Lemosho route is considered the most beautiful trail of all trekking routes on Kilimanjaro. It is excellent in acclimatization; you will climb through all climate zones from alpine fields to ascend to the arctic zone, with fewer climbers on the footpath than Marangu and Machame route (link). It is one of the newer routes on the mountain, and shares a portion of the footpath with the Machame route. Without doubt, it is worthwhile considering the Lemosho route, even though it takes a bit longer to reach the summit than on Marangu and Machame routes.
The itinerary below describes the 7 nights, 8 days from Lemosho Starting point to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, and back again.
A few hours drive from Moshi town to Londorossi Gate. Lemosho route begins from the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The route will take you through to the famous Shira Plateau to start the adventure to the summit. It offers astonishing rainforests, beautiful landscapes, amazing scenery, a chance to spot black and white Colobus Monkeys as they are often seen in the mountain forest zones, as well as Blue Monkeys, birds and much more. The success rate is high to reach the summit so, this route is highly recommended.
We have a friendly, dedicated team on-hand with a vast knowledge and first-hand experience on our Tours & Safaris. The team is available before, during and after your trip if required.
You will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet our professional and English speaking tour guide, who will welcome you to Tanzania, and make sure that you are ready for the lifetime experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the “roof of Africa”. A brief presentation about your trip as whole and then transfer to your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi in Kilimanjaro region.
Early start, after breakfast the trekking team will meet you at your accommodation, and give a quick presentation about your trek. We will drive to Londorosi gate which is located in the western base of the mountain. You will carry out the registration to climb Mount Kilimanjaro here. You will meet your local porters who will take charge in carrying all equipment needed for your adventure, such as food, drinking water, clothes, and mobile stove gas etc. The porters will also be responsible for preparing and cooking your food all the way up to the summit and back down again.
We will start the first leg of hiking which is going to be an easy hike from Lemosho Gate after our picnic lunch. We will hike through the woods and rainforest for about 4 hours, and if you are lucky you may spot black and white Colobus Monkeys. We recommend you take a spare raincoat, and clothes. We will camp for overnight at Lemosho Big Tree Camp.
After breakfast, we will leave the rainforest, and continue the hike into the moorland zone, the climb will be gentle with open views when we will reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. You will feel like you have arrived in the wilderness. As we climb through the lush hills and cross a number of streams, we continue over the Shira ridge and then gradually downwards and to reach Shira 1 camp around mid-day, will stop for lunch before continuing on to Shira 2 camp.
After breakfast, we will leave the moorland environment and enter the semi-desert and rocky landscapes. We will hike east for about 5 hours, where you should be able to view the Lava Tower which stands at 4627m. At this point, you will start to feel the difference in atmospheric pressure. Steps become shorter, you will start to feel like your legs are heavy and your heart rate will increase due to the decreased levels of oxygen in the air. We will stop and have lunch at Lava Tower before descending down to the Barranco Camp. We will pass through Barranco Valley, an expansive area where Giant Senecios and Lobelia plants grow.
After breakfast, we will continue to acclimatize. We will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up, to conquer the Great Barranco Wall, which stands at 3950 meters above sea level. At the top of the Wall you will have a great view of Heim Glacier above the clouds. We will continue hiking towards the Karanga Valley and stop for lunch. We will arrive at Karanga camp, and prepare for a cold evening and overnight stay.
After breakfast, we continue our acclimatization as our body adjusts to the higher altitudes. This is in order so as to prepare for the final two days climb to the summit. We will leave Karanga Camp that stands at 3959 meters above sea level. The trail interconnects with the Mweka Route, which is the trail used to descend on the final two days. We continue hiking up for about 1 hour, and reach the Barafu Hut. Barafu Camp stands about 4550 meters above sea level. The word “Barafu” in Swahili means “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky and exposed edge. Our tents will be exposed to wind and rock so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark.
You will see amazing views of the summit. You will also be able to look downhill and be able to see Moshi town. We will have lunch and have some rest here; it will be cold and could also be windy. We will prepare for an early night so the entire team can get plenty of rest and be ready to continue the challenge to the top, later that night!
Today, you will feel the altitude and you may expect to see some snow and feel winds too. You will be woken at around 23:00 for refreshments, particularly a hot drink, then start the hike to the top of the roof of Africa. On average it will take almost 6 hours, depending on the pace of the group. We aim to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for a sunrise view; Stella Point stands at about 5745m above sea level. This is the most challenging part of the hike mentally and physically too! Stella Point is the highest point on the continent, and is located on the crater rim. There is a great success rate for climbers reaching the summit.
You will be able to stop at Stella Point for some rest, and appreciate and enjoy viewing the glorious sunrise in the distance from the summit. We will begin ascending for about 40 minutes on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak that stands about 5895m above sea level. It will be a long and tough day, you will feel exhausted but thrilled in the end after reaching the summit, an enriching experience and a lifetime accomplishment! You will then descend the same path you came up. We will hike down to Barafu Camp which takes about 3 hours, where we will stop for a break and lunch. We will continue hiking down to Mweka Camp, you may need trekking poles to help on the descent down. We will arrive at Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
It is our last day on the Mountain, it is time also to thank the entire team behind your trek. After breakfast, we will start walking back down to lower elevations through the forest, the path could be quite wet and muddy, so hiking poles and gaiters could come in handy. We will pass through the lush garden to Mweka Gate for lunch, and then continue trekking down. Once you arrive at Mweka gate, you will sign out and your guide team will organize the official certificate for your great achievement, you will be rewarded with the summit certificate.
Our driver will meet you at the base, and then transfer you back to Enyati Lodge in Moshi where you have undoubtedly earned a good hot shower, a few drinks, refreshments and more to celebrate your achievement, and have a good rest in a comfortable room.
After breakfast, this will depend on your flight schedule to return to your home country or to explore Moshi town on foot, on bike or toktok. You could also try a trip to Zanzibar, or the driver will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure, or transfer you to the agreed departure location, and this brings to an end of your trekking adventure in Kilimanjaro.
If you decide to extend your stay in Tanzania, you could visit the beautiful sandy beaches and the tropical water of Zanzibar. If you are interested in other tour packages please see these on our website.
£0,000 per person
£0,000 for two people based on sharing
£0,000 for three people based on sharing
£0,000 for four people based on sharing
£0,000 for five people based on sharing
£0,000 for six people based on sharing
Rates including VAT
If you don’t have any of the above-mentioned gear, please contact us for arrangements. Rental Fees are applicable.
We are Tanzibar Tours & Safari Operator Company with an office in Scotland/UK and on Zanzibar Island/Tanzania.
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