It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low traffic, beautiful scenery, and a high summit success rate.The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. An added bonus is that climbers will encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco, and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. Descent is made via the Mweka route. Lemosho is considered the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro, and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain It can either be used in combination with the Western Breach Route or with the Kibo South Circuit ascending via Barafu Camp. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephant and other wildlife.
The minimum duration for the Lemosho route is 6 days, however, we strongly recommend hiking the route in 7 – 9 days. The additional of days will give your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the effects of altitude sickness and give you more time to rest before attempting the summit.
Itinerary
LEMOSHO ROUTE 7 DAYS
Trekking is done Professionally & Responsibly
Description
It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low traffic, beautiful scenery, and a high summit success rate.The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. An added bonus is that climbers will encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco, and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. Descent is made via the Mweka route. Lemosho is considered the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro, and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain It can either be used in combination with the Western Breach Route or with the Kibo South Circuit ascending via Barafu Camp. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephant and other wildlife.
The minimum duration for the Lemosho route is 6 days, however, we strongly recommend hiking the route in 7 – 9 days. The additional of days will give your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the effects of altitude sickness and give you more time to rest before attempting the summit.
Itinerary
Arrival: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorosi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. After the registration process, you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite. Look out for monkeys and interesting birds along the way. The tents will be already set up and hot tea and washing water will be waiting.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge past the Shira 1 camp and on to the Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Today you will cover a lot of ground as you trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. We will trek through Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds as we head towards our destination which is Shira 2. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude as we head towards Shira 1 and parts of the route are fairly steep. As you proceed towards Shira 2 you will get the chance to view the Northern Icefields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 16km/10mi
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up to the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. This will be a shorter day of hiking to allow for acclimatization. You will begin to ascend the Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys – but don’t worry, it is easier than it looks! From the top of the wall, you will then cross a series of hills and valleys before descending into Karanga Valley. After one more steep climb, you’ll reach Karanga Camp where you will relax for the afternoon before dinner and an overnight rest.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11 pm and 12 pm to start the climb to the summit.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
. Wake up very early to have a quick bite to eat and something warm to drink before setting out in darkness. The hike to Stella Point is a very slow steep walk on volcanic scree for about 5-6 hours. The headlamps on the trail towards the summit almost look like fireflies flying in a long row. As you approach the crater rim you will enjoy the most memorable sunrise you may ever experience – the sunrise over Africa! Often you see the curving of the earth at this high altitude and the sunrise on the horizon just accentuates it. Keep your camera ready at all times as there are plenty of photo opportunities along the summit. Once you reach Stella Point on top of the crater rim Uhuru Peak is in sight. Hike along fairly flat terrain for about 40-45 min to reach Uhuru Peak. Spend a few minutes at the top and get that photo of you next to the sign marking the summit – definitely one for your collection. From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
Enjoy a slow hike through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. It is not a rare sight to spot Black and White Colobus Monkeys in the trees as well as Blue Monkeys. Take time to enjoy the lush vegetation with the Old Man’s Beard (tree moss) growing on the giant trees as well as some Giant Ferns towering high over the forest bed. The path has many steps leading you down to Mweka Gate where you may find a cold beer or soft-drink to start celebrating your assault of Kilimanjaro. at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha (about 30 to 60 minutes).
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Included
Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
18% VAT on tour fees & services2 nights of accommodation
Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
Park entry fees,
Camping fees
Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees & services
3 Season mountain tents
Double layered Sleeping Mats (4-inch thick)
Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
Camping equipment (alpine tents, enclosed mess tents, sleeping mats, camping chairs, tables, cutlery and crockery
3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
Hot water for washing
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA)
Government taxes
Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
Emergency first-aid kit
Kilimanjaro certificate issued by Kilimanjaro National Park post-hike (if you reach Stella Point/Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak).
Excluded
All items of a personal nature
Travel insurance
Tips for guides and porters
Personal mountain equipment
Lunches, dinners, drinks at your hotel in Moshi.
All items of a personal nature and any service not specified.
Accommodation as per the Itinerary
Transportation as per the itinerary.