Day 4: Lemosho route #kilimanjaro #africa #tanzania #lemosho

Wed, Feb 4

4th– Barranco via Lava Tower (B, L, D)

Satellite Track My Journey

Day 3: Shira (3840m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Barranco camp (3950m). Hiking time: 7 hours

Barranco Wall

This is one of the best days for acclimatizing, as you will trek high via Lava Tower and sleep low at Barranco hut. You will cover a great trekking distance in different, almost unreal sceneries. One of the highlights is the Senecio section before you reach Barranco camp. Make sure you hug one of these spectacular plants. Will you fell small? Maybe. Will you feel connected? Definitely! – h u m b l e d .

A great description from another person’s account.

As you know, there is minimal wifi on the mountain, so this post is posted on the proposed date of the climb (as well as subsequent posts).  I will have an update below for when we return with added tidbits.

Images above are from Google Images

**Update to go below**

Today we did a rather uncommon thing to make up time. We bypassed a typical stopping place to camp and trudged on to the next camp. We went from big tree camp to Shira 1 where we had a hot lunch. This was a pretty tough ascent… The 7 hills. My legs were pretty sore after this. After lunch, we went from Shira 1 to Shira 2. This was mostly flat and a kind gentle walk except til the end when there was a small ascent. Probably would’ve been no big deal for fresh legs, but I was ready to throw in the towel. Good gear to have for today: 3L water, warm weather hiking gear, sunscreen, hiking poles, snacks, Chapstick with SPF, sun hat. We were pretty shot by the time we got to Shira 2. Kudos to our chef who whips up the most amazing meals.

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Day 3: Lemosho route #kilimanjaro #africa #tanzania #lemosho

Tues, Feb 3

3rd–Shira camp 2 (B, L, D)

Satellite Track My Journey

Today is a long trekking day that takes you from montane forest to the open spaces of Shira 2 camp. Let your body and mind adapt and find their natural rhythm in harmony with the spectacular surroundings – s y n c h r o n i z e d .

When you reach Shira Camp Kilimanjaro you will notice a small hill just above the camp. It is worth climbing this hill as you get a great view of the valley below as well as a panoramic perspective all the way out to Shira Camp 2. You will also see the high-alpine landscape that dominates day-3.

Shira Camp 2 is the first point at which you will have a full view of Uhuru Peak. A frightening and inspiring reminder of what is to come on day 3-6.

Day 3: Shira 1 (11,500ft) – Shira Camp 2 (12,500ft). Hiking time: ? hours

As you know, there is minimal wifi on the mountain, so this post is posted on the proposed date of the climb (as well as subsequent posts).  I will have an update below for when we return with added tidbits.

Images above are from Google Images

**Update to go below**

Feb 3, 2015
Left Stella Maris lodge and headed 2 hours to the Londorosi gate to check in for the Kilimanjaro hike. We went thru desert type environment which later changed over to a rainforest climate. After checking in at the Londorosi gate, we had to drive to the start of the Lemosho route. From there, it’s a 7km hike to the first camp Mti (big tree). It took us about 2 hours for the two mile trek thru rainforest. We saw some black and white carabas monkeys snacking in the tree. So far, this first leg has been fantastic! We’re at 7700 ft at this camp. No altitude sickness yet, but we’re on acetazolamide 125 bid.

Day 2: Lemosho route #kilimanjaro #africa #tanzania #lemosho

Mon, Feb 2

2nd– Shira Camp 1 (B, L, D)

Satellite Track My Journey

Leave Mti Kubwa Camp towards Shira Camp 1.  Few things are as humbling as being passed by porters on a mountain hike so don’t forget to cheer on your porters who will set your tent, fetch water and prepare the equipment at the next campsite –i m p r e s s e d .

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa camp (2750 m) – Shira 2 camp (3840 m). Hiking time: 6/7 hours

Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

View of Kilimanjaro summit from Shira Camp

As you know, there is minimal wifi on the mountain, so this post is posted on the proposed date of the climb (as well as subsequent posts).  I will have an update below for when we return with added tidbits.

Images above are from Google Images

**Update to go below**

Feb 2: Bags still aren’t here. Spending the day close to Moshi in Stella Maris Lodge. Very cute and well organized hotel where the proceeds go to benefit the primary school on the grounds. Met our guide and driver, Mussa and Abu. Drive into Moshi town it was bustling with food markets! Went to the Materuni Waterfalls (http://www.tanzaniantrails.com/materuni-waterfalls.html)
Had social hours in huts with a special brew of millet and banana. The server takes first sip and then passes cup amongst friends. Stories are told. Lessons are learned and debated. Lastly, we toured a local coffee grower/brewer. It was the ultimate pour over coffee and all without a grinder! Fresh beans.. Skinned… Roasted… And brewed fresh. Tried local jack fruit! Delicious and sticky gooey. Mussa came to pick us up to take us to the airport and we met out assistant guide Abu. Thank goodness our bags arrived! We did a bag check and started packing our gear for the start of our Lemosho route!!