8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE
8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE
8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Descent is made via the Mweka route. Accommodation is in tents.
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Arusha or 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.
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
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.
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
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.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
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.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
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.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp)
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
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/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
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/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates.
At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to
Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in
Arusha or Moshi.
Includes:
- Trained Kilimanjaro guides
- All relevant Kilimanjaro Park fees & rescue fees
- Emergency medical evacuation
- All accommodation as described in the itinerary
- Transfers as described in the itinerary
- Drinks on the hike (potable water, tea, coffee & hot chocolate)
Excludes:
- International flights
- Entry visas
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Alterations to this itinerary (i.e. if different accommodations and services are provided then the price will most likely vary up or down)
- Airport departure taxes (unless stated)
- Laundry
- Beverages in hotels (except those in your personal safari vehicle)
- Hospital bills and international evacuation in the event of an emergency