Kilimanjaro – The Lemosho Trail

20 June-1 July 2008
17-28 September 2008

Trek up Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain

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Kilimanjaro (19,340ft/5,895m) – Africa’s highest mountain and the highest ‘free standing’ mountain in the world.

On a clear day, it can be seen from more than 160km (99 miles) away, and although only three degrees below the Equator, the peak is covered permanently with snow and ice, and huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit. Spectacular views and beautiful ice formations are the reward for the successful trekker, as well as the satisfaction of conquering this mighty peak.

Following the Machame Route will test you to your limits, mentally and physically as you trek to the highest point in Africa , Uhuru Peak.

Itinerary

Day 1

Leave the UK from a London airport, arriving in Nairobi the following day.

Day 2 - Nairobi to Arusha

Arrive in Nairobi.

On arrival, you will be met by our ground operation, transferred to a hotel in Nairobi for drinks and refreshments after the long flight.

Once fully refreshed, we will then drive on from Nairobi into Tanzania arriving in Arusha. We then check-in at our hotel, in time for dinner, and afterwards we hold a trek briefing about the climb.

Day 3 – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)

Today we drive from Arusha onto Londorossi Gate were you will register at the main gate (please note the guides have a lot to do at this point so it can take a little time).

From Londorossi Gate we continue to drive through a forest track to reach the Lemosho Glades.

Once at Lemosho Glades, we begin trekking!

Today’s trek is approximately three to five hours long - through the rain forest until we reach our camp, Big Tree.

Take it slowly today, take the time to enjoy the scenery and the rich flora and fauna around you – remember your challenge has only just begun!

Day 4 – Big Tree camp – Shira Cave 1

A full eight hours of trekking begins after breakfast as we continue to ascend across the dense rain forest, the trekking path gradually becoming steeper before reaching the giant moorland zone.

We push on across the moorland to G & M One valley for lunch.

After lunch we cross the high altitude desert plateau Shira Caldera before reaching our camp for the night Shira Cave (approximately 3,400m).

The Shira Caldera is a remote area that is rarely trekked or seen by the human eye, and is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones.

Expect to see your first close views of Kibo – the summit cone of Mount Kilimanjaro!

Take a jersey with you today, as it cools down considerably during and after lunch. Again, keep your wet weather gear handy, and some snacks for the route. Drink plenty of water.

Camp at Shira – it’s a pretty cold campsite, you may get rain or sleet, and in the morning the ground and tents will be frozen over. Tonight you may experience headaches and breathing problems due to altitude.

Day 5 – Shira Cave – Shira Hut

Today we trek for approximately five hours, climbing about 500m from Shira Cave to our camp at Shira Hut.

We begin after breakfast, trekking gently across the Shira Plateau to our camp by way of Shira Cathedral. The views on this day are very special particularly from the top of the ridge.

It is an excellent place on this route for acclimatisation as we are gaining altitude slowly.

Night temperature - again cold (night frosts).

Day 6 – Shira Hut to Barranco Hut / Camp

Expect to be trekking today for up to seven to ten hours as we turn east from Shira Hut and continue our climb.

We first cross a small desert and rocky landscapes that surround the Lava Tower. The climb will take you over Lava Tower (approximately 4,600m) offering spectacular views of the great Barranco Valley, before we descend to Barranco Camp (approximately two to three hours).

After reaching the high altitude of 4,600m at Lava Tower, the benefits of this acclimatisation day will become clear and should stand you in good stead for the ascent to the top.

We believe you will find the camp at Barranco to be one of the best and most spectacular on Kilimanjaro

Day 7 – Barranco Hut/Camp – Karanga Valley

A full five hours of trekking today, that will see you tested immediately as you tackle the awesome volcanic rock barrier known as the Great Barranco Wall (locally known as breakfast!).

Once you reach the top of the Barranco Wall, you will appreciate how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is as you admire the views of Mount Meru and the plains below.

