7 DAY LEMOSHO ROUTE AND 3 DAYS SAFARI

Overview

The seven-day Lemosho route variation is preferred over the six-day option because it breaks up day two into two days, providing better acclimatization and a more gradual ascent. On the seven-day route, we walk from Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 on day two, a reasonable altitude gain of 2,000 feet. Then on day three, we continue from Shira Camp 2 to the little-used Moir Hut, at 13,800 feet. Overall, the exposure to this altitude will help prepare the body for higher altitudes coming on the following days.

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However, the trek from Barranco to Barafu, followed by the summit day, remains unchanged from the six-day Lemosho variation. This schedule is still very tough, though the extra day on the mountain on the seven-day route will help climbers deal with the exhausting itinerary better than those who opted for the six-day route.

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After conquering Mount Kilimanjaro, extend your adventure with a three-day safari to experience Tanzania’s incredible wildlife. Begin your safari with a visit to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant population and stunning baobab trees. Spend the night at a comfortable lodge before heading to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater on the second day, where you can witness a diverse array of animals in a breathtaking setting. Finally, conclude your safari with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park on the third day, home to tree-climbing lions and a variety of bird species, before returning to your base. This combination of trekking and safari offers a comprehensive Tanzanian adventure, showcasing both the majestic peaks and the rich wildlife of the region.

Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

ā€¢Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
ā€¢Distance: 6 km
ā€¢Hiking Time:3-4 hours
ā€¢Habitat: Rain Forest

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We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

Accommodation:

ā€¢Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
ā€¢Distance: 8 km
ā€¢Hiking Time 5-6 hours
ā€¢Habitat: Moorland

We continue on the trail leading out of the 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. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

Accommodation:

ā€¢Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
ā€¢Distance: 14 km
ā€¢Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
ā€¢Habitat: Moorland

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We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kiboā€™s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Accommodation:

ā€¢Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
ā€¢Distance: 7 km
ā€¢Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
ā€¢Habitat: Semi Desert

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From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the ā€œSharkā€™s Tooth.ā€ Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Accommodation:

ā€¢Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
ā€¢Distance: 9km
ā€¢Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
ā€¢Habitat: Alpine Desert

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After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Accommodation:

ā€¢Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
ā€¢Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
ā€¢Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
ā€¢Habitat: Arctic

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Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

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At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

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From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Accommodation:

ā€¢Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
ā€¢Distance: 10 km
ā€¢Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
ā€¢Habitat: Rain Forest

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After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

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From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.

Accommodation:

The Park Located slightly off the main safari route, Tarangire National Park is a lovely quiet park in Northern Tanzania that is most famous for its elephant migration, birding and quiet authentic safari atmosphere. The majority of travelers to the region either miss out Tarangire altogether or venture into the park for a matter of hours leaving parts of Tarangire virtually untouched. The park is famous for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees and tree climbing lions. Visitors to the park can expect to see any number of residential zebras and wildebeests in addition to the less common animals. Other common animals include waterbuck, giraffe, and olive baboons.

Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp

Manyara provides the perfect introduction to Tanzaniaā€™s birdlife. More than 400 species have been recorded, and even a first-time visitor to Africa might reasonably expect to observe 100 of these in one day. Inland of the floodplain, a narrow belt of acacia woodland is the favored haunt of Manyaraā€™s legendary tree-climbing lions and impressively tusked elephants.

Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge

The jewel in Ngorongoroā€™s crown is a deep, volcanic crater, the largest unflooded and unbroken caldera in the world. About 20kms across, 600 meters deep and 300 sq km in area, the Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder. We will visit Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern corner, which is one of the main features of the crater. A large number of flamingos, hippos and other water birds can usually be seen here.

Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp

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