8 DAYS / 7 NIGHT lemosho route trekking
Machame also named as Whiskey route is one of the most popular ones on Kilimanjaro, but in the same time considered a difficult route. We would recommend it to experienced climbers that have already been acclimatized before and physically fit. Starting in the rainforest at 1850 meters point, the trail goes through all the climate zones of Kilimanjaro, providing you a good acclimatization due to smooth elevation gain combined with the daily changing equatorial wonderful landscapes. Although it is important to note that some parts of this route can be quite steep. In case you are planning to climb in rainy season (November, April and May), the path can be eroded on Machame, which will make your hike even more difficult.
Machame Gate – Machame Camp: 10.75k /7mi | 5-6 Hrs | Rainforest
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead.
Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here
Machame Camp – Shira Camp: 5.3km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Moorland
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop. Shira Camp
Shira Camp – Lava Tower –Barranco Camp: 10.75km/6mi | 5-6hrs | Semi-Desert
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “ Shark&rsquo’s Tooth” (elev.4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow. Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp: 5.2km/3mi | 3-4hrs | Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp. Karanga Camp
Hike Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp: 3.3km /2 Mi | 3-4hrs | Alpine Desert
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp
Barafu Camp – Summit: 4.86km /3mi Up | 5-7hrs | – Mweka Camp: 11.5km /7.2mi Down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp. Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi: 9.1km/6mi|3-4hrs | Rainforest
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye.Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them today. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
Overnight Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel 4 stars (Bed & Breakfast only) before being transferred to your journey home, safari, or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar
Transfer from and to your pick up/drop off destination- Professional mountain guide and porters
- Park entrance fees and concession fees
- All applicable government taxes
- Accommodations and meals while on mountain
- All government taxes (18% VAT)
All visas,- Items of personal nature,
- Health requirements,
- Optional travel insurance and tipping
