8-Day Lemosho Route
Overview
Lemosho route is approximately 76 kilometers trail that transverses through Londorosi gate from West Kilimanjaro. Walking on the dense forest that is still rich with wildlife especially forest birds and some blue Colobus monkeys at the First Camp. This is newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro that begins from the west and intersects with Shira Plateau as Machame. The route crosses it from Shira Ridge as it continues to Shira camp. From the first day of start the climb the traffic of tourist is low but as you start to hike from day two, will start to increase and from Day 3 the traffic is high due to many hikers’ starts from Shira camps to the next one, Mti Mkubwa that locally means Big Tree.
The route continues to the South through Baranko and proceeds to the East part where Barafu is the highest Camp, via Karanga Valley.
Tour Highlights:
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and successful routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its gradual ascent, beautiful landscapes, and excellent acclimatization profile, it offers climbers an unforgettable journey across some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular terrain.
- Lemosho Glades
The adventure begins in the lush rainforest of the Lemosho Glades, where trekkers walk beneath towering trees and dense vegetation. This area is rich in wildlife and birdlife, providing opportunities to spot monkeys, colourful birds, and a variety of exotic plants as you start your climb.
- Shira Plateau
The trail gradually ascends to the expansive Shira Plateau, a vast high-altitude volcanic plateau. Here, climbers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and spectacular sights of Kilimanjaro’s towering peaks and distant horizons.
- Barranco Wall
One of the most exciting highlights of the route is the famous Barranco Wall. This dramatic rock face offers a thrilling scramble that challenges climbers while rewarding them with incredible views across Barranco Valley and the mountain’s rugged terrain.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Moshi
At Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam International Airport, and meet with our representative, load your entire luggage, belongings into van for transfer to the hotel or residential home for Overnight.
Day 2: Londorosi Park Gate to Mti Mkubwa
When you wake up, breakfast will be served before you drive from the hotel to the Londorosi Park Gate at elevation of 7’300 ft (2,225 Mtr). The drive will take approx. 4 to 5 hours with stops on the way. After registration at the gate, you will start your hike to the First Camp, Big Tree, “Mti Mkubwa” campsite. The drive through the Shira plateau is one of the best opportunities to see big game on Kilimanjaro. At approximately 11’000ft elevation you will stop for lunch break. Then continue hiking and you will arrive at the campsite around, set up camp, and eat dinner early in the evening. Arriving at the Camp it depends on the weather in this Route. Between April to June and December to Feb can be rainy and mud on the hiking paths so can make you delay arriving at the Camp. Some climbers arrive at Big Tree, “Mti Mkubwa” campsite around 07:30pm to 08:45pm. But if weather is good and dry you will arrive early at around 06:30pm 0r latest 07:00pm. You will have Dinner and overnight at Big Tree, “Mti Mkubwa” campsite.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1
On this day you will need to wake up at around 06:30am get prepared and after breakfast, breaks the camp, and begins the hike at around 08:00am from Big Tree “Mti Mkubwa” camp to Shira 1 campsite, elevation of 12’500ft (3,840 m). This usually takes approximately 3 to 4 hours day hike. This camp requires adequate acclimatization when needed to have an extra night at the Camp. The west part face of Kibo volcano, usually referred to as Kilimanjaro, looms above the campsite. Have lunch, set up camp, rest or take a day hike, and eat dinner during early evening. This hike traverses the lower moorland where large shrubs and wildflowers dominate 5 the landscape. You will have Diner and Briefing by your Guide for the next day. After Dinner and briefing you will overnight at Shira Campsite.
