8 Days – Kilimanjaro climbing Lemosho route

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Tour Description

The Lemosho route is traditionally one of the quieter and lesser-known routes on the mountain. It’s also the newest and probably the most diverse in terms of the ecological systems and landscapes it passes through.

The first two days of this route take you through lush rainforest before you emerge into heath and moorland then join the Machame Route on the third day.

This narrow trail, which begins on the Western side of Kilimanjaro mountain, has some very steep and undulating sections. Hikers overnight in tents.

Itinerary - Day by Day

  • Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania

    You will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your accommodations in Arusha town. During the short drive (approximately one hour) your driver/guide will brief you on your African Safari. Today you will spend your time at your leisure and relax for your upcoming exciting adventure.
    Accommodation Masailand Hotel, bed and breakfast

  • Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp

    After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 2.5-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

    -- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
    -- Distance: 6km/4mi
    -- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
    -- Habitat: Montane Forest

    Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
    Budget Accommodations: Mti Mkubwa Camp

  • Day 2: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 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 then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

    -- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
    -- Distance: 8km/5mi
    -- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
    -- Habitat: Moorland

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Budget Accommodations: Shira 1 Camp

  • Day 3: Hike Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

    After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatisation day.

    -- Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
    -- Distance: 8km/5mi
    -- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
    -- Habitat: Moorland

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Budget Accommodations: Shira 2 Camp

  • Day 4: Hike 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" (elev 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 acclimatisation 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 included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp

  • Day 5: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

    After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

    -- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
    -- Distance: 5km/3mi
    -- Hiking Time: 34 hours
    -- Habitat: Alpine Desert

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Budget Accommodations: Karanga Valley Camp

  • Day 6: Hike 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.

    -- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
    -- Distance: 4km/2mi
    -- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
    -- Habitat: Alpine Desert

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp

  • Day 7: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

    Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit.

    Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

    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 included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp

  • Day 8: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha

    After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Don't forget to tip your guides and porters.

    -- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
    -- Distance: 10km/6mi
    -- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
    -- Habitat: Forest

    Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Request a free quote for this Safari

INCLUSIVE TO THE PRICE COST:
– All accommodations per itinerary
– All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
– All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
– All transportation and transfers per itinerary
– National Park gate fees
– Transport from Moshi to trailhead and return to Moshi
– Camping fees
– Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
– Salaries for all crew members
– Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
– Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
– Oximeters
– Emergency Oxygen (2L canister)

EXCLUSIVE TO THE PRICE COST:
– International and domestic flights
– Meals not listed
– Beverages and alcohol
– Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
– Optional tours
– Single room supplement
– Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
– Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $400-550/person)
– Sleeping bags and personal gear $45 for a single tent
– Low season discount in April/May