8 DAYS MT KILIMANJARO CLIMB VIA LEMOSHO ROUTE JANUARY 2023-204

8 DAYS MT KILIMANJARO CLIMB VIA LEMOSHO ROUTE JANUARY 2023-204

The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting a panoramic vista on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Trust Tours and Safaris Company specialize in guiding the Lemosho route. Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and they consistently report that they loved it. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Arusha to Londorosi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. The descent is made via the Mweka route.

8: DAY SHIRA ITINERARY
Day 1

Shira Gate to Simba Camp
Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.

Day 2

Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Habitat: Heath

Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.

DAY 3

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitudes is very beneficial for acclimatization.

DAY 4

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One of the steeper climbs up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

DAY 5

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section of Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

DAY 6

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 7

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha and this is a special day to hanks the staff.

Or if you proceed with Safaris or a flight to Zanzibar we will help you to book also this package depending on your time budget and interests

The price per person is USD$ 2,497 inclusive of group

What is included Kilimanjaro Package?

Transfers:

· Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

· Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;

· Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel.

Entry fees:

· All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fees, rescue fees and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).

Accommodation:

· One night at 4* hotel (New Safari Hotel) before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool);

· Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Please note: All accommodation is on sharing basis (i.e. you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room in the hotel and a tent during the hike. If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer).

Meals Plan:

· Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;

· All meals on the hike.

Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks. A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;

· All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

Hiking and safety equipment

· The Helicopter rescue is free (book with us so that we can give you the helicopter rescue in case of an emergency from the pick-up point).

· 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;

· All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);

· Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;

· GPS-tracking service;

· Complete medical kits.

 

Climbing crew:

· Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park.

All our guides are holders of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications.

All our guides have 7+years of successful mountaineering experience;

· Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Kilimanjaro Price Excludes:

· Local airfares, International airfares and departure taxes.

· International Travel insurance

· Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival.

· Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

· Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the ascent);

· Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

· Meals not listed above on those arrival and departures days

· Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc.)

· Tips for guides 100$ cooks 85$ and porters 50$ per entire-trip and any items of personal nature.