Lemosho Route
Trekking Overview:
Lemosho Route 8 Days, 7 Nights Trek
The Lemosho route is one of our preferred routes due to its low traffic, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. The Lemosho route starts off from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the lush rainforest to Shira Plateau.
We recommend a minimum of 7 days to attempt this route but 8 days is preferable for better acclimatization and summit success. The Lemosho route joins the Machame route just after Shira 2 Camp and then follows the same route through the southern circuit and descending at Mweka Gate.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2250m) - Big Tree Camp (2780m)
After breakfast and a briefing (including a check of your equipment), we drive to Londorossi Gate, which is about 80 kilometers away. The journey takes about 2 hours and leads partly over bumpy slopes.
After the formalities at the gate have been completed, the trail leads through lush rainforest where you can spot black and white colobus monkeys in the tree crowns. After a 2-3 hour hike, you will reach the Big Tree Camp -your first night camp on Kilimanjaro.
Lunch; Dinner
Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2780m) - Shira Camp 1 (3500m)
After breakfast you will soon leave the dense rainforest, and pass through heathland, the landscape starts to become more barren and is marked by lobelias. It travels up to the mountain ridge that leads to the Shira Plateau.
You will be rewarded here with a great view of the Kibo and Mount Meru. You then cross some quiet streams and descend over the Shira Ridge (3600m) to the night camp at Shira Camp 1.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3500m) - Shira Camp 2 (3900m)
Today you leave the heathland as the path leads up through an open moorland landscape. Upon reaching the Shira Plateau, you can again enjoy the great view of the Kibo. At Shira Camp 2, where you will stay overnight, there is a warm lunch.
Afterwards you can take a short excursion with your guide for better acclimatization.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3900m) - Barranco Camp (3960m)
Today’s stage contributes very well to good acclimatization. You will pass huge boulders on your way to the Lava Tower (4600m), which you will reach approximately at the “half-time” of today’s trek. Afterwards it descends to the foot of the Kibo peak down into the Barranco valley to the camp.
Enjoy the magnificent view of the glaciers and snowfields of the Kibo and the reddish shimmering Barranco Wall at sunset.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) - Karanga Camp (4035m)
Today’s trek is somewhat shorter, so we can start a little later and enjoy the sun. First it travels through the Barranco Wall, where there is some light climbing where you must also use your hands to help. After you have reached the upper end, you can take a deep breath and once again enjoy the view of the Kibo.
The next part of today‘s route will take you through small streams and the Karanga River to Karanga Camp where you will spend the night in your tent.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4035m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)
Today you can start your day a bit more relaxed. During the gentle climb, you will have great views into the Karanga valley and soon you will also see the Rebmann Glacier. After crossing a last valley, the trail goes over the Lava Ridge and up steeply to your today’s destination, the Barafu Camp. The view of the second highest peak of Kilimanjaro, the Mawenzi, is spectacular.
After an early dinner, you should settle into your sleeping bag to catch a little sleep, as at midnight we go to the summit !
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4640m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka Camp (3080m)
You will be awakened around 11pm, and after a hot coffee or tea and a small snack, you start with your trek to the summit. The climb is exhausting and requires a lot of will power in the cold of the night. At about sunrise you will reach the crater rim of the Kibo at Stella Point. Backed by the rising sun, you will reach the Uhuru Peak in just over an hour from now. The great views compensate you for the strenuous ascent, enjoy them! After you have taken a few summit pictures, it will be time for the descent.
After a short break at Barafu Camp, you continue your trek to Mweka Camp, where it is time to sleep properly.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3080m) - Mweka Gate (1630m) – Transfer to the Hotel
Today you can start your day a bit more relaxed. During the gentle climb, you will have great views into the Karanga valley and soon you will also see the Rebmann Glacier. After crossing a last valley, the trail goes over the Lava Ridge and up steeply to your today’s destination, the Barafu Camp. The view of the second highest peak of Kilimanjaro, the Mawenzi, is spectacular.
After an early dinner, you should settle into your sleeping bag to catch a little sleep, as at midnight we go to the summit !
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Inquire about this Trek:
Price Includes:
- Park, camping & rescue fees
- 3 Season mountain tents
- Double layered Sleeping Mats
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation
- 2 - way private airport transfers
- Fair wages for the mountain crew
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Price Excludes:
- Travel insurance
- Tips to mountain crew
- Items of a personal nature
- Flights