Zurura Africa Safaris

 The climb from the Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa/Big Tree Camp on the Lemosho Route is the first leg of the journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This section of the route takes climbers through a lush rainforest, offering a diverse and picturesque experience.

Route Description:

The Lemosho Route starts at the Londorossi Gate, situated on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. From here, climbers follow a well-marked trail that winds its way through the dense rainforest. The forest is rich with various plant and animal species, providing an enchanting atmosphere as you make your way up the mountain.

Time Required:

The hike from the Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa/Big Tree Camp typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. This duration can vary depending on the pace of the climbing group, as well as the weather conditions and overall fitness of the climbers.

 The climb from Mti Mkubwa/Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp on the Lemosho Route is a continuation of the journey through various ecological zones on Mount Kilimanjaro. This section of the route takes climbers from the rainforest to the moorland zone, offering new vistas and a change in vegetation.

Route Description:

From Mti Mkubwa/Big Tree Camp, climbers continue their ascent through the rainforest for a short distance before reaching the edge of the forest zone. The trail then opens up to the heath and moorland zone, characterized by grassy plains and scattered shrubs. The landscape becomes more rugged, and the views of the surrounding peaks and valleys become more expansive.

Time Required:

The hike from Mti Mkubwa/Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp typically takes around 5 to 7 hours. As always, the duration can vary depending on the pace of the climbing group, weather conditions, and the physical fitness of the climbers.

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full 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 climb from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 to Moir Hut on the Lemosho Route is a challenging yet rewarding part of the journey up Mount Kilimanjaro. This section takes climbers through the high moorland zone, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Route Description:

From Shira Camp 1, climbers continue their ascent through the moorland zone, characterized by vast open spaces with sparse vegetation, including heather and moor grass. The trail becomes steeper at times, and as climbers progress towards Moir Hut, the landscape becomes more rugged and rocky.

Time Required:

The hike from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 to Moir Hut typically takes around 6 to 8 hours. This duration can vary depending on the pace of the climbing group, weather conditions, and the physical fitness of the climbers.

The climb from Moir Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp on the Lemosho Route is a challenging and crucial section of the Mount Kilimanjaro ascent. This part of the journey takes climbers through diverse landscapes and varying altitudes, providing incredible views and testing their endurance.

On the Lemosho Route, there is no direct climb from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco. The typical route takes climbers from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp, bypassing Lava Tower on this section of the ascent.

The climb from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp on the Lemosho Route is a significant section of the Mount Kilimanjaro ascent that takes climbers through varying landscapes and altitudes. This leg of the journey is important for further acclimatization and preparation for the final push to the summit.

Route Description:

From Barranco Camp, climbers ascend the Barranco Wall, a steep rocky section that requires some scrambling and careful footing. Once past the wall, the trail continues through undulating terrain, crossing several valleys and ridges before reaching Karanga Camp.

Time Required:

The hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp typically takes around 3 to 5 hours. The duration can vary based on the pace of the climbing group, weather conditions, and the physical fitness of the climbers.

The climb from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp on the Lemosho Route is a crucial part of the Mount Kilimanjaro ascent, as it takes climbers to the high camp before the final push to the summit. This section of the journey requires climbers to gain significant altitude and further acclimatize to the thinner air.

Route Description:

From Karanga Camp, climbers continue their ascent through the alpine desert zone, traversing a relatively short but steep trail to reach Barafu Camp. The terrain becomes rockier and more rugged as climbers approach the high camp.

Time Required:

The hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp typically takes around 3 to 5 hours. The duration can vary based on the pace of the climbing group, weather conditions, and the physical fitness of the climbers.

The climb from Barafu Camp to the Summit (Uhuru Peak) and then down to Mweka Camp on the Lemosho Route is the most challenging and rewarding section of the Mount Kilimanjaro ascent. This leg involves the final push to reach the highest point in Africa and then descending to lower altitudes for recovery.

Route Description:

From Barafu Camp, climbers begin their summit attempt in the early hours of the morning, usually around midnight. The trail ascends through rocky terrain, known as the "scree," in the darkness. Climbers will pass through Stella Point (5,739 meters or 18,831 feet) before reaching the ultimate goal, Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters or 19,341 feet). After spending some time at the summit, climbers descend to Mweka Camp.

Time Required:

The summit climb from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak typically takes around 6 to 8 hours, while the descent to Mweka Camp takes about 5 to 7 hours. The durations can vary based on the pace of the climbing group, weather conditions, and the physical fitness of the climbers.

The descent from Mweka Camp to Moshi marks the final leg of the Mount Kilimanjaro climb using the Lemosho Route. This part of the journey takes climbers from the mountain's higher altitudes back to civilization, providing a chance to reflect on their achievement and rest.

Route Description:

The descent from Mweka Camp to Moshi takes climbers through lush rainforest terrain, which gradually transitions to lower elevations as they approach the town of Moshi.

Time Required:

The hike from Mweka Camp to the Mweka Gate, where climbers officially exit the Kilimanjaro National Park, typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. The duration can vary based on the pace of the climbing group, weather conditions, and the physical fitness of the climbers.