9 Days Lemosho Climbing Route.

9 DAYS KILIMANJARO CLIMB LEMOSHO ROUTE ITINERARY

DAY 0: ARRIVAL /  BRIEFING

After arriving in Kilimanjaro / Arusha city via Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your professional driver from Leon Expeditions Ltd and transferred to the Hotel for rest, dinner and overnight, if time permits a free city tour can be arranged . On this day you will be given climbing information at your hotel and climbing equipment to check to ensure a successful climb. a chance to see Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru in the distance.

DAY 1: LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

We leave Moshi/ Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete the check-in procedures. Then drive to Lemosho's headline. After arriving at the highway area, we start walking through the undisturbed forest towards the first camp.

DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA TO SHIRA 1 CAMP

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Health

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

DAY 3: SHIRA 1 CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath

We explore the Shira Plain. It is a gentle walk east across moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The health zone displays an abundance of wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

DAY 4: SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We continue east over the ridge and then south-east towards the Lava Tower - a 300ft tall volcanic rock formation. We then turn off the main track to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of the Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available in the Lent Hills making this a great opportunity for improvement. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus in the

DAY 5: MOIR HUT TO BUFFALO CAMP

Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We leave the Moir Valley for a fairly brisk climb, then climb to the top of the Lent Hills before returning to the main route. The trail crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This part of the trail offers great views across the plains north of Kilimanjaro and extending to the Kenya/Tanzania border.

DAY 6: BUFFALO CAMP TO THIRD CAVE

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath

As we head towards Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes less and less. This route is rarely traveled and we will enjoy its mountain desert atmosphere. We pass through remote valleys to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we reach the Third Cave.

DAY 7: THIRD CAVE TO SCHOOL HUT

Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb up and over "Tandano," which is between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue to our camp, Shule Hut. Once here we relax, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

DAY 8: SCHOOL HUT TO UHURU PEAK

Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

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

Early in the morning (around midnight), we start our journey towards the peak. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the journey. Windy and cold at this height and during the day can be severe. We climb in the dark for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman's point (18,600 feet), you will be rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we reach Uhuru peak - the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent straight to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The path is very rocky and can be very hard on the knees; travel poles are suitable. Mweka Camp is in the upper forest and fog or rain can be expected in the afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and enough sleep.

DAY 9: 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 down to Mweka gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower altitudes, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue for another hour to Mweka Village. The car will meet us here and take us to the hotel in Arusha/Moshi. Dinner and bottles of Champaign accompanied by a party at your Hotel/Lodge.

DAY 6: DEPARTURE DAY

Getting off at the airport depends on the flight schedule. You will be picked up from your hotel  to the airport is ready to get you on your way to your destination