Kilimanjaro climbing – Lemosho Route 8 Days

Overview

Kilimanjaro climbing – Lemosho Route 8 days Itinerary is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, 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.

Lemosho Route starts on the west side of Kilimanjaro from Londorossi Gate. After which the trek continues through the profound rainforest to Shira level throughout the following two days. The trail at that point, moves eastbound of the Shira Plateau to the Lava Tower in a level climb. The route at that point heads down towards Barranco Valley by means of the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu.

What to Expect

Kilimanjaro climbing – Lemosho Route 8 days Itinerary after a 4-hour long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate you’ll find yourself on the western slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, from where the route will take you to the world-famous Shira Plateau. That’s where you’ll embark on your adventure through all the climate zones – from alpine meadows to eternal ice. The climb is smooth and gradual, featuring the highest success rate of all routes on Kilimanjaro.

Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low traffic of climbers, Lemosho route is one among Pamoja Kilimanjaro & Safaris favorite route for reaching the roof of Africa.

Pamoja Kilimanjaro & Safaris team will ensure your dreams become reality

Tour Plan

Arrival in Tanzania - Transfer from Airport to Moshi

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Moshi town. You will meet our Kilimanjaro trekking expert who will brief you on your upcoming Kilimanjaro trekking, then rest until the next day morning.

Day 1 - 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 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 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.

Day 3 - 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 meadow 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.

Day 4 - Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15200ft down to 13000ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 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.

Day 5 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley

Elevation: 13,000ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After a climb of the Great Barranco Wall we continue around the southern ciruit train until we reach another sceneic location of Karanga Camp

Day 6 - Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 15,091(ft)
Distance: 4km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Arctic

The trail from Karanga to Barafu reaches the bleak high desert of Kilimanjaro. Barafu Camp is a basic camp geared towards the business of reaching the summit.

Day 7 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak descent to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft descent to 10065ft
Distance: 18 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 13-14 hours
Habitat: Arctic

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.

Day 8 - 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 Moshi.