A tough route but fascinating and scenic, 5days 4 nights climb)

DAY 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or by bus, transfer to a hotel in Moshi/Arusha. BB.

DAY 2: The drive from your Hotel to Lemosho Glades (2, 100 m asl) via Londorossi park’s gate (2, 250 m asl ) takes about three hours with a 4 x 4 vehicle. At the Londorossi gate (2, 250 m) you will acquire your climbing permit and need to fill in your particulars in the park’s register.

To reach Lemosho Glades the vehicle follows a narrow trail leading through corn and potato plantations. On arrival at this departure point, your assigned guide will sort out all baggage and food that needs to be carried up the mountain. You will receive a lunch pack and head into the forest towards the first camp, Mti Mkubwa (2, 750 m asl), 3- 4 hours trekking.

This is the only route on Kilimanjaro where you walk through a series of valleys, resulting in the frequent gain and loss of altitude. The route is one of a few where on the first day an armed ranger may accompany you because the Lemosho Glades has buffalo, elephants and other big game. Collobus and blue monkeys are often seen skimming the tree tops on the first two days. Tents are pitched at the camp while water is collected and meals prepared for supper. Overnight temperatures can reach freezing levels, so frost can be expected in the morning, B.L.D.

DAY 3: Breakfast, After breakfast you’ll receive a lunch pack and follow the trail heading into the Giant Heather Moorland Zone. The path crosses through valleys and a few streams before ascending the Shira Ridge, gaining altitude to about 3, 600 m. From this point you will see the Londorossi Camp and Road that ends on the Shira Plateau.

After reaching the top of Shira Ridge, the trail gradually descends to camp 2, Shira 1 (3, 500 m asl). Stronger hikes pass this camp and head straight for Shira 2 (3, 850 m). When making this choice, look forwards to a long and strenuous day, 5 - 6 hours trekking. Cathedral and Shira Needle are now in full view from camp. Expect frost in the morning, with temperatures dropping below freezing overnight, B.P.D.

DAY 4: Breakfast, On this day you will gain almost 1,000 m in altitude and you should move at a much slower, steady pace. The trail exits the moorland and enters the Alpine Desert joining at a junction with the Machame Route. You will reach Lava Tower (4,600 m) where there are good campsites; stronger hikes will stop for lunch and continue to Arrow Camp (4,800 m). If you are feeling strong at this point enjoy lunch, take pictures and continue down the valley across a stream before ascending a ridge that finally leads to Arrow Camp (4, 800 m). Porters will pitch your tent, collect water and prepare supper. 4 – 6 hours trekking

Use this opportunity to rest as ascending the Western Breach can be physically and mentally taxing. Expect temperatures to drop considerably during this gain in altitude. There are spectacular views of Meru Peak, Lava Tower, the Shira Plateau and numerous glaciers. The camp is littered with boulders and rocks from previous rock falls. Care should be taken when ascending the Western Breach as there are frequent rock falls triggered by the Freeze-Thaw process.

Freeze-Thaw process:

This form of weathering occurs in areas where temperatures on the ground surface frequently fluctuate above and below freezing. Diurnal freeze-thaw cycles only penetrate a few centimeters into the rock or soil, producing thermal contraction and expansion. Thermal contraction of soils leads to frost cracks or fissures that usually become ice-filled and from ice wedges but can also be filled by wind-blown sand.

Ice wedges often have a polygonal plan shape at the ground surface that leads to patterned ground. The growth of ice crystals in cracks and joints of rocks can apply significant pressures and potentially widen the cracks. With repeated cycles, segments of the rock may become dislodged. This process can lead to extensive areas of angular rock fragments known as block fields and is also responsible for the development of hill and scree slopes below rock wall in mountainous regions. A typical example is the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro.

After crossing a particular point on the ascent, turning back is not an option because of dangerous conditions on the Western Breach. If for physical or health reasons you are unable to summit, you must continue to the crater rim and immediately head for Stella Point to start your descent to Barafu Hut (4 600 m).

Some of your stronger Kilimanjaro hikers choose to camp in the crater next to Furtwangles Glacier; this option presents an opportunity to view the ash pit. Sleeping in the crater can be cold, uncomfortable and dangerous. Careful consideration should be given before making this choise as one could be exposed to serious Altitude Sickness that could prove fatal, B.L.D.

DAY 5: Wake up at midnight, and after a snack, commence your summit. The first section is on scree that then changes to patches of ice and snow. Foot holes are generally available, and depending on conditions, you will be required to ‘short rope’ for safety reasons. You will later follow a path between and over rocks up to the crater edge. Scrambling is required on some sections before you arrive on the crater ‘lip’ alongside Furtwangler Glacier. From here you walk around the glacier within the crater, and then ascend the final section of scree up to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) . the short section takes about 45 minutes at altitude.

The descent takes you along the crater rim to Stella Point, before descending via Barafu Hut (4,600 m) to High or Mweka camp (3,100 m) on the edge of the rainforest. Should weather conditions deteriorate during the first few days of your climb, the route via Barafu Hut would be a safer option as the rocks along Arrow Glacier can become iced up and very slippery, B.L.D.

DAY 6: A hearty breakfast is served before you descend through the rainforest to the park’s gate. On reaching the gate you must enter your particulars in the park’s register. The guides are issued with gold certificates for climbers who reached Uhuru Peak. You can by drinks beer, maps, books and shirts from the ranger.

After all formalities are over, continue your descent to the Mweka Village (1,450 m) where transport awaits to transfer you to the hotel for a bath or shower, B.L.D.

DAY 7: Transfer to the airport for your return flight, B.

Acclimatization One may choose an extra day for acclimatization.

• Arrival and departure airport transfers.
• 2 nights accommodations in a basic hotel (Bed and Breakfast), before and after the climb
• Accommodation in tents on the mountain
• Meals as indicated on itineraries (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• All park fees, including mountain rescue fees, hut fees, and government taxes
• Services of our own trained English-speaking mountain guide, and a skilled cook, and enough numbers of porters for your luggage, food, and water, and a dinning tent
• Transport from your hotel to the mountain, and back to your hotel
• Use of cell phones to increase your safety
• Discount available for group of 8 or more!
  

Excluded:

• Beverages, laundry and items of a personal nature
• Passport, visa, traveler’s insurance, medical evacuation insurance.
• Tips to guides and porters.
• International airfare