8 Days Lemosho Route

Description

Starting the western flanks of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate, the Lemosho Route wanders its way up one of the more remote sections of the mountain. The trail takes hikers through a beautiful rainforest where they might have the chance to spot wildlife along the way. Black and white colobus monkeys are routinely seen in the forests, as are blue monkeys, small lizards, and a wide assortment of birds. From there, the path wanders out onto the Shira Plateau, crossing it from west to east on relatively flat and easy-to-walk terrain.

Highlights
  • The eight days Lemosho route variation is the ideal schedule for this route.
  • On the 8 day Lemosho route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt.
  • This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain.
  • By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.
Includes
  • Dedicated Customer Satisfaction Associate
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb
  • Breakfast before and after the climb
  • All meals and water on the mountain
  • All park fees and taxes
  • Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead
  • Tents (3-person mountaineering tent)
  • Sleeping mat
  • Private toilet tent
  • Support team (certified guides, porters, and cooks)
  • Kilimanjaro SAR evacuation insurance
Excludes
  • Airfare to and from Tanzania
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Visa
  • Tips for the support team
  • Sleeping bags and other personal gear
  • Rental gear
  • Lunch and dinner at the hotel
  • Drinks and snacks

Location Map

Tour Timeline

  • 1
    Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

    We depart Arusha/Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site which is Forest camp Know as {Big tree Camp}.

    Elevation(ft):7,800ft to 9,500ft

    Distance: 6 km

    Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

    Habitat: Rainforest

  • 2
    Day 2 : Forest Camp to Shira One Camp

    We continue on the trail leading out of the 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. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

    Elevation(ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft

    Distance:8 km

    Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

    Habitat: Moorland

  • 3
    Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut

    We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we Stay at shira 2 camp or continue 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 is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

    Elevation(ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft

    Distance: 14 km

    Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

    Habitat: Moorland

  • 4
    Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Or Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco

    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.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

    Elevation(ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft

    Distance: 7 km

    Hiking Time: 4-6 hrs

    Habitat: Semi-desert

  • 5
    Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

    After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

    Elevation(ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft

    Distance: 5km

    Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

    Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • 6
    Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

    After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, 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. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

    Elevation(ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft

    Distance: 4 km

    Hiking Time: 4-5 hrs

    Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • 7
    Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

    Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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 (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

    From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will need gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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.

    Elevation(ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)

    Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

    Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent

    Habitat: Arctic

  • 8
    Day 8: Mweka Camp to Moshi

    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).

    Patro Africa Safaris vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.

    Elevation(ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft

    Distance: 10 km

    Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs

    Habitat: Rainforest