LEMOSHO ROUTE  8 DAYS

The Lemosho route is one of our preferred routes due to its low traffic, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. The Lemosho route starts off from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the lush rainforest to Shira Plateau. We recommend a minimum of 7 days to attempt this route but 8 days is preferable for better acclimatization and summit success. The Lemosho route joins the Machame route at Shira 2 Camp and then follows the same route through the southern circuit and descending at Mweka Gate.
 The Lemosho Route starts off on the western flank of Kilimanjaro, offering spectacular views of Mt Meru and the plains of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. Your first day takes you through a dense rainforest, that gradually thins out with each upward step and by day two you can already see the summit of Kilimanjaro, glistening in the distance. On the third day, the route joins the Machame Route and a long, but rewarding, road lies ahead until you reach the summit. The extra day on this 8 day trek gives you the opportunity to better acclimatise, thus increasing your chances of reaching the summit.

ITINERARY

Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Moshi

You will be meet on time of your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport by our transferring driver who will welcome you and escort you to the waiting vehicle then drive to the Keys Hotel in Moshi for the rest of the day/evening.

 

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Day 1 

Landorossi Park Gate 1830 meter to Mti Mkubwa Camp 2650 meter

After breakfast and briefing at the hotel, drive towards Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From there a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

 

Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

           

Day 2 

Mti Mkubwa Camp 2650 meter to Shira 1 Camp 3500 meter

 After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

Day 3 

Shira 1 Camp 3500 meter to Shira 2 Camp 3845 meter

After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.

Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Day 4

Shira 2 Camp 3845 meter to Lava Tower 4640 meter to Barranco Camp 3960 meter                              

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” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board 

 

 

Day 5 

Barranco Camp 3960 meter to Karanga Camp 4035 meter

Today the Barranco Wall stands before you to conquer. Some stages will require you to use your hands for a better grip, but no actual climbing is necessary and your guide will be with you every step of the way to provide a helping hand. The route with its numerous ascents and descents allow you a chance for further acclimatization, before reaching the mountain ridge. Walking along the ridge you can take in the beautiful landscape with its stunning contrasts of desert and vegetation, before finally reaching the cloudy Karanga Camp. Your trek will take between 3 to 4 hours, leaving more than enough time to rest and enjoying the beautiful landscape.

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board          

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Day 6 

Karanga Camp 4035 meter to Barafu Camp 4,640 meter

Awakening to the sunlight dancing off the Kibo Summit, you will enjoy an energetic breakfast before setting out to today’s destination – the Barafu Camp. Most of the day will be spent walking through very dry deserted terrain, with Kibo ever present on your left side. After 3-4 hours you will reach Barafu Camp, where you will have an early dinner and overnight as the highlight of your trip is only a few short hours away

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Day 7

Barafu Camp 4,640 meter to Uhuru Peak 5,895 meter to Mweka Camp 3,080 meter

At around midnight you will be waken up by your guide with a warm cup of tea and biscuits to get you ready for your final ascent. The moon and your headlamps will be your only source of light as you make your way up to Stella Point, reaching the crater rim in about 5 – 7 hours. Another 1 – 2 hours will take you to Uhuru Peak 5,895 meter, where you can enjoy the sun rising over the African Landscape, casting a pink hue over the snowy peak and making the glaciers sparkle like diamonds around you. After capturing this incredible view and achievement on film, you will start your descent along the same route back to Barafu Camp, where your team awaits you with some snacks and refreshments. Rested and relaxed you will make your way to Mweka Camp for your last night on the highest mountain on African continent.

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 8 

Mweka Camp 3,080 meter to Mweka Gate 1,630 meter to Moshi

A delicious breakfast is followed by a traditional farewell ceremony from your mountain crew, before you start your final stretch down the mountain. You will once more trek through the rainforest, giving you another opportunity to spot the cheeky colobus monkeys, finally reaching the Mweka Gate in about 2 – 3 hours. You will be meet at the gate and taken back to the Hotel in Moshi for a long shower and relaxed day at the pool. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at leisure and giving yourself a pat on the back for conquering the famous Kilimanjaro.

Meal: Breakfast & Lunch

  WHAT IS INCLUDED

  • Two nights accommodation at the Hotel in Moshi double (before and after the climb)

  • First night includes breakfastLast night includes dinner & breakfast

  • Qualified guides with mountain crew

  • National park fees

  • Hut/camping fees and tents

  • Tents foam sleeping pads, Cooking equipment, and ( Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils.

  • Rescue fees (required by the National Park)

  • Pulse oximeters 

  • First aid kit

  • Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries

  • Boiled water on the mountain

  • Airport transfers (JRO - Kilimanjaro International Airports)

  • All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

  • Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain.

  WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips

  • Meals and drinks not specified

  • Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)

  • Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent. 

  • Car Supplement USD$145 per car for clients who go through Lemosho/Rongai/Shira Routes

  • Items of personal nature ( expenses)

  • Emergency Oxygen

  • Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included

  •  Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit).

  • Visa fees & travel insurance.

  • Flight tickets