Gaining ascendancy among the devotees of mountain trekking is the relatively new route of Lemosho. The longer duration of the trek, yes a good long 9 days on the mountain! And high success rates have ensured the vote of confidence from the mountain czars and the climbers gushing in admiration.
Acknowledged as the most scenic route a trek through Lemosho routes takes you through lush forests, stunning lavas, alpine deserts en route to the ice-capped peak of mighty Kilimanjaro.
Ascending from the west the nine-day trek will take you through the montane forests characterised by humid climes and with opportunities to sight exotic birds and primates like colobus monkeys.
The route is less trafficked and descent is through Mweka route.
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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. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through the undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.
As we continue ascending we leave the rainforest behind to enter into the savannah of tall grasslands and sparse vegetation of heather moorlands characterised by lichen beard covered volcanic rocks. Pushing ahead through the rolling hills and across several streams you reach the Shira plateau for the first sight of Kibo.
Next, we explore the scenic features of one of the highest plateaus on earth, the Shira plateau for an entire day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. The availability of varied walks on Lent Hills provide for excellent additional acclimatization opportunities.
Next up is a high climb up a rocky ridge and over Lava tower, a 300ft reminder of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic past; followed by a descent into the beautiful Barranco Camp characterised by dense vegetations and giant senecios and lobelias. You begin and end the day at almost the same elevation bringing into play the principles of climb high/sleep low giving your body the best chance to acclimatize for the challenges ahead.
The day starts with a drop into the base of the Great Barranco Wall, for a vertical climb up the intimidating wall. It’s not even a climb rather a scramble to the top of the 900ft high Barranco Wall on all fours. Once at the top you will traverse a series of hills and valleys before taking a sharp descent into the Karanga Valley. A steep climb later you would have reached the Karanga Camp. The short day filled with ascents and descents provides for decent acclimatization.
The next morning we head out from Karanga to hit the Mweka trail ascending a rocky trail to the high camp Barafu Hut. The route circles around the southern circuit and offers views of the scenic surroundings. Then we eat rest and recuperate in the camp as preparation for the summit ascent at midnight. The views of twin peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi are great from the Barafu camp.
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit for what is going to be the most grueling portion of the trek and bound to test your physical and mental reserves to the hilt. We ascend in the darkness for several hours taking frequent, but short breaks to reach Stella Point (18,900 ft), to witness the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi peak. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.