Lemosho Route (6 Days)

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

Day 1: Hotel – Londorosi gate – Big Tree(Forest camp)

We depart Moshi Hotel for Londoross Gate, which takes about 3 – 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

  • Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
  • Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500f
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Hiking Time:3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

DAY 2: Big Tree to Shira 2 camp

After breakfast and medical check we continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. From here, it is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.

  • Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
  • Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 12,500ft
  • Distance: 18 km
  • Hiking Time 8-10 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland

DAY 3: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

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.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

  • Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Habitat: Semi Desert

DAY 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast and medical check up, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South 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.

  • Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
  • Distance: 9km
  • Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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 (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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 (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
  • Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
  • Habitat: Arctic

DAY 6 : Mweka Camp to Moshi

After breakfast, we continue the 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).

From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.

  • Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

Enquire Now

The price for the mountain includes:

  • Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
  • Twice a day medical health check up, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope with basic first aid kit 
  • Oxygen Cylinder
  • Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mat, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent & cutlery for meals) and 3 Season mountain tents
  • Transportation to & from the mountain gate
  • Medically qualified mountain guides, cooks and porters
  • Meals while on the mountain + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
  • Hot water for washing up daily and treated water for drink while climbing.
  • Pre & Post Trek accommodation in Moshi (Click HERE) Bed & Breakfast Basis with storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
  • Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.

Not Included

  • Flights
  • Tips to mountain crew (Click HERE to see tipping policy)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Laundry Services
  • Entry visa for Tanzania
  • Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$150 per toilet + toilet tent)

We look forward to preparing your “trip of a lifetime”

KILIMANJARO GEAR
Kilimanjaro Climbing Gear
PREACHING THE GOSPEL