide of the Kilimanjaro on a day trip to meet and learn more about the situation on Kilimanjaro . This will enhance our understanding of the local culture rather than just the tourist version and proceeds go the benefit communiy. Overnight at Lion farm for perfect view the Mountain in both evening and early morning, as well as hearing the sound of Africa bush
Day 3: Today we bid farewell to those who are going to the Lemosho Route and drive to Londorosi Park Gate (7,425’, 2 hours). From here a forest truck requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Ascending through the dense equatorial forest, we may see colobus and Sykes monkeys and evidence of Cape buffalo and elephant. Our fist campsite, Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, is in a wonderful forest (9,075’, 3 – 4 hours)
Day 4: We we begin the day hiking through thick forest festooned with “Old man’s bread” . The trail gradually steepens as we move through a transition zone and then enter the giant heather moorland zone. Several streams are crossed before it gains the Shira Ridge at about 11,880’, and drops gently down to Shira I camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau (11,550’, 7 – 8 hours).
Day 5: A gentle walk across the plateau leads us a little higher on the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows (12,705’, 4 – 5 hours). Our afternoon is free to explore and view the rare flora – giant senecios, lobelias, and hilechyrsums – of this “tropical alpine” altitude zone.
Day 6: Today we ascend through the moorland zone to Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert zone our rocky path leads amongst outcrops to the Lava Tower where there are good campsites (15,180, 5 – 6 hours). There are great views over the Shira Plateau, down to the African Plains below, and across to majestic mountains in the distance.
Day 7: We make a short but steep hike up a scree path to the site of the Arrow Glacier hut (15,940’, 2 – 3 hours). We spend the afternoon resting up for tomorrow’s hike.
Day 8: This is undoubtedly our toughest day going up. We ascend by the steep but stunningly spectacular Western Breach route. We ascend on switchbacks over frozen scree and follow a ridge trail that meanders over large boulders (we may have to use our hands for balance). Once we reach Kilimanjaros Summit Plateau, it is possible to camp almost anywhere in the crater. (18,810. 8 – 9 hours)
Day 9: After breakfast we make a two-hour hike up the final 800 feet to Uhuru Peak, the true summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet. We then make a steepl rigorous descent following the standard route along the summit crater rim back to 19,000 feet, then turn off to descent via the Mweka Route. We stop for lunch at 15,000 feet and after a good rest, continue the 10,000 descents to Mweka Hut, 8 hours.
Day 10: A 3 – 4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the Park gate and our waiting transport. Drive back to the hotel, hot showers, and a celebration dinner.
Day 11: Arusha city tour via Maasai traditional handcraft shop.
Day 12: Transfer to Airport