- 7 Days, 6 Nights Trek
- Lemosho Route -
- Kilimanjaro Mountain Climbing via Lemosho route
Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low traffic of climbers, Lemosho is our personal first favorite for reaching the roof of Africa.
After a 4-hour long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate you’ll find yourself on the western slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, from there the route will take you to the world-famous Shira Plateau. That’s where you’ll embark on your adventure through all climate zones – from alpine meadows to eternal ice. The climb is smooth and gradual, featuring the highest success rate of all routes on Kilimanjaro.
Seven and Eight-day programs are available, so you can choose depending on the amount of time at your disposal. Longer programs are always recommended over the shorter ones for better acclimatisation.
6 and 7-day Lemosho programs start from a high-altitude drop-off: you’ll be transferred to the elevation of 3,500 m/ 11,500 f by an off-road vehicle and start the hike from there. This is meant to maximize acclimatization transition – the higher you start, the easier your adaptation will be.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
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.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
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.
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking in to the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
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.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
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.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft Hiking Time: 7-8 hoursUhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Arctic.
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles Habitat: Rain ForestVery 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.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
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 Moshi.
Route Map
Inquiry
- Cost Covers
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All Entrance fees and Government taxes
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Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
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Clean, purified drinking water
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Fair wages for the mountain crew.
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All meals while on the Mountain
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Rescue Fees and all taxes.
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Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
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Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
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Transfers from Hotel to Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
- Cost Does not Cover
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International and local airfare.
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Yellow fever vaccinations
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Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
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Local transportation before and after the climb.
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Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
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Tips for the support team
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Private Toilet and hot shower tent
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Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
DISCLAIMER
Please note all trip prices are based on our own Company costs, fees, and supplier prices in effect at the time of booking. We reserves the right to alter trip prices should inflation, cost of fuel, labor, materials, or exchange rates change. If the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) raises park fees, or any hotel, lodge, camp or any other service provider raises their rates, We reserves the right to require additional payment from the client.
Related Treks
7 Days Lemosho Route
7 Days Shira Route
9 Days Northern Circuit
