Lemosho via Stella Point – 8 Days

Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes
GROUP DEPARTURE/PRIVATE DEPATURES ARE AVAILABLE

Why this itinerary?

The complete Kilimanjaro experience, more acclimatization time, more spectacular scenery. This route has been an all-roundfavorite and despite being busy latterly once it joins the Machame route at Lava Tower, the ascent profile, scenic variation and ascent via Stella Point make this a superlative choice for anyone looking to successfully hike Kilimanjaro.

Description

An 8 day ascent to the roof of Africa. Starting at Lemosho on the Western side and traversing across the most spectacular parts of the mountain. It joins the Machame route above Shira camp on day 4 and then from Barafu camp ascends to the summit via Stella Point. Descent is via the Mweka route.

Highlights

Kilimanjaro! Afro-montane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys and alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!

Day 1 – ARRIVAL – LODGE

On arrival you are met by Kili Climb Africa Safaris driver guide and transferred to your evening’s accommodation. In the late afternoon there is a briefing with our expedition manager and head guide to go over the itinerary in detail, check gear and answer any questions you may have. Dinner & overnight Lodge (dinner).

Day 2 – 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 (breakfast – lunch – dinner).

Day 3 – 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 (breakfast – lunch – dinner).

Day 4 – KILIMANJARO- MOIR

Crossing the Shira plateau can be one of the most scenic parts of the trip and this morning we hike for around 3-4 hours to the lunch point. After lunch we ascend to Moir camp, arriving in the mid afternoon. For those with the energy a hike in the late afternoon is possible. Dinner& overnight Moir Camp (breakfast – lunch – dinner).

Day 5 – KILIMANJARO – BARRANCO

From Moir we traverse across the slopes of Kibo. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature ranges and conditions that typify this zone. Lunch is normally taken close to Lava Tower and for those that feel very strong there is an optional ascent of Lava Tower before descending down to Barranco camp in the afternoon. Dinner & overnight Barranco camp (breakfast – lunch – dinner).

Day 6 – KILIMANJARO – KARANGA

An early start is recommended to hike the Barranco wall. After about 2 hours you reach the top and then hike over glacial valleys to Karanga 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 (breakfast – lunch – dinner).

Day 7 – 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 (breakfast – lunch – dinner).

Day 8 – KILIMANJARO – SUMMIT / MWEKA

Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down and your goal today is to reach Mweka camp. Overnight Mweka Camp (breakfast – lunch – dinner).

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.