Lemosho Crater Route
This one has it all...The ultimate in acclimatization, top notch scenery, a quiet, remote trail, miles away from the crowds - and a night in Kilimanjaro's crater.
What we like about this route:
1) High success ratio
If you are serious about making the summit, then this is the route for you. All kinds of options for acclimatization, and extra rest points along the way.
2) A great 'all around' route
Because this route starts on one end of the mountain, treks across the vast Shira plateau, and ends - effectively - half way around the mountain from where you start... All this adds up to an unsurpassed experience on Kilimanjaro's slopes.
Highlights of this route...
Far away from the rest of the climbers, the Lemosho Glades route begins in a rainforest, on a magnificent forest trail that is as yet unspoiled and little used. It takes paths through forests rich in game and plant life, just south of the Shira Route.
The trailhead is relatively remote, requiring a long 4X4 drive to reach the starting point – so leave early! This route offers the most varying terrain, with lots of opportunity to acclimatize along the way.
The first two days include gently rolling trails across the ancient lava flows of the collapsed Shira Volcano with excellent views of Kilimanjaro’s summit. Because of it’s remote start, you are not likely to see other climbers until you reach the Shira Plateau -- though you may see some wildlife! The Shira Plateau is very beautiful with good views of the Western Glaciers and several fine minor summits to be climbed for acclimatization. The best is the Shira Needle, which can be gained by a scramble and provides a nice viewpoint.
Upon reaching the Shira Plateau, the route merges with the Machame and Mweka paths to the summit via Baranco, Barafu and Crater Camp (if you select this option). These higher camps are quite rocky, but the views are worth the effort. The trail to the crater rim arrives at Stella Point quite close to Uhuru Peak. From here, climbers proceed to high crater camp.
Summit Day...
Our summit day is only
a 1-2 hour hike from our high crater camp... and our guides know to
leave early enough to give us an excellent shot of seeing the sun rise
from the top.
With stunning views of Mount Meru in the distance,
we make your way to Uhuru peak, the true summit of Kilimanjaro, which
stands at 19,340 feet.
The going is tough, but the reward is
life changing. As the sunrise turns the clouds below you a thousand
shades of orange and red, you arrive at the roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak.
At 5,896m (19,340 ft) Uhuru is the true summit of Kilimanjaro. This
is a moment that you will remember forever.
No technical experience required...
All you need is the desire to stand on the roof of Africa. MountainQUEST will help you prepare with regular support, and instruction from up to 6 months prior to your adventure... right through to the summit. Your camps, your food, and your crew will be to the absolute highest standard available.
Your personal porters...
Your personal porters will carry all
of your equipment. You carry a light day pack with water, food, some
extra clothing and your CAMERA! All of these factors combine to provide
a high summit success rate.
After the climb we descend to the
comforts of our mountain lodge… set in a coffee plantation among the
beautiful Tanzanian landscape.
MountainQUEST has 20
years of climbing and trekking experience. We invite you to come and
climb Kilimanjaro with us!