The Lemosho route approaches Kilimanjaro through
forest and moorland from the west, crossing the caldera of Shira
volcano, exploring the rock formations of the plateau, and traversing
beneath the Northern icefields of Kibo. We make our final ascent
by the Western Breach, the steepest non-technical route on the mountain
and an exciting approach to the summit. The eight day itinerary
gives maximum possible acclimatisation and there are often stunning
views of Kibo in the sharp light of morning and early evening. Leemosho
is a little-used approach route and there is time to enjoy to enjoy
the unspoilt wilderness of the montane forest and Shira Plateau
before the convergence with other routes in the later stages of
the trip.
Day 1
After completing the neccessary registration formalities at Londorossi
National Park gate, it is an easy day of walking from the Lemosho
roadhead up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. We have
our lunch in the glades before continuing to Lemosho Forest camp
(2,650 m.). This area is home to variety of game including buffalo.
[2-3 hours walking]
Day 2
We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant
heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the
rim of the Shira Plateau
There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially when the afternoon
mists come in! We camp in the centre of the plateau at “Shira
One” (3,550 m.). [6-7 hours walking]
Day 3
An easy day to help acclimatisation and to explore the grassy moorland
and the volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the
summit of Shira Cathedral (3,750 m.), a huge buttress of rock surrounded
by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness
here (especially when the afternoon mists come in!) and the views
from our camp near Shira Hut (3,840 m.) of Mt. Meru floating on
the clouds are simply unforgettable. [4-5 hours walking]
Day 4
A morning of steady ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland
plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the
Western Breach. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of vegetation
in sheltered hollows. The afternoon is free to acclimatise at our
campsite below Lava Tower (4,550 m.), or wander with a guide in
the surrounding area. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 5
A short but steep ascent to reach the Arrow Glacier campsite (4,
800 m.). There is a palpable sense of remoteness and high altitude
wilderness here, nestled in between the glaciers at the very foot
of the gash in the Crater Rim known as the Western Breach. There
is a short afternoon acclimatisation walk amongst the scree and
rocks. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 6
For many, this is the day they've been thinking about. Climbing
the Western Breach demands respect, but trust us - the Western Breach
is not as daunting as some make it out to be. We've carried lots
of camera equipment up the Breach and hardly needed a helping hand
even when we reached the steep sections. We've never felt intimidated
nor did we think that the slip could be disastrous. Many of the
danger stories can be attributed to inexperienced guides who get
lost - causing their clients to scramble up and down open rock faces
while searching for the path. We don't recommend climbing the Breach
at night. The Breach is our favorite part of the whole trek. We
zig-zag our way up the Breach to slow down our ascent and to negate
the steepness.
Breakfast is served at 6:30 and we start our walk at 7:00 am. It
is safer to climb the Breach in the morning while the ground is
still frozen. The first part is gentle as we step carefully over
loose boulders.
Looking back, we can see the porters in the distance at our Arrow
Glacier camp. On clear mornings we can see the Lava Tower and even
the Shira Ridge—we can almost trace our path to this point!
Within the first hour we reach an easy scrambling section after
which we can see the Barranco Wall and camp site in the distance
to the left. We swing to the left and aim for a white snow field
before turning right to disappear behind the ridge. The walk is
very steep but in general it is a comfortable slow hike to the ridge.
