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 and proceed to lava ridges beneath the glaciers of
the Western Breach. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of
vegetation in sheltered hollows. We keep enjoying the morning of
gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau
behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western
Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,550 m.) we descend
to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.), sheltered
by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below.
[5-7 hours walking]
Day 5
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail
on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern
Icefields. We camp at Karanga (4,100 m.), the last water point,
in a steep valley. The afternoon can be spend resting or exploring
the valley to help acclimatisation. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 6
A short but steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted
scree with wide views. We then climb steadily to reach the Barafu
campsite (4,650 m.) The remainder of the day is spent resting in
preparation for the final ascent before an early night. [4-5 hours
walking]
Day 7
We will start our ascent at about 8 a.m. in the morning. This day
will take us to the crater floor by the name of “STELLA POINT”.
The path is of unrelenting steepness on loose scree with occasional
easy scrambling over rocks to reach the crater floor (5,750 m.).
From this point we climb down to the Crater Camp just beside Furtongla
Glacier (5,650 m.).
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.