Lemosho Western Breach -
With overnight at Kilimanjaro Crater Floor
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
Mount
Kilimanjaro Climbing via Lemosho Route: The route is one of less used which
makes it to have its originality, unspoilt and beautiful way up to the Shira
Plateau while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro roof top. It can either be used to
gain the Western Breach route or followed by the Kibo South Circuit to
ascend by the easier Barafu Route. The route is one of the few where groups
may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests
around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other big game
animals.
Lemosho route is the longest and most remote route to Kilimanjaro. After
beautiful forests and moorlands it crosses the Shira Plateau to meet up with
the Machame Route. The South Circuit is then followed, offering superb views
of the Southern Ice fields, past the Barranco Hut then on to Barafu and
hence the summit. Descent is by the Mweka Route. Accommodation on the
mountain is in tents which the porters will pitch for you. You will need a
sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a steep, tough trek
within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas.
If you are not accustomed to camping and mountain walking you could consider
the Marangu Route as the most suitable. This follows easy angled paths
through magnificent rain forests to the Mandara Hut. Shortly beyond it
passes Maundi Crater, a fine view point located at the edge of the forest
belt. Above you enter the moorlands with their fine giant heathers stands,
groundsels, lobelia and other exotic tropical high altitude plants. The next
hut is the Horombo Hut; soon after this hut you reach the Saddle, a high
altitude desert separating the rugged Mawenzi summit from Kibo. The final
ascent starts from the Kibo Hut and involves steep paths on loose scree.
There is fresh running water at all the huts apart from Kibo where it will
be carried by your porters. You will be accommodated generally in 4 person
clean huts with mattresses.
The other routes are all more demanding as regards steepness and in places
involve some scrambling. Accommodation is in tents and there is no running
water at the campsites though warm water for washing is provided. The
scenery more than compensates for these difficulties. Whichever route you
choose it is essential to allow enough time for acclimatization to the
altitude. Although Mt. Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year it is
worth avoiding the two rainy seasons (late March to mid-June and October to
the beginning of December) when the route becomes slippery. Probably the
best time to visit is January to February and September to October when
there is usually no cloud.
Mount Kilimanjaro (19340’) (5895m) lies just 3 degrees south of the equator
and is one of the highest volcanoes in the world. It rises some (15000’)
(4572m) above the surrounding plains and savannahs. The Kilimanjaro National
Park covers some 1864 sq. Km (720 sq. miles) the base of this immense
mountain has diameter of 80 Km (48 Miles) and the outstanding features are
its three major volcanic centers: Shira (4160m) in the west. Mawenzi (5280
m) to the east and the permanently snow-capped Kibo in the middle.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via Lemosho, the terrain passes from a tropical
to an artic climate in just a few days. The encircling rain forest ensures
the fertility of the lower lying shambas and is rich in birdlife. Above the
rain forest lies the Alpine Meadow, beautiful moorland, offering many
splendid views. Exotic plants such as the giant Lobelia and the fork-like
Groundsel are to be seen. The latter blooming once every 50 – 70 years.
Leaving the Alpine Meadow we reach the Alpine Desert and eventually the
‘’snows of Kilimanjaro’’.
Day 1
After breakfast transfer from your hotel to National Park Forest edge. From
here walk through the undisturbed forest to Mti Mkubwa camp site for dinner
and overnight. By luck you will be able to see colobus monkeys and signs of
elephants.
Day 2
Take your time to walk through the forest sporting some of plentiful game
and bird life. You will pass through montane forest and hagenia zone. Dinner
and overnight at Shira camp.
Day 3
After breakfast hike up Lava Tower – The first introduction to the alpine
zone. The only plant life being the hardest of grasses and Lichen. Here you
will be able to have a spectacular view of final ascent route up to Western
breach.
Day 4
With the Western breach ascent route in view, spend a few hours climbing to
the base of the route where you will make a camp near Arrow Glacier. An
afternoon hike further up the route before relaxing in camp will help you
acclimatize and improve your performance the next day.
Day 5
Wind your way up the Western Breach non – technical climbing route about six
hours to the crater rim. Explore the inner crater and ash pit before to
pitching the camp at the crater floor.
Day 6
Summit day: Start your ascent to the summit early enough in the morning to
put on the Summit by 10 a.m. After Uhuru peak descend via Barafu Hut and on
down to Mweka Hut camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 7
It takes about 3 to 4 hours to make the descent to the road head. After your
lunch bid bye to your porters and transfer to Moshi/Arusha for dinner and
overnight.
Price: US $ 1650. per person
Price includes:
2 transfers from Moshi to Lemosho gate – return.
3 meals per day while trekking: Vegetarian/non-vegetarian.
7 days Kilimanjaro trek – Lemosho route.
6 nights accommodation in tents while trekking.
2 nights hotel accommodation bed & breakfast in Moshi before and after the
climb.
All park entrance fees, and government levies.
English speaking mountain guide and assistant.
Porters – minimum of 3 per client.
First Aid Kit including Oxygen Kit.
Camping Equipments including sleeping tents, sleeping mats, dining tent,
chairs and table.
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