DOUBLE A Transfer & Getaway offers comfortable, reliable, and convenient transportation services for airport transfers, private transfers, city trips, excursions, and memorable getaway experiences across Tanzania.
DOUBLE A Transfer & Getaway offers comfortable, reliable, and convenient transportation services for airport transfers, private transfers, city trips, excursions, and memorable getaway experiences across Tanzania.
The Lemosho route is traditionally one of the quieter and lesser-known routes on the mountain. It’s also the newest and probably the most diverse in terms of the ecological systems and landscapes it passes through. The first two days of this route take you through lush rainforest before you emerge into heath and moorland then join the Machame Route on the third day. This narrow trail, which begins on the Western side of Kilimanjaro, has some very steep and undulating sections. Hikers overnight in tents.
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Pre-trek briefing at your hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
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.
Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft, Distance: 6 km, Hiking Time:3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
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.
Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft, Distance: 8 km, Hiking Time 5-6 hours, Habitat: Moorland
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east
toward Kibo’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.
Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft, Distance: 14 km, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Moorland
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 “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 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.
Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft, Distance: 7 km, Hiking Time: 4-6 hours, Habitat: Semi Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to
the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft, Distance: 5km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, 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.
Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft, Distance: 4 km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
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.
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.
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft), Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent, Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent, Habitat: Arctic
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).
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.
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest