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.

ITINERARY

Arrival in Tanzania – drive to Moshi.

You will be met on time of your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport by our transferring driver who will you will welcome and escort you to the waiting vehicle then drive to The Hotel in Moshi for the rest of the day your trek will start the next day morning. The rest of the day will be spent at the pool relaxing at the hotel or explore the town of Moshi. Your mountain guide will meet you in the evening for briefing on the next morning trek.

Day 1

Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp

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

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours                                                           

Habitat: Montane Forest                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Day 2

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp                                                                                                                                    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.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinne

Meals: Lunch and Dinner                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Day 3

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

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.

Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Day 4

 Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

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.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Day 5 

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Climbing Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinne                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Day 6

 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. 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.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft

Distance: 4km/2mi

Climbing Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinne                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Day 7

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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 you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft

Down to 3090m/10,150ft

Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Day 8

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel 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).

Vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest

Meals: Breakfas

  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