8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS LEMOSHO ROUTE
The Most Scenic Route to the Roof of Africa Exceptional Acclimatization and Unforgettable Wilderness
Trekking Highlight
Lemosho route is one of the most scenic routes. It approaches Kilimanjaro from the west. The trail passes through remote and less-traveled areas, providing beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau offering a sense of solitude. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger as the forest around Lemosho glades are inhabited by wildlife species such as buffalo, elephants and others.
8 days Lemosho Route is the most successful route. It provides longer acclimatization period, therefore, gives your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the effects of altitude sickness and therefore, increasing the chances of a successful summit.
Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp)
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 2 – 3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast and briefing we depart from the hotel all the way to Londorossi Park gate, about 3 hours drive and complete entry formalities, there after drive through the forest to the Lemosho Trailhead and then commence through undisturbed forest trail to Mti Mkubwa Campsite.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we continue on the trail of the forest and into savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rocks draped with lichen beads. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills, several streams are crossed, we continue over the Shira ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 Camp on the western side of the Shira Plateau. It provides stunning view across the Kilimanjaro valley below. Also, the view from across the plateau is so amazing.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours
Habitat: Semi desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco wall to the Karanga Valley Campsite and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. This is the short day meant for acclimatization.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we continue up to the Barafu Camp. At this point, you have completed the southern 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.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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 you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka gate to hotel
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we 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).
Enduimet Adventures Safaris vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
- Total cost for two clients: $5,932.8
- Cost per person: $2,966.4
Includes
- Return transport to/from Moshi and Arusha
- Qualified guides and mountain crew
- Tents, sleeping mattresses & camping equipment
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Boiled water on the mountain
- Rescue fees & national park fees
- Pulse oximeters & first aid kit
- Guides, porters, cook, waiter accommodation & fees
Excludes
- Flights & visas
- Climbing gear
- Tips for guides, porters, cook & waiters
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