Kilimanjaro Climb


Lemosho-Machame Route Map

Lemosho (Shira)- Macheme Climb Itinerary


Day 1

Drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Park Gate (2250m). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2100m) and a possible campsite. 

Continue along muddy forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, (2750m, 3 hours).

 

Day 2-3

Continue along the moors; In 2 separate days for an easier climb with better acclimatisation I  climb to the Shira plateau (3800m) .

 

Day 4

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 meters. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3,860 meters. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although I end the day at the same elevation as when I started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help my body prepare for summit day.

 

Day 5

Acclimatisation day at Barranco Hut.

 

Day 6

After breakfast, I leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, which requires scrambling but is not too technical. I continue through the Karanga Valley (4200m) where the camp will be located.

 

Day 7

I pass the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. I continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 4,600 meters. I have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here I make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

 

Day 8

Early morning, I continue my way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,985 meters. This part of the climb takes about 6 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day.  At Uhuru Peak, I will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Hopefully I will see the sunrise. From the summit I will make my descent continuing straight down to the Millennium camp at 3800m or the Mweka Hut camp site at 3,100 meters. This part of the descent takes about 5 hours.  Later in the evening, I enjoy my last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

 

Day 9

After breakfast, I continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.  A vehicle will meet me at Mweka village to drive me back to hotel in Moshi. It is time for celebration!


Mount Kenya Climb