Lemosho Route 8 Day Program An 8 day route starting in West Kilimanjaro, trekking up through the forest, across the Shira Plateau and then across Lava Tower and into the Southern Circuit, highlights include the verdant forest, Barranco wall and for those capable our advanced base camp. Summit is via Stella Point making this a shorter summit bid than those coming from the Northern Circuit or routes such as Rongai and Marangu. This is our most travelled route, offering arguably the best ascent profile of any route on the mountain with adequate amount of days for acclimatisation and some of the best diversity in views, flora and fauna. If you’re considering what is the best route for success with the highest level of comfort then Lemosho 8 days via Stella on our VIP specification hits the mark every time. 

Explorers Yard is a leading adventure outfitting service with exceptional standards offering privately guided expeditions across the globe. Known for our small but knowledgeable team, first class operations, incredible local guides, brilliant food, high quality expedition equipment and our focus on sustainable, ethical and developmental tourism, we’re uncompromising when it comes to safety and standards. 

Upon arrival into Kilimanjaro International you are personally met and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. There will be a briefing and kit check with the climb manager and your lead guide Overnight Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge (Bed & Breakfast) 

 The first part of your journey begins with a drive from Arusha through West Kilimanjaro the wildlife corridor is an important part of the conservation effort and our community. When you reach the forested slopes you can see the agriculture projects and local way of life, passing through the picturesque vistas. The first part of the trip takes you to Londrossi Gate (2,260 amsl) the crew will be waiting for you to load luggage and take care of the formalities. You will sign in and the guide will ensure that permits are in place and that the rangers have our itinerary. At the gate there is chance to eat some lunch and collect water before getting on trail. Todays hike takes you up through the afromontane forest, until you reach Forest Camp where you’ll find a warm welcome and an introduction to the daily camp routines. . Overnight Forest Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Altitude 2,950 amsl Time 3 - 4hrs 

After breakfast, you head out to the next camp, trekking out from the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on trail and you arrive in camp mid afternoon. Overnight Shira 1 Camp (full board). Overnight Shira 1 Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Altitude 3,610 amsl Time 7 - 9 hrs 

Crossing the Shira plateau can be one of the most scenic parts of the trip and this morning we hike for around 3-4 hours to the lunch point. After lunch we ascend to Moir camp, arriving in the mid afternoon. For those with the energy a hike in the late afternoon is possible. Overnight Moir Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Altitude 4,200 amsl Time 3 - 4 hrs (plus acclimatisation hike) 

From Moir we traverse across the slopes of Kibo. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature ranges and conditions that typify this zone. Lunch is normally taken close to Lava Tower and for those that feel very strong there is an optional ascent of Lava Tower before descending down to Barranco camp in the afternoon. Overnight Barranco Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Altitude 3,900 amsl Time 5 - 8 hrs 

An early start is recommended to hike the Barranco wall. After about 2 hours you reach the top and then hike over glacial valleys to Karanga camp. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering 1000 meters above you, this is where we take on a fresh food resupply, collect our last water for the summit bid and get a well deserved rest before our push to high camp. Overnight Karanga Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Altititude 4,033 asml Time 3 - 5 hrs 

Today is another half day ascending to high camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi volcano are the norm. In the afternoon the guide team make sure you have everything that you will need for summit close at hand and that you are well fed before getting some rest in anticipation for a mid-night summit bid. Overnight High Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Altititude 4,750 - asml Time 5 - 6 hrs 

After a short sleep, climbers take a quick meal, hot beverage and get ready for the summit bid. Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down and your goal today is to reach Mweka camp. Overnight Mweka Camp (full board). Overnight High Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Altititude 4,750 - 5,895 > 3,100 asml Time 11 - 15 hrs 

 This morning take the opportunity to thank your crew of porters and support staff in camp, before making the trip down to Mweka Gate and the park exit. The crew pass down this final section with incredible effort ensuring that our camps, waste and luggage is cleared out of the park correctly and that we leave the park in good shape. The guide team will lead you down through the forest section past “the last view” and onto the gate where you’ll sign out and be transferred back to the lodge for a well deserved shower! Overnight Ngare Sero (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

After breakfast you are transferred to Kilimanjaro International airport to meet your departing flight (Breakfast)