LEMOSHO ROUTE

The Lemosho route is a popular and scenic trail for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It is known for its stunning views and diverse terrain, which makes it a perfect choice for climbers who are looking for an adventure. The Lemosho route is also one of the longer trails, typically taking around eight to nine days to complete, which allows for better acclimatization to the high altitude.

The trail begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro, where climbers trek through lush rainforests and encounter a variety of wildlife, such as monkeys and elephants. As the trail ascends, the vegetation changes to heath and moorlands, eventually leading to the alpine desert and the rocky terrain of the summit.

The Lemosho route is considered one of the most beautiful trails on Kilimanjaro due to its panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Climbers on this route also have the option of taking a detour to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a stunning peak that offers a unique perspective of the mountain.

While the Lemosho route is not the most challenging trail on Kilimanjaro, it requires a good level of fitness and endurance due to its length and altitude. It is important that climbers take the necessary precautions to prevent altitude sickness, such as drinking plenty of water and taking rest days to acclimatize.

Overall, the Lemosho route is an excellent choice for climbers who want to experience the beauty and diversity of Kilimanjaro while also having the best chance for a successful ascent.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: LONDROSSI GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP: 4.8KM /3MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST.

Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
Altitude gained: 396m

Departing from Moshi town or the airport, it is a 2 hours’ drive which will take you through the welcoming mountain side villages west of Kilimanjaro to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA I CAMP: 17KM/5MI | 6-8HRS | MOORLAND.

Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3895m/12,779ft
Altitude gained: 1110m

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.

DAY 3: SHIRA 2 CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.1KM/6MI | 5-7HRS | SEMI-DESERT

Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 91m

Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5.2KM/3MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,253ft
Altitude gained: 48m

After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

DAY 5: HIKE KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 3.3KM /2 MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Elevation: 4034m/13,253ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m

We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 5KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 11.5KM /8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT.

Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3090m/10,150ft
Altitude lost: 2789m

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1KM/5.7MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST.

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.

From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes) or the airport if planned.

INCLUSIVES.

  • Transfer
  • Accommodations (6 nights camping)
  • All meals during the tour
  • Mineral water, coffee, tea, cocoa, milk,
  • All camping and dining equipments
  • Park fees
  • Guiding fees
  • Emergency fees

 EXCLUSIVES.

  • Airfare
  • Breweries
  • Optional activities
  • Optional treatments
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities for safari guide and camp staff
  • Travel insurance