8 days, 7 nights Lemosho Route

Lemosho route is considered as the most exciting trail to reach the summit of the great Mount Kilimanjaro. This route Grants panoramic views on various sides of the mountain.

The route is less used and ideal for acclimatization. The route is one of the few which you may need to be accompanied by armed ranger due the rich wildlife living in the forests around the Lemosho glades. You may spot animals such as buffalos, elephants, giraffes and other wildlife.

The percentage of the climbers whom making the summit is very high thanks to the fact that during the hike of this route you find yourself ascending and descending in many stages of the course.

The duration of Lemosho route is 7-8 days. The accommodation during the trek is in camping sites which required tents and other camping gear.

INCLUSIONS

All the transfers to the mountain gate and back to your accommodation

Professional, experienced and English speakers (you can request for other language) mountain guides, mountain porters (according to group size) and a professional cook

Government park fees (with 18% VAT), including entrance fees, rescue fees, accommodation fees

Waterproof, four-season high quality mountain sleeping tents (twin tents)

Quality mess tents with table and chairs

Warm sleeping bags

Sleeping mattress

Emergency oxygen cylinder

3 meals a day during the trek days, according to client’s preferences (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Clean, purified drinking water (unlimited supply)

EXCLUSIONS

International and local flights

Tanzania visa

Surcharge for payment by credit card (5% on each payment)

Surcharge for cash withdrawal charged by the banks

Accommodations before and after the trek (available as extra addition)

Airport transfers (available as extra addition)

Traveling insurance

Tips and gratitudes

Personal hiking equipment such as hiking boots, clothes etc. (available for renting)

Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, beverages)

Day 0 : Breafing Day

If you just arrived in Kilimanjaro airport one day or more before the trek and you choose to use transfer service, we will pick you up from the airport directly to your accommodation in Arusha/Moshi.

A day before the hike used for briefing about the whole trek. Checking of the equipments and everything regarding the hike, Meeting with the Head guide to answer all of your questions etc. so it is advised to arrive at least one day before the hike for all the arrangements etc

Day 1 : Londorossi Gate To Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart from Arusha/Moshi heading to Londorossi gate, which takes around 4 hours from Moshi and 5 hours from Arusha. At the gate you will complete all the entry formalities and then you will be heading to the starting point of the trail, which takes another hour drive in a forest road which required 4WD vehicle.

From the trailhead we will start hiking through untouched rainforest which lead us to the first campsite called “MTI MKUBWA” (the big tree in Swahili). Resting time, dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa camp.

Elevation: 2,100/6,890ft at Lemosho gate to 2,650m/8,694ft at Mti Mkubwa camp

Walking distance: 7km/4.35 miles

Estimate walking time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: montane forest

Day 2 : Mti Mkubwa Camp To Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, we continue as the trail become steeper, the trail leading out of the forest and into moorland of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards. We will cross several streams and then we will reach Shira ridge, and then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp, located by a stream on the Shira plateau.

Elevation: 2,650m/8,694ft at Mti Mkubwa camp to 3,610m/11,844ft at Shira 1 camp.

Walking distance: 7km/4.35 miles

Estimate walking time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: montane forest and moorland

Day 3 : Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp

From the Shira plateau we continue ascending gently across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp, located on moorland meadows by a stream. After reaching the camp you will have some time to rest for a while.

A variety of trails are available the near the campsite, whose can be used as excellent acclimatization hikes. After resting and acclimatizing, you will eat dinner and overnight at the campsite.

Elevation: 3,610m/11,844ft at Shira 1 camp to 3,850m/12,631ft at Shira 2 camp.

Walking distance: 10km/6.2 miles

Estimate walking time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: moorland

Day 4 : Shira 2 Camp To Baranco Camp

From the Shira plateau continue to the east up ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we keep going, our direction changes to south east, heading us to the Lava Tower, nicknamed “Shark Tooth” (elevation 4,650m/15,255ft). shortly after the Lava Tower we reach another junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier (altitude of 4,877m/16,000ft). From there we descending to Baranco camp. This day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body to adjust the high altitude preparing yourself to summit day.

Elevation: 3,850m/12,631ft at Shira 2 camp to 3,900m/12795ft at Baranco camp.

Walking distance: 10km/6.2 miles

Estimate walking time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: semi-desert and moorland

Day 5 : Baranco Camp To Karanga Camp

After breakfast you leave Baranco camp, keep on ascending on the steep ridge passing the Baranco wall, approximately it takes around 1 hour to climb the wall and you may need to use your hands occasionally but don’t be over concerned as the wall is not dangerous. At the summit of the wall the road drifts and lead you to the Karanga camp. You will rest, dinner and overnight at Karanga camp

Elevation: 3,900m/12,795ft at Baranco camp, 3,995m/13,106ft at Karanga camp.

Walking distance: 6kms/ 3.7 miles

Estimate walking time: 5-6 hours.

Habitat: Moorland and Alpine desert

Day 6 : Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

After breakfast, continuing to ascend and on the way you hit the junction which connects with Mweka trail. You continue ascending to the Barafu camp and at this point you will be able to see the summit of Uhuru peak from different angles. You will rest at Barafu camp, dinner and overnight and prepare for summit hike.

Elevation: 3,995m/13,106ft at Karanga to 4,673m/ 15,331ft at Barafu camp.

Walking distance: 4kms/ 2.48 miles

Estimate walking time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Moorland and Alpine desert

Day 7 : Barafu Camp To Summit To Mweka Camp

Wake up very early in the morning (midnight to 2am) we continue ascending to the summit, on the way you reach at Stella point at 5745m on the edge of kibo crater, the way is steep and slow and from Stella point to Uhuru peak it’s around 45 minutes passing through glaciers and snowfields. Then you have arrived at the highest point of Africa, Uhuru peak at 5895m! After resting, taking some pictures you start descending back down to Barafu camp, eating breakfast and relax a bit before continue descending all the way to the Mweka camp where you can take a rest, dinner and overnight at Mweka camp.

Elevation: 4,673m/ 15,331ft at Barafu camp, Uhuru point at 5,895m/ 19,340ft and 3,100m/10,170ft at Mweka camp

Walking distance: 5 km Ascending, 12km descending.

Estimate walking time: 7- 8 hours ascending and 4-6 descending

Habitat: Arctic at the summit, alpine desert and moorland on the way down.

Day 8 : Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate To Hotel

After breakfast at Mweka camp you continue descending all the way to Mweka gate, where you will receive your certificate if you manage to reach Stella point and Uhuru point. From the gate, the transfer car will pick you up to take you back to your accommodation in Arusha/Moshi.

Walking distance: 10km/6.2 miles

Estimate walking time: 3-4 hours