Lemosho route 8 days

The Lemosho Route is one of the most beautiful and less-crowded routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, starting on the western side and crossing through lush rainforest, scenic valleys, and alpine desert. Known for its high success rate due to the longer acclimatization period, the 8-day itinerary provides a comprehensive and gradual ascent. The trail merges with the popular Machame Route on the third day, offering spectacular views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. This route is ideal for trekkers looking for a challenging yet rewarding adventure.

Tour Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Best Time to Climb: June to October, December to February

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

• Description: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. After settling in, you’ll have a trek briefing and equipment check with your guide, followed by dinner and relaxation at the hotel.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
• Meals Provided: Dinner

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Day 2: Moshi to Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp

• Elevation: 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) to 2,650 meters (8,694 feet)
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 6 km
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Description: After breakfast, drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2-3 hours). Complete registration formalities and continue to the trailhead. The hike begins in a dense rainforest, where you may spot black and white colobus monkeys swinging between trees. Arrive at Big Tree Camp in the afternoon, nestled in the lush forest.
• Accommodation: Big Tree Camp
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 3: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

• Elevation: 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) to 3,500 meters (11,483 feet)
• Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
• Distance: 8 km
• Habitat: Moorland
• Description: Leave the rainforest behind and ascend into the heather and moorland zone. The trail is steep in some sections but offers breathtaking views of the valley below. As you approach Shira 1 Camp, you’ll notice a change in vegetation and landscape, transitioning to a more arid environment. This camp is located on the western edge of the Shira Plateau.
• Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• Elevation: 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) to 3,850 meters (12,631 feet)
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 7 km
• Habitat: Moorland
• Description: Today’s hike is a gentle ascent across the Shira Plateau, providing ample opportunities to enjoy panoramic views of Mount Meru in the distance. The trail leads east, through the plateau, passing giant groundsels and lobelias unique to this zone. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the early afternoon and take a short acclimatization hike in the evening.
• Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 3,850 meters (12,631 feet) to 4,600 meters (15,091 feet) to 3,900 meters (12,795 feet)
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Distance: 10 km
• Habitat: Semi-Desert
• Description: This is a crucial acclimatization day as you hike up to Lava Tower, a prominent volcanic rock formation at 4,600 meters. The steep ascent to Lava Tower is challenging but rewarding with stunning vistas of the mountain’s slopes. After spending some time at the tower, descend to Barranco Camp via the Great Barranco Wall. This descent allows for better acclimatization as you adjust to a lower altitude.
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Elevation: 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) to 4,200 meters (13,780 feet)
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 5 km
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Description: Start the day by tackling the iconic Barranco Wall. The climb up the wall requires some scrambling, but it is manageable and does not require technical skills. Enjoy the stunning views of the Heim Glacier and the valleys below. Continue trekking through a series of ups and downs, arriving at Karanga Camp for a relaxing evening.
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) to 4,640 meters (15,223 feet)
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 4 km
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Description: A short but steep hike today takes you up to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. The trail traverses a rocky and barren landscape, offering views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit of Kibo. Upon reaching Barafu, rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit push.
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 4,640 meters (15,223 feet) to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) to 3,100 meters (10,171 feet)
• Hiking Time: 12-14 hours
• Distance: 17 km
• Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
• Description: Wake up around midnight for a hot drink and start the most challenging part of your trek. Ascend steeply up the slopes of Kibo, reaching Stella Point (5,739 meters) at sunrise. From there, it’s a gradual yet exhausting walk along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and continue down to Mweka Camp.
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp
• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Inclusions:

• Professional guides, porters, and cooks.
• All park fees and permits.
• Full board meals on the mountain.
• Tent and camping equipment.
• Hotel accommodations before and after the trek.
• Transfers to and from the gate.

Exclusions:

• International airfare.
• Tips for guides, porters, and cook.
• Personal trekking gear (available for rent).
• Personal expenses and travel insurance.