Lemosho via Kibo Crater – 9 Days

Why this itinerary?

For those that want to spend some time on in the summit crater and have the complete Kilimanjaro experience, more acclimatization time, more culture, more spectacular scenery, then this is the route to choose.

Description

A 9 day ascent to the roof of Africa. Starting at Lemosho on the Western side and traversing across the most spectacular parts of the mountain, this is the ultimate Kilimanjaro trip. Only available on specifications that have toilet tents, the expedition is fully supported with spacious guest tents, mattress and pillow as well as a mess tent with lightweight tables and chairs and all cutlery. Our trips also include a toilet tent in camp and most importantly knowledgeable professional guides that go through bi annual training. Our logistics team at our base monitors your trip from start to finish.

Highlights

West Kilimanjaro! Afro-montane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys and alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo with options to explore the summit caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!

Day 1: KILIMANJARO – FOREST

FromArusha we set out in vehicles to the starting point of the Lemosho trail. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set of at a leisurely pace into afro-montane forest. Lunch is taken on trail and camp is reached mid- afternoon. Overnight Forest Camp (full board).

Day 2: KILIMANJARO – SHIRA 1

From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on trail and you arrive in camp mid afternoon. Overnight Shira 1 Camp (full board).

Day 3: KILIMANJARO- SHIRA 2

After a relatively long hike and significant altitude gain, today is a short day and you arrive in Shira 2 camp in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatization with the option of an afternoon walk with your guides. Overnight Shira 2 Camp (full board).

Day 4: KILIMANJARO – BARRANCO

Today is a walk high sleep low day. You ascend into alpine desert and for those that are feeling strong you can even head up to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco camp. Lunch is taken as a picnic lunch on route. This is long day but note that the next time you head to this altitude is in two days’ time – great acclimatization day! Overnight Barranco Camp (full board).

Day 5: KILIMANJARO – KARANGA

After 2 half days you now have a relatively long day to Karanga camp. The selection of Karanga camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatization and in the late afternoon you arrive in camp. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering 1000 meters (over 3000 feet) above you. Overnight Karanga Camp (full board).

Day 6: KILIMANJARO – BARAFU

Today is another half day ascending to Barafu camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi volcano are the norm. Overnight Barafu Camp (full board).

Day 7: KILIMANJARO – KIBO CRATER

Unlike other routes with a night time ascent, your hike selection affords you a day time ascent to Kibo crater. The going is slow but with constant encouragement from your climb team the rim of Kibo is reached before descending a little way into the caldera to Crater camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing and short walks can be taken with one of your guides. Overnight Kibo Crater Camp (full board).

Day 8: KILIMANJARO – MWEKA  

After a night in the crater you now have the shortest final summit bid of any route. With such a short distance to the summit from the crater (around 1 hour) means that timing arrival with the sunrise is much easier and quite spectacular. The summit of Kilimanjaro is the top of the highest freestanding mountain in the world. After your summit bid you then descend for a final night on the mountain at Mweka Camp passing back through the heath zone. Endemic proteas, pollinated by Malachite Sunbirds are plentiful. Overnight Mweka Camp (full board).

Day 9: ARUSHA

final descent of 4,500 ft brings you down to Mweka Gate where your team will have prepared another scrumptious and fresh lunch and your transfer vehicles will be waiting to collect you. Here you will say goodbye to our mountain staff before heading to the hotel near Arusha for a farewell dinner and either overnight or a day room and departure. Extend your Tanzanian vacation with Kili Climb Africa Safaris on safari, walking safari or other adventures.

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