We rest often to enjoy the stunning views below and above us. Energy
drinks and snacks are now in high demand! Around 10am we reach an
area with magnificent rock formations. This is an unstable area
and our guides will keep a watchful eye on our surroundings. Just
before 11am we reach the first of two scrambling sections. The second
one is a giant stair case. This is the scramble we’ve all
heard about! The truth is, it takes only 5 minutes to traverse this
section if you have experienced guides who know exactly where to
step. Compared with the Machame Route's Barranco Wall ( a steep
1 hour scramble) this is nothing. The reward is waiting at the top
of the stairs —lunch (11:15am) and a 30-minute break. Many
climbers are surprised to learn that the crater rim is only 1 hour
away! Luckily the scrambling part is over. What’s left is
a very steep hike to the rim— made more complicated by the
thin air. We have to dig deep here but the excitement of reaching
the rim is pushing us upwards. And at 12:45pm we are there! On our
left, we see the Northern Ice fields and on our right, the Furtwangler
glacier. We begin a 30-minute walk past the glacier to the foot
of Uhuru Peak—the site of our Crater Camp at (5630 mt) 18,500
ft! We have reached the snows of Kilimanjaro! It is about 1:15pm
and some of us will head straight to the tents to relax. Others
may walk to the glacier to touch it. Tough souls may walk to the
actual crater and back — a 90 min hike. We have come a long
way and have mastered the Western Breach!
Day 7
We have only 800 feet to go but it won't be easy. Spare a thought
for the hikers on other routes who started their summit attempts
at midnight! It will take about one-and-a-half hours to reach Uhuru
Peak. You will not be alone - others have been arriving since 6am.
Soon you will be able to have a photo opportunity next to the famous
posted sign at the top.
But please be prepared for an aftershock - the way down is a steep,
rigorous route via Stella Point down the mountain to Barafu where
we will stop for lunch. On the way down you may pass other trekkers
who are still on the way up!
Many hikers are unprepared for this 4-hour ordeal down the slippery
slope of scree. Don't be. The sun will beat down and you will start
to curse your 4-layers of summit wear! You will sweat and eat dust
like a rodeo cowboy! At Barafu you can take a good rest before tackling
the rest of the way down. It is time to relax and think about your
experiences of the past week. The way down to Mweka camp is a comfortable
walk but rather dusty.
Overnight at Mweka camp at(3100 mt) 10,000 feet
A broad gully takes us on upwards to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.) and
the spectacular ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit
area. The descent to Barafu (4,600 m.) gives good views across to
Mawenzi and is surprisingly fast. After some refreshment, we continue
to descend to reach our final campsite (3,100 m.) at the edge of
Mweka Forest. [11-15 hours walking]
Day 8
A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth
takes us to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m.); and on through
coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. [4-6 hours walking]
Note : After heavy snow or other adverse weather conditions, the
Western Breach may be impassable for trekkers. In such cases an
extremely scenic traverse beneath the Southern Icefields via the
Barranco and Karanga valleys brings us to Uhuru Peak by the Barafu
ascent route.
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Tanzania
has one of the largest areas of protected lands in the world. It
houses the largest Game Reserve on the continent (Selous) and its
most famous national park (the Serengeti), not to mention the famous
Ngorongoro Crater considered being the eighth wonder of the world.
Here you can experience the landscapes which have captivated the
minds of millions of people. 
Tanzania is endowed with some of the most diverse and picturesque landscape. Its towering mountains in the North are some of the highest mountains in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest point, is a great extinct volcano 5,895m (19,345ft) above sea level. Rift Cross can take you to the roof of Africa - Kilimanjaro and to the tops of other attractive mountains such as Meru and Oldoinyo lengai. Climbing these volcanoes is an incredible but manageable challenge. For travelers seeking adventures off the beaten track and spectacular views, these are ideal destinations.
The
white and golden sands of East Africa’s beaches are deservedly
world famous. They are soaked in sun all year round, and surrounded
by coral reef and the exotic scenery of the Indian Ocean. A rest
on a Tanzanian beach will leave you refreshed, restored and intrigued.
Walking through the narrow, twisting streets of Zanzibar’s
Stone Town plunges you into the past.
To many people tourism is confined to the wildlife destination, mountain trekking and beach relaxation. Rift Cross goes beyond the limits by taking you to experience the richest and most diverse cultures of people who follow ancient traditions –yet engaging on their own terms, with a globalizing world. Let us take you to visit these peoples, their homes and villages.