Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
At a Glance
  • Duration8 Days
  • Difficulty Level Serious
  • Max Altitude 5300 Meter
  • Group Size 1-10 Pax
  • Starts Moshi
  • Ends Moshi

Traditionally, the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is one of the quieter and lesser-known routes on the mountain. Also Known as the newest and undoubtedly the most diverse in terms of the ecological systems and landscapes it passes through. The first two days of this route take you through the lush rainforest before you arise into heath and moorland then join the Machame Route on the third day. This narrow trail, which commences on the Western side of Kilimanjaro, has some very declivitous and oscillating sections.  Climbing through different climate zones it starts on heaths and winds further across alpine meadows to ascend to the arctic zone near Uhuru Peak. The descent, in turn, passes through the rainforest. All this adventure makes this route even more scenic on Kilimanjaro.

Lemosho Route, traversing through beautiful, lush forests and open moorlands, the trail makes way to the Shira plateau on the third day to meet up with the Machame Route at Lava Tower and descends to the Barranco Valley through the Southern Circuit. Spot some buffalo, elephants and other wildlife by chance. Enjoy this adventurous yet amazing route, which is flexible enough to be extended, grants you a better chance to reach the summit. Lemosho Route renders the lustrous acclimatization and the highest success rates of 85%, 90% and 95% for 6, 7 and 8-day tours, discretely. The total distance covered on Lemosho Route is 46 km (28.5 miles). Kilimanjaro On Foot endorses this trail for those ready to pay a bit extra for high-altitude drop-off by a vehicle.

Being one of the newer Kilimanjaro routes, Lemosho is an excellent choice for your climb. The eight-day Lemosho route is highly recommended and used by the most prominent Kilimanjaro operators. So never miss this grand opportunity to get a thrilling lifetime experience with us.

Itinerary

Show Detail ItineraryHide Detail Itinerary

    Drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Park Gate (2,250m/7,380 ft). From here you have to follow a forest track in a 4WD vehicle for 11 km/7 mi (45 minutes) to Lemosho Glades (2,000m/6,560 ft) and a possible campsite. From the Glades, walk for 3 hours along beautiful forest trails to the Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite (2,750m/9,020 ft) 18 km. Overnight at Camp.

      The trail will take you through the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grass, heather and volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards. Ascend through lush, rolling hills and cross several streams to reach the Shira Ridge. A downhill journey from the ridge will take you to Shira 1 Camp. From here we catch our first glimpse of the summit across the plateau. Overnight at Camp.

        Today, you will be heading for Shira Camp 2, this spectacular camp is located beneath Kilimanjaro's northern ice fields across the Shira Plateau. Look at the admiring views from there. Continuing with a little-used site at the base of the Lent Hills. A variety of optional walks are available in the Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Overnight at Camp.

          Enjoy breakfast early morning and then you will start up a journey by hiking east up a steep path above the highest vegetation toward Kilimanjaro’s looming mass. After several hours, you walk through a rocky landscape to reach the prominent landmark called Lava Tower at 4,630m/15,190ft. This chunky remnant of Kilimanjaro’s earlier volcanic activity is several hundred feet high, and the trail passes right below it. For extra credit, the sure-footed can scramble to the top of the tower. After a lunch stop near Lava Tower, descend for 2 hours below the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and BreachWall to Barranco Camp. 

            early wake-up, breakfast and you start conquering the Barranco Wall. We recommend you start as early as possible to outstrip other groups. Ascending the wall of the gorge is not a complexity at all. It takes only about one hour. After this accomplishment, you will have an opportunity to rest and take some photos, having the Kibo volcano as a spectacular background. Then relatively complex trekking awaits you. The rest of the way to Karanga is full of highs and lows, but no worries, our guide will choose the most optimal trekking speed for you. After you reach the camp, a warm lunch will be offered. After a couple of hours, you will have an additional acclimatization hike up to 300 m towards Barafu and go back to the camp.

              In the morning, hike east over interceding ridges and valleys to join the Mweka Route, which will be your descent route. Turn left toward the mountain and hike up the ridge through a sparse landscape for another hour to the Barafu Hut where you will receive a hot lunch. The last water on the route is in the Karanga Valley; there is no water at Barafu Camp, even though Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice.” The famous snows of Kilimanjaro are far above Barafu Camp near the summit of the mountain. Your tent will be pitched on a narrow, stony, wind-swept ridge, so make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. Prepare your equipment and warm clothing for your summit climb, and drink a lot of fluids. After an early dinner, go to bed for a few hours of precious sleep. Overnight at 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! See and enjoy every moment over the high altitude and make astounding memories. Then, descend about 3 hours to Barafu Camp overnight.

                  Following a well-deserved breakfast, you will descend for three hours to reach Mweka Gate. There, national park authorities require all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. Continue your journey downhill after that for another one hour to reach Mweka village. You will be served a hot lunch before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi. 

                  Cost Details

                  Cost Includes
                  • Private Transfer from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport
                  • Hut or camping fees
                  • All park fees
                  • Salary for crew (guide, Porter & Cook)
                  • Rescue fee
                  • Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner & mineral water)
                  • Two night accommodation (one night before climb and one night after Climb) B/B Tent, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipments eating utensils.
                  • Oxygen cylinder and Oxy-meter.
                  • All government tax (VAT)
                  • Helicopter evacuation service
                  Cost Excludes
                  • Tip for the crew (guide, porters & cook
                  • Some equipment is available for rent
                  • Lunch and dinner at the hotel
                  • Extra personal needs (cigarette & alcohol drinks)
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