8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

$2000 per person

The most beautiful route on Mount Kilimanjaro

The 8 day Lemosho Route is better altitude acclimatization schedule. The Lemosho route is widely considered to be the best route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Not too long ago, there were only two main routes used to climb Kilimanjaro – the Marangu (Coca Cola) route and the Machame (Whiskey) route. But as Tanzania’s tourism industry flourished, the Kilimanjaro park authority created more trails to African’s highest peak.

Lemosho, a relatively new route, is preferred by reputable operators due to its beauty, remoteness and success rate. In short, it maximizes the chances that a climber will reach the summit, and enjoy the experience overall.

The 8 day Lemosho route Overviews.

The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is the best ascent route but this offers the complete Kilimanjaro experience, more acclimatization time, more culture, more spectacular scenery and even a night in Kibo crater/caldera. Note: this itinerary ascends via Stella Point and NOT the Western Breach and is for that reason considered to be a safer route.

Description

Starting on the Western side of Kilimanjaro this ascent covers all of the most spectacular areas of Kilimanjaro. The trip is fully supported with spacious guest tents, mattress and pillow as well as a mess tent with lightweight tables and chairs and all cutlery. Our trips also include a toilet tent in camp and most importantly knowledgeable professional guides that go through bi annual training. Our logistics team at our base monitors your trip from start to finish.

Highlights

THE MOST SCENIC KILIMANJARO ROUTE! Lemosho ascent of Kilimanjaro, afro-montane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys and alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa

What to bring:

Clothes.
A warm sweater as the nights can be chilly at high altitudes.
Comfortable shoes.

8 Days

Kilimanjaro

Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

Depart Arusha/Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which will take about 4 hours. Then we will drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we will have lunch and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite, Forest camp Know as (Big tree Camp). Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft Distance: 6 km Hiking Time:3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest Full board at Forest camp Know as {Big tree Camp}.

Forest Camp to Shira One Camp

After your breakfast, we will continue on the trail leading out of the forest up into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we climb up through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we will reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. Dinner and overnight at Shira One Camp.

Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut

Today is the gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland. Stay at Shira 2 camp or 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. Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft. Distance: 14 km. Hiking Time: 5-7 hours. Habitat: Moorland. Full Board at Shira 2 camp.

Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Or Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco

Soon after our breakfast, will start a walk, our direction will change to the South East towards the Lava Tower. Our direction will change to a place 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. You will have a rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft. Distance: 7 km. Hiking Time: 4-6 hours. Habitat: Semi Desert. Full Board at Shira 2 or Moir Hut camp.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After your breakfast, will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day and it is meant for giving your body more acclimatization time. Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft. Distance: 5km. Hiking Time: 4-5 hours. Habitat: Alpine Desert. Full Board at Karanga Camp.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, 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. Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft Distance: 4 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Full Board at Barafu Hut Camp.

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

At midnight to 1200am, 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 Kilimanjaro trekking. 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 the 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. Celebrate, take pictures, and make memories before descent straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, we will stop at Barafu for lunch. You may need 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. 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. Full Board at Mweka hut Camp.

Mweka Camp to Moshi

After breakfast, we will continue with our descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. Our vehicles will be waiting for you at the Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft. Distance: 10 km. Hiking Time: 3-4 hours. Habitat: Rain Forest. Half Board.

Transport
Ranger /guide
Porters
Park fees
Hut fees
Rescue fees
cook
Meals, Tea and coffee

Tips
Drinks
Climbing gear
sleeping bags
all items of personal nature.

8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route