Day 4: Shira Camp, Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Shira Camp (12,500) to Lava Tower (15,190 ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960 ft) 15 km, 7 hours Semi-Desert:
Wake up at 06:30am, start preparing gears and get ready for breakfast at 07:00am. This day is very sensitive day; you will hike east up a steepening path above the highest vegetation toward Kilimanjaro looming mass. After several hours, you walk through a rocky landscape to reach the prominent landmark called Lava Tower at 4,630 m/15,190 ft. This chunky remnant of Kilimanjaro earlier volcanic activity is several hundred feet high, and the trail passes right below it. For extra credit, the sure-footed can scramble to the top of the tower. After a lunch stop near Lava Tower, descend for 2 hours below the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall to Barranco Camp at 3,950 m/12,960 ft. There are numerous photo opportunities on this hike, especially if the walls are festooned with ice. Barranco Camp is in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Walls, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for your dinner. On this day, be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness. You will have dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,960 ft) to Barafu Camp
After spending a night under the imposing Great Barranco Wall, you climb this awesome obstacle, which turns out to be easier than it looks. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you can now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley and goes over intervening ridges and valleys to join the Mweka Route, which will be your descent route. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. For now, all eyes are still on the summit, so turn left and hike up the ridge for another hour to Barafu Hut. The last water on the route is in the Karanga Valley; there is no water at Barafu Camp, even though Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice.” The famous snows of Kilimanjaro are far above Barafu Camp near the summit of the mountain. You will rise around 10:30 PM, and after some steaming tea and biscuits, you shuffle off into the night. You will start the summit hike walk at around 11:00pm from Baranko Camp to the top, Summit.
Day 6: Uhuru Peak, to Mweka Camp
UHURU Peak, (Summit Day!) Ascend via high camp, Barafu (4,550 m/14,930 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft.) and after few minutes’ starts descending to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft) it takes, 7-8 hours down Scree and seasonal snow.
Your 6-hour climb northwest up through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. You will reach Stella Point (5,685 m) at around 05:30am and you will stop for a short rest and a chance to see a supremely sanguine sunrise. At Stella Point you join the junction, the top part of the Marangu Route. Depending on the season and recent storms, you may encounter snow on your remaining hike along the rim to Uhuru Peak. On the summit, you can enjoy your accomplishment and know that you are creating a day that you will remember for the rest of your life. Dinner, and washing water will be prepared, and the camp office sells drinking water, soft drinks, and chocolates! After Dinner you will overnight at Mweka Camp.
🥗Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (1,980 m) to Moshi (890 m) 15 km, 3 hours Forest:
After a well-deserved breakfast, it is a short, scenic, 3-hours hike back to the park gate. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Some climbers like to get their Certificates at the Hotel or where they will be staying and have a celebration lunch or Dinner and drinks with your crew, Porters and Guides and get Certificates with photos of a Give presenting the Certificates to each member of the Group for Good Memory after accomplishing the DREAM. Climbers who reached Uhuru Peak will receive Certificate of congratulations. From Mweka Gate, you will continue down to Mweka Village, and can be possibly with muddy, its 3 km, 1 hour descending due to muddy road, which sometimes park vehicles go through during rescue activities. In the Mweka Village you will be served with a delicious hot lunch and after that then transferred to Moshi or Arusha town for an overdue hot shower and comfortable night in a Hotel/Lodge.
Day 8: Departure
Moshi / Arusha: Depart for safari to Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire or other Parks in Southern part of Tanzania like Selous /Nyerere Park and other historic attractions like Bagamoyo, Kilwa ruins and Zanzibar. A trip to Zanzibar beaches is a good way to recuperate. We can arrange as many for reasonably priced trips around East Africa.
INCLUDED
- √ One night at the Hotel before starting the climb.
- √ One night with dinner at the hotel after finishing the climb.
- √ Entry Fees at the Mountain Kilimanjaro National Park.
- √ Rescue Fees, Guides, Porters and Cooks Fees.
- √ Mountain Staff/Crew salaries and allowances.
- √ All meals on the mountain, Breakfast, Lunch, evening refreshments and dinner.
- √ Drinking water will be provided during the climb.
- √ Oxygen cylinder, Ox-meters and Special daily check-up care while on the mountain.
- √ Mountain Gears, Sleeping Tents, Dinning Tents, sleeping form mattress are provided.
- √ Pick up and drop off to and from hotel to starting point for climbing the mountain.
- √ Pick up transfer after descending from mountain and transfer back to Hotel.
- √ Government Taxes, Office Agent fees, Operational costs.
- √ Airports pick up and drop off transfers.
EXCLUDED
- Χ Gratuities / Tips, Extra service Laundry.
- Χ Other personal care like massage (Can be offered as special Service after Kilimanjaro Climb)
- Χ Alcohol, International flights tickets, but can be booked on request.
- Χ Domestic flight tickets i.e, Flight to Zanzibar, Mafia Island, or to Parks like Serengeti, Selous, Ruaha and Gombe within Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda or to Amboseli Park in Kenya (Can be booked on requests)
- Χ Medical services in case of sickness or you will need to get Insurance cover from your country.
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