From here we continue trekking through the scree, ridges and valleys to our camp at Karanga Valley.

Day 8 – Karanga Valley – Barafu Hut

After our breakfast, the climb continues. Here, we head left (north) and follow the trail up the broad ridge to Barafu Hut for our dinner and where we will spend the night. Today also aids our acclimatisation as we ascend through sections of scree and rock, then descend down into the valleys, approximately five hours of trekking, reaching an altitude of 4,600m.

Learn to pace yourself with your breathing - do not try to rush to catch up with anyone, go at your own, most comfortable speed and you will arrive at base camp relatively comfortably. Listen to your guide(s); they will help you. It will be very cold today - especially when you stop for lunch and rest - dress warmly, again you may expect some sleet on this day. You will be walking through the cloud. After supper, drink as much tea as possible, settle down for an early night. You are likely to have a headache at this stage. Drink plenty of fluids, as you are in a 'desert' area - albeit cold, and tomorrow will be a long hard day.

Day 9 – Summit Day! Barafu Hut – Uhuru Peak

Today is a very long and strenuous day. Drink lots of fluid before you start. You will be very thirsty by the end of the day - if you can, carry three litres of fluid with you today.

You will be woken at about 12am with tea and a biscuit. Put on all your clothing ready for the final ascent.

You will be climbing up scree for approximately four to five hours. The guide will stop frequently to rest and check on his group. It is very important to listen to your body and breathing and try to get into a rhythm. Because of the slowness of your walk, your fingers and toes are likely to get extremely cold - three pairs of socks should be considered for today and two pairs of gloves (inner and warm outer).

The views from the mountain (on the way up) are spectacular - you gain incredible height over a short distance.

You arrive at Stella Point (5,750 m), just at the top of the crater. Have a rest – the sun should be shining! From here continue on a relatively easy path up to Uhuru peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. It is here that you realise that you have just conquered Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa!

You will descend from Stella to Barafu. Depending on the timing of your summit, you will be able to have a short rest here (maybe a sleep) and something to eat, before continuing down to the Millennium Camp.

Day 10 - Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate

Our final six hours of trekking today! After an early start and breakfast we start descending to Mweka Gate to meet our waiting driver, who will transfer us back to the Moivaru Hotel in Arusha.

This day's trekking is through lush rain forest, and pretty gentle sloping tracks passing local farms and plantations near Kidia.

Once back at the hotel, you will have time to just relax, take a very satisfying and much deserved long hot shower. Freshen up – ready to celebrate your achievements.

A late night may be had by all, we suspect!

Day 11 – Bon Voyage to Kilimanjaro

After breakfast we catch a shuttle for transfer to Nairobi airport to catch our flight back to the UK.

Day 12 – Arrive UK

We will arrive back into London in the early morning. There we saying our goodbyes to each other – but not before we all exchange contact details so we can arrange for a Kilimanjaro re-union.

Remember – Go 'pole pole' (slowly, slowly) up the mountain – this is the surest way to successfully reach the top!

Please note that while we make every effort to stick to this schedule and the accommodation stated, this is subject to alteration.

This wonderful challenge aims to attract people with a reasonable level of fitness to participate in an exciting and memorable event. This experience will physically and mentally test you. It will give you a tremendous sense of achievement and at the same time benefit those people whose lives are affected by epilepsy.

The challenge requires a minimum sponsorship of £2,950, £1,551 of which goes directly to Epilepsy Action. There is also a registration fee of £399 and an insurance fee of £45. If you would rather pay the registration fee in installments please call the fundraising department.

Three-quarters of the minimum sponsorship money is to be paid to Epilepsy Action 12 weeks before departure. The remaining quarter is due on return.

If you would like more information about this event please contact our fundraising department:

• by telephone on 0113 210 8800 (UK) or +44 (0)113 210 8800 (international), or

• by email to funding@epilepsy.org.uk

Organised by Global Adventures Challenges (ATOL 6506)

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