Best trip so far, did Mt. Rainier in 2019 for a quick up and back, four days total. This was a six day trip and was fantastic. Lots of adventure and great sights and food.
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The initial descent was fine with still views of Kilimanjaro and Mawenzi, but prior to reaching Millennium Camp the trail turns essentially into a rocky riverbed and continues as such until Meeks camp which is a long stretch and frankly not enjoyable. Tourists only use this one for descent, but the porters go both ways for supplies. The camp itself is nice and lush.
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Amazing, yet such a tough hike to the roof of Africa. The hiking starts at midnight to make it to Uhuru peak by sunrise. You will be challenged right away by a steep rocky, part climbing that leads to a plateau where Kosovo camp is located. This steep portion on its own will take the first 45 minutes. Kosovo camp needs special reservation, but is probably worthwhile as you save yourself some time for summiting day and this is better to do on day #6 ‘cause the hike up from Karanga to base camp is overall an easier one of all the Lemosho route trails.
After passing Kosovo camp which is relatively flat walkthrough, you will enter the next steep and very long piece of lava rock boulders, lava smaller gravel areas and parts small gravel to grinded down to sand areas. It feels as if there is an endless amount of switchbacks due to the steep terrain. Many hikers get stuck here for many breaks and slowdowns are common that you “get stuck” behind a large or slow hiking group. Due to the temperature I would recommend to take only short drinking breaks as you otherwise cool out fast.
Did I mention the temperature? Yes, it’s cold. We were wearing 6 layers upper and three lower, double socks and literally thick ski gloves and barclava. Per our guide temp is usually between -5 to -10 Celsius and the wind makes ist ultimately worse. It will take you depending on your individual speed about 5 to 7 hours to reach the peak. We did it in 5.30 and I felt there was little to no energy left (I’m pretty fit, run half marathons and run most days of the week). By time you reach Stella point you have basically made it. From there it’s a drawn out hike with only small, non-steep ascent to the peak. Seeing the sunset up there is breathtaking and with the sun it starts to warm up, but you should not stay more than 20-30 min up there considering the extreme altitude at 5895 meters (19341 ft).
The descent is parallel to the switchback trails over mostly small gravel fields that on many areas you can sort of slide down and makes for a speedy descent.
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While the ascent is close to 2000 ft (600m), it is easier then the hike from Barranco to Karanga (day #5) or from big tree to Shira 1 camp (day #2). It is also the second shortest. We made it in 2:30hrs as you see (but I kept recording our meandering in the camp until we got to our own tent). Todays hike is not technically challenging, but continuously uphill except for a portion prior to the ascent to the camp. The camp is in a very rocky and steep area stretched out on the mountain side. There is the option (special permit required) to stay at the Kosovo camp which lets you already do the particularly steep and rocky beginning piece that comes after base camp on summit day. There are very few spots though on Kosovo camp and booking in advance needed (and on toilet required).
Several good views of Mt. Meru until the first big ridge is crossed and the you are to far southeast of Kilimanjaro to still see Meru in the west.
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The hike starts right of the camp with more so climbing than hiking the Barranco wall. This are is very steep and is a bottleneck. All different routes come together at Barranco and leave in early am , making it very busy. On many spots one has to “hug” the rocks to be safe.
There are three ridges on this trail one has to climb up. The last one is right before Karanga camp and steep. Relatively short hike at just under 5km, but nevertheless hard. Beautiful views of both Kilimanjaro and the cloud cover below which looks unreal. At many spots Mt.Meru peaks through the clouds to the west and there is a fabulous view on it from Karanga
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This phase of the Kilimanjaro climb has two phases. First all steady ascent from Shira 2 to Lava tower temp camp. The hike is difficult due to varying degrees of this lengthy ascent, loose rocks and gravel, winds and steady sun. You are rewarded by great views all around and get very close to Kilimanjaro base at lava tower which is equally unique as impressive. Most hikers take lunch here before descending to Barranco camp.
The descent is also rocky and along a creek in parts towards the lower end lined with beautiful peculiar cactus/ palm like trees that reminded me of Joshua trees in Southern California and Arizona.
Overall after day #2 hike probably the most taxing hike beside summit.
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Pretty as going through the forest and moving into higher altitude to brush lands and more sun exposure. This portion has several ups and down through hills of which the hill are fairly steep. The viewpoint on this trail is about halfway and on a piece of uphill trail that the Tanzanians call “elephant back” since it’s so bumpy. The elevation gain is modest, but the constant meandering through the rocks, gravel, roots and the significant length of this portion makes it difficult. One on top you are basically done and slowly descend to Shira 1 camp and Mt.Kilimanjaro comes into sight first time. Breathtaking!
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