The Lemosho route approaches Kilimanjaro through
forest and Mooreland from the west, crossing the caldera of Shira
volcano, exploring the rock formations of the plateau, and traversing
beneath the Northern ice fields 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 nine day itinerary gives
maximum possible acclimatisation and there are often stunning views
of Kibo in the sharp light of morning and early evening. Lemosho
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.) 8824 feet. This area is home to a variety of game including
buffalo. [2-3 hours walking]
Day 2
We soon leave the forest behind and enter the Mooreland 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.) 11055 feet.
[6-7 hours walking]
Day 3
An easy day to help acclimatisation and to explore the grassy Mooreland
and the volcanic rock formations of the plateau.
We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral (3,750 m.) 12375 feet,
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.) 12672 feet 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 Mooreland
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.) 15151 feet, or wander with
a guide in the surrounding area. [3-4 hours walking
Day 5
Acclimatization Day!
Today we dry out our clothes and we focus on our bodies.
1. Those who still suffer from mild AMS should go on a 2-hour acclimatization
hike to higher ground and back. Regular headache pills normally
relieve the mild throbbing symptoms. Climbing to the top of Lava
Tower (30 minutes) is a good way to gain altitude. But be careful
since there is some scrambling involved.
2. Those who feel tired should rest and try to restore energy with
energy drinks and food.
Either way, we listen to our bodies or we discuss our concerns with
the guides. They will suggest various remedies (such as Diamox)
depending on the situation. Drink plenty of water!
Day 6
Today is a very short but very steep climb. We depart at 10am and
reach Lava Tower after only 35 minutes. After Lava Tower, we cross
a small stream and then it’s a hour-long steep uphill trek
on loose scree (gravel). The views from the top of this ridge are
amazing. Looking back we see the Sheffield Camp and our trail. We
are now in the vicinity of the Great Barranco to our right. In front
of us, we face another steep climb to a series of rocks. This section
takes about an hour as our pace has slowed down to allow for the
gains in altitude. Above to our left are the edges of the melting
Arrow Glacier. The scramble section at the top of the ridge poses
no problems. Once on top of the rocks, we face a short but steep
trek over loose stones. We are careful not to twist an ankle. We
reach Arrow Glacier Camp at around 12:15pm in time for lunch. This
camp is at (4850 mt)15,978 ft and we can feel the cold. This is
no place to lounge outside and we retire to the mess tent or our
own tents to warm up. Fog or icy rain is common in the early afternoon
and visibility is poor so we normally postpone picture taking until
early evening when it clears up and the Western Breach becomes visible
high above us. We are 1 night away from our biggest challenge—the
Western Breach! We normally do a rescue drill this afternoon. We
are at a serious height and everybody (including the porters) must
understand how our rescue equipment works. 3-4 hours walking)
Day 7
For many, this is the day they have 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 have carried lots
of camera equipment up the Breach and hardly needed a helping hand
even when we reached the steep sections. We have 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 do not 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 8
Summit day!
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.
There are many other climbers on this trail and plenty of stories
and experiences to share. It is noisy all the way to the gate—arrival
at noon! At the gate, we are treated with a final feast of fruits
and drinks, and an opportunity to buy a few souvenirs! Then we sign
the register and gather for the presentation of our climbing certificates
by our guides.
Sadly, it is time to say goodbye to our mountain team. With their
assistance, we achieved something extraordinary! Then transfer back
to the hotel by car.
At the hotel, it is time to shower, get laundry done and take a
nap. Your room at the Lodge is reserved for late checkout - you
can relax before your flight home or new destination if you signed
up for one of our optional excursions. If you fly back home, your
driver will meet you for the transfer to the airport. Overnight
at Mweka camp at(3100 mt) 10,000 feet
Day 9
Breakfast is served at 8:00 followed by a short tipping ceremony
and we depart at 9:00am.
Today is a short but steep downhill walk through the rainforest
to the park gate.. We use our poles to prevent knee or ankle injuries
during the descending time. (downhill )all the way to the gate.
There are many other climbers on this trail and plenty of stories
and experiences to share. It is noisy all the way to the gate—arrival
at noon! At the gate, we are treated with a final feast of fruits
and drinks, and an opportunity to buy a few souvenirs! Then we sign
the register and gather for the presentation of our climbing certificates
by our guides.
Sadly, it is time to say goodbye to our mountain team. With their
assistance, we achieved something extraordinary! Then transfer back
to the hotel by car.
At the hotel, it is time to shower, get laundry done and take a
nap. Your room at the Lodge is reserved for late checkout - you
can relax before your flight home or new destination if you signed
up for one of our optional excursions. If you fly back home, your
driver will meet you for the transfer to the airport.
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.