The Lemosho Glades route is perhaps the least used first ascent route on Kilimanjaro, partly because of its remote location and partly because of the difficult roads leading to the trailhead. The trailhead is at a relatively high altitude, so we start slow and easy on this route. Buffalo and elephant sightings are possible on the first day of trekking through the forest, and the trail is often overgrown from lack of use. The route climbs to the western edge of the Shira Plateau and the walk across the plateau is considered one of the most breathtaking walks in Africa. The trail joins the Shira Route (which starts near this point, at the end of the 4x4 track at the Morum Barrier Gate) on the third day of the trek, and joins the Machame Route on the fourth day. From here, all three trails continue to the Lava Tower and then down into the Great Barranco Valley, where the Umbwe Route meets steeply from the south. From here, the trail skirts the upper slopes of the Kibo Massif counter-clockwise, over the high desert ridges into the Karanga Valley, then to an exposed campsite on a high ridge; Barafu (literally meaning 'ice' in Kiswahili). From Barafu Camp we make our overnight attempt at Africa's highest peak... an experience few will ever forget.
This route is the longest to climb Kilimanjaro, so fitness is certainly a factor in the enjoyment and success of this trek. We start slowly, gaining altitude slowly for the first four days, then the physical and mental demands increase. The trek from Barranco to Barafu and then the overnight trek to the summit is a serious challenge due to the short rest period before the overnight summit attempt. Overall, the distance covered and the intensity of the last few days make this trek a good choice only for the experienced hiker. The many changes of scenery and the spectacular walk across the Shira Plateau make this a very special trek.
DAY 1 Pick-up from Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Half Board accommodation at a Base Hotel in Moshi.
DAY 2 LEMOSHO TRAILHEAD (7,800 ft./ 2,375 m) ~ FOREST CAMP (9,500 ft./ 2,895 m)
Departure from the base hotel for Londorossi gate, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp, only about 3-4 hours of trekking. Overnight at Forest Camp (Mtee Mkubwa Camp)
DAY 3 FOREST CAMP ~ SHIRA 1 CAMP (12,200 ft./ 3,720 m)
Once out of the forest, take a steep track into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching camp at the edge of the plateau, a day of 5-6 hours trekking. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
DAY 4 SHIRA 1 CAMP ~ SHIRA 2 CAMP (12,600 ft./ 3,950 m)
Full day exploration of the Shira plateau; Trek east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Arrive at Shira 2 camp at 12,600 ft. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12,500 feet. Trekking time without the optional excursions is about 3 hours.
DAY 5 SHIRA 2 CAMP ~ BARRANCO CAMP (12,950 ft./ 3,950 m)
Proceed steadily upward over expansive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower, for lunch. The trek is about 4 hours. Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic plug, marks an exposed pass at 15,000 feet. In the afternoon, descend the steep track into the Great Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp is set in a valley enclosed on three sides with the massive valley walls and the Kibo massif itself. Hanging glaciers glint in the sunshine above, amidst the eerie landscape of plants such as the giant groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjari), and the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia. Trekking time is 6-7 hours.
DAY 6 BARRANCO CAMP ~ BARAFU CAMP (15,200 ft./ 4,630 m)
The day begins with a scramble up the steep ‘Barranco Wall’, then traversing up and down the slopes of valleys which have carved their way into the mountain’s southern face. Kibo’s glaciers loom above to your left and the jagged peaks of Mawenzi jut into the African sky at just under 17,000 feet straight ahead. We reach the Karanga Valley after 3-4 hours of trekking to find a hot lunch served. In the afternoon the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape sparser as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Eat and drink as much as possible before retiring to your tent for rest and sleep.
DAY 7 BARAFU CAMP ~ UHURU PEAK (19,340 ft./ 5,895 m) ~ MWEKA CAMP (10,200 ft./ 3,110 m)
The steaming hot drink will arrive very early on this momentous day. A midnight wake-up call is the start of a juggernaut (12-17 hours of trekking). You begin trekking at 1am. The temperatures range from just below freezing at midnight, to between 10 deg. F (-12 deg. C) to –10 F. (-23 deg. C) just before dawn at the summit. The winding path of endless switchbacks will take form and shape in the shadows of the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers at early dawn, and behind you the spires of Mawenzi will be silouhetted against the red glow of the sun from beneath the clouds. After about 6 hours of walking, you will come to the edge of the crater;
Stella Point, at 19,000 feet (5,790 m) on the crater rim is the end of the steep track. From here, there is a gentle slope about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak. The strength it takes to ascend this final 340 feet is for many monumental. After a short time at the summit, descend the steep scree trail back to Barafu Camp for some rest, then summon your strength again for further descent to Mweka Camp for the night.
DAY 8 MWEKA CAMP ~ MWEKA GATE (6,000 ft. /1,830 m)
Descend straight to the gate (2-3 hours), where you’ll have lunch and will be awarded climbing certificates. Transfer to base hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 9 Moshi – Airport or Arusha
After breakfast, transfer back to Arusha town.
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