Hike Africa's tallest mountain Mount Kilimanjaro via the less traveled Lemosho Route. Mount Kilimanjaro is known to hold some of the most amazing views and mountaineering opportunities in the world. Even though it is steep, capped with glaciers, and demanding, it is also approachable to the novice. Experience Mount Kilimanjaro in the expert hands of Embark and their experienced guides.
Hike over glaciers while summiting Africa's tallest mountain. This trip is led by a team of experts who have over 20 years of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro on all routes. With Embark, most of their guides have 300+ summits and 20+ years of experience. The less traveled Lemosho Route gives the adventurer a novel climbing experience for one of the world's most sought-after destinations. All accommodations are considered when booking with Embark. You will gain access to exclusive resources curated over years of experience trekking Kilimanjaro - including a custom 4-month training plan.
Welcome to Moshi- the more quaint, laid-back of the small towns sitting at the base of the famed Mount Kilimanjaro! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International airport, you will be met by our Embark representatives, who will provide transportation to your hotel. No activities are planned for the day. You are free to explore picturesque downtown Moshi.
Morning pre-trip discussion, introduction with trekking guide, and gear/bag check. In the afternoon, you are free to explore some more or do last-minute shopping for the trek.
Depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. With flora and fauna heavier and richer here than on any other route through the thick rainforest, the Lemosho Route cuts through the underbrush that is so untouched it, at times, grows right across the narrow trail. After three to four hours, we'll reach our camp, Mti Mkubwa, which means "Big Tree" in Kiswahili.
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.
After breakfast, we head east across the Shira Plateau and past the Shira Cathedral to Shira Camp. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is about a four-hour hike to camp. On the way, we pass the first of many Giant Senecios, some of Kilimanjaro's otherworldly massive plants.
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.
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.
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction connecting 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 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.
Very early in the morning, we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head northwesterly 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 the 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.
After breakfast, we continue the descent 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).
Leave for the United States this evening or embark on one of Embark's custom wildlife safaris set in the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater.
Embark is an adventure travel company that offers once-in-a-lifetime adventure tours for those who want to explore the most remote corners of the planet.
