LEMOSHO ROUTE

"The Lemosho route 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. Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and they consistently report that they loved it. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Arusha to Lemosho Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rain forest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route."

0 Day;

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha,Pre-trek briefing at your Arusha hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

1 Day; Lemosho Gate - Mti Mkubwa Camp

"The Lemosho Route begins at far western side of Kilimanjaro at Lemosho Gate, which is roughly a 3 hour drive from Arusha. When you arrive, your group will be registered and the porters will divide up your bags, equipment and food for the next eight days.

The first day starts gently – a 3-4 hour winding easy uphill through lush forest, with plenty of time to stop and admire nature all around you (keep your eyes peeled for wildlife!). This is also where you’ll get your first taste of the super slow pace you'll be keeping up for the entire climb – it may feel painfully slow at first, but it will be really important later on. And of course, there’s no rush! It’s not a race and you've got a long way to go…"

Elevation; 2100m - 2820m
Habitat; Rain Forest
Distance; 5.5 KM
Hiking Time; 3-4 hours

2 Day; Mti Mkubwa - Shira 1 Camp

"Day Two of the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route continues through the rainforest for a couple of hours, before the trail brings you up out of the forest zone and into the moorland, or low alpine zone. The vegetation changes from tall trees to small, scrubby bushes and heather, and now that you’re higher you get your first look at some of the amazing views still to come.

Your camp for the night is Shira 1, on the western edge of the Shira Plateau at 3500 metres. By now you’ll have walked about 13 km."

Elevation; 2820m - 3500m
Habitat; Rain Forest & Moorland
Distance; 8 KM
Hiking Time; 6-7 hours

3 Day; Shira 1 Camp - Shira 2 Camp

Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.

Elevation; 3500m - 3850m
Habitat;Moorland & High Alpine
Distance; 14 KM
Hiking Time; 5-7 hours

4 Day; Shira 2 - Lava Tower -Barranco Camp

"You’re now halfway through your climb – congratulations! You may find the altitude starting to get to you, but with that super slow place I mentioned at the start, you should be fine.The trail on Day 4 continues across a dry landscape covered with little scrubby bushes, with the imposing wall of Kilimanjaro Western Breach ahead of you. By lunchtime you’ll reach the Lava Tower get a lunch at 4600m – this is the highest Level you’ll have been so far and you’ll definitely notice how thin the air is up here!Then it’s downhill again through a landscape of weird giant groundsel trees to Barranco Camp at 3,900 m."

Elevation; 3850m - 4600m - 3900m
Habitat; High Alpine
Distance; 12 KM
Hiking Time; 6-7 hours

5 Day; Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp

"Day Five is the day many people worry about: the famous Barranco Wall. It’s a 257 m / 843 ft climb up a steep rock face – not quite technical climbing but you will need to use your hands, and it can be a little precarious at times.

After about two hours you'll arrive at the top. You’ll get a rest and a chance to take in the views, before heading along on the flat and slightly downhill to what is probably the most beautiful camp location of all, Karanga Camp, in the shadow of Kibo peak at 4000 m.

If you’re doing the seven-day version of the Lemosho Route, you'll only stop here briefly, before carrying on up to Barafu Camp at 4673 m."

Elevation; 3900m - 4000m
Habitat; High Alpine
Distance; 7 KM
Hiking Time; 4 hours

6 Day; Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

On day 6 of our journey, we make our way towards Barafu Camp, marking the completion of the south circuit. This route presents awe-inspiring views of the summit from various perspectives, leaving us in utter awe. Once we reach our destination, we indulge in an early dinner and take much-needed rest, all while gearing up for the upcoming summit night. Barafu Camp will serve as our overnight stop, providing us with the necessary rest and energy for the final push towards the summit. The journey so far has been filled with stunning vistas and incredible experiences, and we eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.

Elevation; 4000m - 4673 m
Habitat; Alpine Desert
Distance; 6 KM
Hiking Time; 4 hours

7 Day; Barafu Camp - Summit - Mweka Camp

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,here you take pictures and little celebration then From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu Camp 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.

Elevation; 4673m - 5895m - 1640m
Habitat; Glacial Zone
Distance; 4.5KM up - 11KM down
Hiking Time; 6-8 hours up - 5-8 hours

8 Day; Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate

"After breakfast, we continue to climb down to Mweka Gate where we sign the Official Kilimanjaro National Park Register, have a cold drink, and get presented our official Kilimanjaro Certificate by our Head Guide.

We then head to our bus and head back to Hotel in Arusha, Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations.This drive takes approximately 2:30 hours."