8 Days Lemosho Route

Lemosho route is the most dramatic and beautiful route up to Kilimanjaro. It is the most remote and getting popularity now days which traverse some of Kilimanjaro most striking and least traveled landscapes, including the base of Kibo Peak’s and dramatic south-facing glaciers. This route has added benefits of trekking across the Shira Plateau a World Heritage Site trekking 180 degrees around Kilimanjaro and also this route allowed plenty of time to acclimatize to the high altitude and this is the key to your safety, comfort, enjoyment and success while trekking mountain Kilimanjaro. Lemosho route can be climb for 6 days, 7 days and 8 days, we strongly recommend 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route for more time of acclimatization and get use to the altitude before summit.

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft Distance: 6 km 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.

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft Distance: 8 km 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.

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft Distance: 11 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Heath 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.

Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft Distance: 3 km 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.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft Distance: 5 km 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 more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft Distance: 4 km 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.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft Distance: 12 km Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Rain Forest 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. 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.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest Today after breakfast you will meet your Kilimanjaro crew for group pictures and Kilimanjaro songs afterward we will start descending down via rain forest about 3-4 hours to cover the distance of 10km, Also if you will be lucky we can see blue monkeys, black and white Colobus monkeys and other wildlife. At Mweka gate we will sign out in Kilimanjaro national park log book and our guide will collect certificate for those manage successful summit then drive to your hotel in Moshi for hot shower and Kilimanjaro beer.