8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira One Camp

From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on trail and you arrive in camp mid afternoon. Overnight Shira 1 Camp .

Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Shira One Camp to Shira Two Camp

After a relatively long hike and significant altitude gain, today is a short day and you arrive in Shira 2 camp in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatisation with the option of an afternoon walk with your guides. Overnight Shira 2 Camp.

Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Shira Two Camp to Lava Tower Camp

The route to Lava Tower takes you out of the heath zone in to the alpine desert zone. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature ranges and conditions that typify this zone. A half day where lunch is taken in camp. In the afternoon, dependant on weather conditions, there is an option to scramble to the top of the nearby Lava Tower. Overnight Lava Tower Camp.

Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Lava Tower Camp – Karanga Camp

After 2 half days you now have a relatively long day to Karanga camp. The selection of Karanga camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatisation and in the late afternoon you arrive in camp. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering 1000 meters (over 3000 feet) above you. Overnight Karanga Camp.

Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

Today is another half day ascending to Barafu camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi volcano are the norm. Overnight Barafu Camp Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

It is dark and cold as you set off just after midnight. You will climb the frozen volcanic dust by headlamp going towards Stella Point on the crater rim – about six hours. The sun should be rising when you arrive here. Just an hour or two more and you will be standing on the highest point of the crater: Uhuru peak. On top of the world! Take a short break for pictures and celebratory hugs before you tackle the steep and dusty descent. By now the volcanic ash will have thawed… You will stop for a short tea break at Barafu and then continue downhill for about three hours to Mweka camp (3080m). This is your overnight stop. Refuel by drinking lots of fluids and have a good helping at supper time.

Day 8: Mweka Camp  – Mweka Gate

A traditional farewell ceremony from the porters begins the day. After about three hours, comfortably descending through the greenness of the forest, you should reach Mweka gate where the driver will be waiting. Back at Panama Gardern Resort for a hot shower, a cold drink, a debrief and your certificate of achievement are waiting. Well done!