08 Days Lemosho Route
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is our preferred trail due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery, and a high summit success rate.
›› Route Overview
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with the long drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
›› Day by Day Itinerary
- Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then we drive on to the start of the Lemosho trail which begins in the undisturbed forest which winds gradually up to the first camp site at Mti Mkubwa (which means large trees in Swahili)
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest 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. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
- Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
- Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
- Hiking Time 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Health
This is an acclimatization day on which we explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail 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 Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
- Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
- Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Heath
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower:
- Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
- Distance: 7 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp:
- Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
- Distance: 3 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb a 900 ft cliff which is steep but not technical. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day with a small increment in altitude which helps with acclimatization.
- Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this point.
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek with the wind and cold at this elevation and time of day getting quite extreme. We ascend in the darkness with torches for several hours while taking frequent short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! Time for a short celebration and a cup of warming tea before the descent.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. 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
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak:
- Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp:
- Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
- Distance: 12 km/7 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: RainForest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate which can be quite wet and muddy. At the gate you will be presented with your summit certificates. Following this we continue another hour to Mweka Village where a driver will be waiting to take you back to meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to Rivertrees Hotel.
- Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Distance: 10 km/6 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
›› Better to know
- Dedicated Customer Satisfaction Associate
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb
- Breakfast before and after the climb
- All meals and water on the mountain
- All park fees and taxes
- Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead
- Tents (3-person mountaineering tent)
- Sleeping mat
- Private toilet tent
- Support team (certified guides, porters, and cooks)
- Kilimanjaro SAR evacuation insurance
- Top thermal layer
- Bottom thermal layer
- 1-2 pairs of hiking pants
- 1 hardshell jacket
- 1-2 short-sleeved t-shirts
- 1 pair of warm trekking pants
- 1-2 long-sleeved hiking shirts
- 1 softshell insulated winter jacket
- 4-5 pairs of underwear
- 1 cozy fleece jacket
- 1 pair of worn-in sturdy hiking boots
- 3-4 pairs of socks. Merino wool is recommended
- Rain coat
- Rain pants
- Day backpack
- Duffel bag (recommended size 90L)
- Sleeping bag
- Headlamp
- Snacks
You can rent all gear from our Rental Shop in Arusha
›› Tour Booking Form
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