8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro
There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes except Marangu descend via Mweka.
Trekking Overview
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Lemosho Route
As a newer route, it is more remote and arguably more beautiful, but a bit longer and slightly more expensive. It starts on the Western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate which is a further drive from town and was introduced as an alternative to the Shira route.
After beautiful forests and moorlands, it crosses the Shira Plateau on day 3 to connect with the Machame Route at Lava Tower and down towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit. You may be lucky enough to see buffalo, elephants, and other game. Because this route can be done over a longer period for acclimatization, it has a higher success rate of summit.
Duration: 7 – 8 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: Medium
Day by Day Itinerary
DAY 1: LONDROSSI GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP: 4.8KM /3MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
Altitude gained: 396m
Departing from Arusha a 3-hour drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA I CAMP: 7.9KM/5MI | 4-6HRS | MOORLAND
Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
Altitude gained: 719m
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, and the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SHIRA I CAMP –SHIRA HUT: 6.9KM/4.3MI | 5-7HRS | MOORLAND
Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
Altitude gained: 391m
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we 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.
DAY 4: SHIRA HUT – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.1KM/6.3MI | 4-6HRS | SEMI-DESERT
Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 91m
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continued to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5.2KM/3MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude gained: 48m
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
DAY 6: HIKE KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 3.3KM /2 MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT
Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m
We continue up toward Barafu Camp and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
DAY 7: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 13KM /8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
DAY 8: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – ARUSHA: 9.1KM/6MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!!
Price Inclusions
INCLUDED IN THE TREKKING PACKAGE:
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits, and VAT
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Gate Transfers
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Portable Private Toilet and Porter
- Quality Imported Equipment
EXCLUDED FROM TREKKING PACKAGE:
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendations
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain are $150 per room
Activities & Experiences
Let’s Make Your African Safari Exceptional
These tour ideas are the best way to get started planning your trip. These are our previous visitor’s favorite tours. Feel free to choose any ideas that fit your wishes.
Adventure Tour
Near City Tour
Beach Tour
Wildlife Tour
NOT SURE WHERE TO GO?
Ready to start planning your own incredible adventure?
We make the process stress-free and enjoyable.
We make the process stress-free and enjoyable.
Make the most of each moment when you travel.
- Mbauda Street, Arusha City - Tanzania
- info@intoadventure.travel
- +255 782 804 101
© 2023 Into Adventure Travel. All Rights Reserved.