Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climbing – 8 Days
Overview
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and least crowded routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering climbers a stunning experience of the majestic mountain. This 8-day itinerary provides plenty of time for acclimatization, significantly increasing the success rate for reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Beginning on the western side of Kilimanjaro, it crosses the beautiful Shira Plateau before merging with the Machame Route and taking climbers through a variety of breathtaking landscapes.
Itinerary
Includes
Excludes
Important Information
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
- Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
- A comprehensive pre-climb briefing will be conducted by your mountain guide, covering all aspects of the climb, safety, and gear checks.
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi to Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Elevation: 2,100m to 2,750m (6,890ft to 9,020ft)
- Hiking Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- After breakfast, we depart Moshi and drive to Londorossi Gate, where you will complete registration. From there, a short drive leads to the Lemosho trailhead.
- The first day’s hike is through dense rainforest, rich in flora and fauna, arriving at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 2,750m to 3,500m (9,020ft to 11,485ft)
- Hiking Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail steadily climbs through moorland, heading towards the Shira Plateau. We arrive at Shira 1 Camp, with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m (11,485ft to 12,630ft)
- Hiking Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- A relatively short day of trekking across the Shira Plateau with beautiful panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The hike offers ample time for acclimatization before reaching Shira 2 Camp.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 3,850m to 4,640m (12,630ft to 15,090ft) then down to 3,960m (12,990ft)
- Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Today is critical for acclimatization. The trek ascends to Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation at 4,640m, before descending to Barranco Camp. This process of “climb high, sleep low” greatly helps with acclimatization. The day ends at the scenic Barranco Camp, situated beneath the Great Barranco Wall.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m (12,990ft to 13,235ft)
- Hiking Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- A challenging but rewarding day as you conquer the Great Barranco Wall. The trail leads to Karanga Camp, offering impressive views of the mountain.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m (13,235ft to 15,090ft)
- Hiking Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Today is a shorter but steeper hike to Barafu Camp. You will have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the summit attempt, which starts just after midnight.
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (15,090ft to 19,341ft) then down to 3,100m (10,170ft)
- Hiking Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 11-14 hours
- Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
- The most demanding and rewarding day of the climb. Around midnight, we begin the final ascent to the summit. Trekking through the night, we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, just in time for the sunrise.
- After taking in the spectacular views from the Roof of Africa, we descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Drive back to Moshi
- Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m (10,170ft to 5,380ft)
- Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- After breakfast, the final leg of the trek descends through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Upon completion, you will be awarded your Kilimanjaro certificate, marking your achievement.
- From Mweka Gate, we drive back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
Day 10: Departure
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight or continue with optional safari packages or Zanzibar beach extensions.
Includes
- Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodation in Moshi.
- Transport from Moshi to the starting point and return to Moshi.
- All Kilimanjaro park fees and government taxes.
- Experienced, professional mountain guides, porters, and cook.
- Three nutritious meals per day on the mountain.
- Drinking water, tea, and coffee on the mountain.
- Tents and sleeping mats.
- Emergency oxygen supplies and first-aid kit.
- Salaries for the crew as per the fair wages system.
Excludes
- International flights.
- Visa fees.
- Tips for the crew (guides, porters, cook).
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, beverages).
- Personal climbing gear (available for rent).
Important Information
- Best Time to Climb: The Lemosho Route can be attempted year-round, but the best months for climbing are from January to mid-March and from June to October, when the weather is typically dry and favorable.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult. The Lemosho Route requires good physical fitness.
- Success Rate: Due to its longer duration, the Lemosho Route boasts one of the highest success rates, giving climbers a better chance of reaching the summit