Lemosho Route 8days via Karanga
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 a 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 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 afternoone 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 (4,600 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 by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that
we can be up on the Crater floor by sunrise. The path is of unrelenting
steepness on loose scree with occasional easy scrambling over rocks
to reach the crater floor (5,600 m.). 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.