Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is newer than the other routes, but it is already a favourite because it not only offers beautiful scenery, but the crowds are also small and there is a high summit success rate.
The Lemosho Route begins on the western flank of Kilimanjaro through the Londorossi Gate, offering spectacular views of Mount Meru and the plains of Amboseli National Park in Kenya. The route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from the west and the hike is pleasant as the path is relatively flat. Near the Lava Tower, the route joins the Machame Route. It then passes under the southern ice field of Kilimanjaro on a path known as the Southern Circuit before reaching the summit at Barafu. The descent is via the Mweka route.
Our standard Lemosho Route itinerary is 8 days and 7 nights. However, most of our departures being private, we are very flexible and can adapt the itinerary to your preferences and endurance by making it longer or shorter.
Lemosho Route is 70 kilometres in length and you will walk 5 to 7 hours per day, except on the second to last day where you will continue for 12 to 14 hours. The difference in altitude goes from + 650 meters to + 950 meters per day, except on summit day where the difference in altitude reaches 1300 meters.
Accommodation
You will be sleeping in tents in established camps throughout your entire ascension. There is no electricity in the camps so we recommend climbers to bring power banks and extra batteries. Public toilets are available at the camps, but there are no showers and no Wi-Fi.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m)
We leave Moshi early in the morning and drive to Londorossi Gate (4 hrs drive). Here we will take care of the entry formalities before continuing our journey (about 1 hour) to finally arrive at the Lemosho trailhead. Here we will have lunch before starting our ascent through virgin forest to Mti Mkubwa Camp where we will spend our first night.
DAY 2
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3610m)
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grass, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before arriving at Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
DAY 3
Shira 1 camp to Shira 2 camp then on to Moir Hut (4161 m)
Today we will explore the Shira plateau. It is a gentle walk eastwards towards the icy peak of Kibo, across the plateau to Shira 2 camp, over moorland meadows and near a stream. Then we continue on to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the foot of the Lent Hills. There is plenty of hiking available in the Lent Hills, making it an excellent acclimatisation opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on the planet.
DAY 4
Moir Hut to Lava Tower & Barranco Camp (3950 m)
From the Shira Plateau, we continue eastward up a ridge and past the junction to Kibo Peak. Continuing, we head southeast towards the lava tower, called "Shark's Tooth". Shortly after the tower, we reach the second junction which leads us to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876 meters. We then descend to the Barranco camp, at an altitude of 3950 meters. Here we rest, have dinner and spend the night. Although we end our day at almost the same altitude as in the morning, this day is very important for acclimatisation and will help your body prepare for the summit day
DAY 5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4024m)
After breakfast we leave Barranco Camp and continue up a steep ridge over the Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley Camp. This is a short day for acclimatisation purposes.
DAY 6
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4600m)
After breakfast we leave Karanga Camp and reach the junction which is connected to the Mweka Trail where we continue to Barafu Camp. Upon arrival at the camp we will have completed the southern circuit and will have seen the summit from many different angles. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this camp.
DAY 7
Barafu Camp to the summit (5895m), then down to Mweka Camp (3200m)
Today we will start climbing around midnight on the steepest and most demanding part of the mountain. This is the most difficult part of the trek, both mentally and physically. Arriving at Stella Point (5756 m) you will take a short break to admire the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see (weather permitting). From here, it's about a one to two hour trek to Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters - the summit of Kilimanjaro. The fastest hikers will be able to see the sunrise from the summit...
Once you have reached the summit, the cold and fatigue will set in quickly and you may find it difficult to get moving again. So take a little time to enjoy your victory, take in the view and don’t forget to take some pictures! After this short stop, we will start our descent towards Mweka Camp (5-hour walk). This is where we will spend our last night on Mount Kilimanjaro.
DAY 8
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
After breakfast we will descend about 1400 meters through the forest on a jungle trail for about 3-4 hours to Mweka Gate. Here you will sign the register to mark the end of your adventure; and to make your achievement official, you will receive a certificate. You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi.
Included in package
- Professional English-speaking mountain guides
- Team of porters to carry your luggage and other supplies for the group
- All park fees
- Rescue fees
- All camping equipment
- All meals prepared by an experienced cook
- Government taxes, VAT and all related service charges
- Emergency oxygen
- Transport from hotel to park gate on Day 1 and return to hotel on Day 8
- Pick-up at the airport the day before the start of your trek
Not included in package
- Flights
- Visa for entry into Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, beverages or any other items of a personal nature)
- Your personal clothing, footwear and climbing gear (warm clothing and other mountain gear can be rented in Moshi the day before your departure)
- Additional nights requested by traveller for acclimatisation purposes
- Tips for your climbing crew - Suggested amount: Guide: $25/day, Assistant Guide: $15/day, Cook: $15/day, Porters $10/day