The Lemosho Route: is un spoilt, remote, little used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. This climb is a great climb for those wanting a slower climb and a more scenic route. This is also known as the Shira Route but is distinguished by taking in the Lemosho Glades and starting at a lower altitude.

It can either be used to gain the Western Breach route or followed by the Kibo South Circuit to ascend by the easier Barafu Route. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other big game animals.

This is the longest route on the mountain and that means you have the greatest chance of success

The Lemosho Route: is un spoilt, remote, little used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. This climb is a great climb for those wanting a slower climb and a more scenic route. This is also known as the Shira Route but is distinguished by taking in the Lemosho Glades and starting at a lower altitude.

It can either be used to gain the Western Breach route or followed by the Kibo South Circuit to ascend

by the easier Barafu Route. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other big game animals.

This is the longest route on the mountain and that means you have the greatest chance of success

SUGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1: (Arusha.)
On arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met and transferred to a Lodge/Hotel for dinner and overnight. This evening you will be briefed on the climb in preparation for the following day.

Day 2:  (Mti Mkubwa Camp 2795m.)
You will be driven via the Londrossi Park Gate (approx. 3 hours) to the trailhead at Lemosho Glades. Today's trek is through the rainforest on a little used track for about 3-4 hours. This camp is large and exposed with beautiful views of the town of Moshi and the Heim Glacier.

Day 3: (Shira 1 Camp, 3505m)
Climb out of the forest to the giant moorland zone. This is a full day's trek with an altitude gain of some 610m.

Day 4:  (Shira 2 Camp, 3720m)
With less altitude gain than the day before, as this is acclimatization day, with excellent views of the plateau.

Day 5: (Barranco Camp, 3865m)
This is a superb day's hiking around the southern flank of Kibo. You will cover about 4300m and the walking time is approx. 7 hours.

Day 6: (Karanga Valley, 4100m)
Climb Barranco Wall and cross ridges to Karanga Valley with great views of the West Breach and southern glacier, arriving at lunchtime. The afternoon can be spent acclimatizing.

Day 7: (Karanga Valley to Barafu, 4600m)
After a fairly easy 2 hour climb you reach the Barafu path and it is a further 1-2 hours to Barafu. The last part of the climb is quite steep.

Day 8:
To the summit, 5895m, then to Mweka, 3100m. Wake around midnight and a 6 hour plus walk takes you to Stella Point for sunrise. If you feel strong enough continue to Uhuru Peak (a further 1-2 hours), the highest point in Africa. You then start the descent to Mweka Hut some 3-4 hours from the top, this being a long day of walking for some 12-15 hours in all.

Day 9:
After the final descent and back to Arusha. Descend through heath and rainforest to Mweka Village (1450m), where you are met and transferred back to the Lodge/Hotel.

Day 10:
Transfer to airport for onward or return flight.

HIGHLIGHTS OF A TANZANIA SAFARI