Kilimanjaro Trekking
Lemosho Route
Overview
The Lemosho Route approaches the mountain from the west, similar to the Shira Route and the recently introduced Northern Circuit Route. The journey begins at Londorossi Gate, leading you on a two-day hike through vibrant rainforest, succeeded by a series of undulating hills.
The remainder of the hike features typical mountain landscapes, with camps where we pitch our tents. Lemosho typically takes 7, 8, or 9 days to complete, and it connects with the Machame Route upon arrival at Barranco Camp. This route on Kilimanjaro offers the most breathtaking views and boasts the highest success rate.
Lemosho is designed for individuals capable of trekking challenging landscapes and sleeping in small tents for multiple days, as well as for those eager to discover magnificent wilderness. Descend has arrived at the Mweka gate.
Number of Days
6 Days
Price
From $ 2350
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Tour Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Tour Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
On the first day, you will transfer from Arusha to the Lemosho Gate. The drive from Arusha will take 2-3 hours then you will drive further into the forest for about 15km where you will start your hike. Look out for monkeys and amazing bird species alond the way. When you get to the camp your tents will be already setup and hot tea/coffee.
- Elevation: 2100m to 2780m
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Experience the rich biodiversity of the rainforest
Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira Camp 1
Today we will follow the trail into the rainforest until we reach the savannah zone towards Shira Camp 1, moving through the lower moorland zone. This stage of the trek provides striking views of the Kibo volcano and a transition to more open terrain.
- Elevation: 2780m to 3500m
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Explore the lower moorland’s unique flora, including large shrubs and wildflowers
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
A gentle walk across the plateau will take us to Shira 2 where we will set camp. This is a great acclimatization day since there is a variety of walks, Shira is the highest plateau on Earth. Shira plateau traverse the high-altitude plateau with sweeping views and diverse vegetation.
- Elevation: 3500m to 3900m
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp
On today’s hike you will gain 700 m in altitude but then we will descent to sleep in Barranco -60m higher than the previous night. This will help with acclimatization as you will go up to 4600m before starting to descend again. On the way to Barranco we will pass by the iconic Lava Tower Hut where you will notice how the landscape changes to a rocky alpine desert.
- Elevation: 3900m to 4600m
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Lava Tower: Visit this iconic landmark to assist with acclimatization.
- Barranco Wall: Prepare for the scenic challenge of the Barranco Wall.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The day will begin with the challenging Barranco Wall. You will soon discover it appears worse than it truly is, yet there are challenging parts where you must grip firmly. Appreciate the scenery from above.
The remainder of the path traces the mountain ridge into the Karanga valley and beyond. After lunch, you arrive at Karanga Camp, where you will enjoy amazing views of Kibo’s southern glacier and the Kibo summit.
- Elevation: 3960m to 4035m
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Barranco Wall: Climb this challenging section with spectacular views.
- Karanga Valley: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
It will be a fairly straightforward day progressing steadily upward. Today’s objective is the Barafu campsite, situated on a slender ridge with a clear view of Mawenzi peak. You will stroll along a path that goes through the afro-alpine desert until you arrive at your goal for today – Barafu Camp at 4640m.
Utilize the remainder of the day to unwind and prepare your daypack for the summit attempt tonight. Dinner will be served soon; consume enough food and drink if possible and attempt to rest. You will be awakened at approximately midnight to begin your journey to the summit.
- Elevation: 4035m to 4640m
- Distance: 13 km
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Barafu Camp: Rest and prepare for the summit attempt.
- Scenery: Enjoy expansive views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp
It is chilly and dim as you embark just past midnight. You will ascend the icy volcanic ash with a headlamp toward Stella Point on the crater’s edge – roughly six hours. The sun is expected to be rising by the time you get here. In just an hour or two more, you’ll find yourself at the highest point of the crater: Uhuru Peak.
At the pinnacle of the world! Pause briefly for photos and joyful embraces before you face the steep and dusty decline. At this point, the volcanic ash should have melted… You will take a brief tea break at Barafu before descending for approximately three hours to Mweka camp (3080m). This will be your stop for the night. Replenish by consuming plenty of liquids and enjoy a generous portion during dinner.
- Elevation: From 4,600 m to 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak), then descend to 3,100 m
- Distance: 6 km (to Uhuru Peak) + 12 km (descent to Mweka Camp)
- Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Uhuru Peak: Reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and enjoy breathtaking views.
Descent: Experience the varied terrain as you descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to your hotel
The day begins with a traditional farewell ceremony from the porters. After approximately three hours of a pleasant descent through the lush forest, you should arrive at Mweka gate where the driver will be waiting. Returning to Stella Maris Lodge, you’ll find a warm shower, a refreshing drink. Great job!
- Elevation: Final descent.
- Distance: 10 km (to Uhuru Peak) + 12 km (descent to Mweka Camp)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
- Highlights: Final Descent: Enjoy the forested lower slopes as you complete your trek.
