Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route
- Duration: 7 Days OR 8 Days
- Destintionations: Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route.
- Accommodation: Include one night hotel on Arrival.
Trip Overview:
Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low traffic of climbers, Lemosho is our personal first favorite for reaching the roof of Africa. After a 4-hour long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate you’ll find yourself on the western slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, from there the route will take you to the world-famous Shira Plateau. That’s where you’ll embark on your adventure through all climate zones – from alpine meadows to eternal ice. The climb is smooth and gradual, featuring the highest success rate of all routes on Kilimanjaro. Six, seven and eight-day programs are available, so you can choose depending on the amount of time at your disposal. Longer programs are always recommended over the shorter ones for better acclimatization.
6 and 7-day Lemosho programs start from a high-altitude drop-off: you’ll be transferred to the elevation of 3,500 m/ 11,500 f by an off-road vehicle and start the hike from there. This is meant to maximize acclimatization transition – the higher you start, the easier your adaptation will be.
Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport:
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by one of our guides and transfer you to the Hotel in Arusha for an overnight stay. Located below Mount Meru, the city is close to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.
- Accommodation: Arusha.
- Meals: Bed&Breakfast
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
- Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time:3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi/Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
DAY 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1
- Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, 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 dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
DAY 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
- Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
- Distance: 14 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
DAY 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
- Distance: 7 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi Desert
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.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
DAY 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
- Distance: 9km
- Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, 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. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
DAY 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
- Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
- Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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 (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi
- Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
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, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport:
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by one of our guides and transfer you to the Hotel in Arusha for an overnight stay. Located below Mount Meru, the city is close to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.
- Accommodation: Arusha.
- Meals: Bed&Breakfast
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
- Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
- Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Health
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, 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 dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
- Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft.
- Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles.
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.
- Habitat:
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower
- Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
- Distance: 7 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
- Distance: 3 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
- Distance: 4 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
- Distance: 12 km/7 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Distance: 10 km/6 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Inclutions
- 1 Nights’ accommodation at the hotel.(4-stars)
- Return transfers between the hotel to the start / finish point of a climb.
- All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping / hut fees and climbing permits.
- Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team).
- Chief guide carries a Pulse Oximeter.
- Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).
- Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).
- All mentioned activities unless labeled optional.
- Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the Climb.
- Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
- Well maintained Camping equipment’s.
- Water for washing up daily.
- Porter to carry your duffel bag, with maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs, from one camp to the next camp.
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.
Exclutions
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room.