Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek: 8-Day Itinerary

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highlights

Lemosho Route
Trek to the very top of the Roof of Africa
Stunning mountain views and high-altitude scenery

Despite being one of the newest routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route has quickly become one of the most popular routes for travelers visiting this African wonder. The lower number of trekkers, stunning scenery and higher success rate to reaching the very top makes it a traveler favorite, and most trekkers taking this route fall in love with it. What makes it even more unique is that unlike the more popular Machame Route, this route crosses the majestic Shira Plateau via a flat and easy hike .

The Lemosho route can be done in as little as six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is ideally tackled over eight days (seven nights) for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Londorossi Gate, located in the western base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest. The route heads across the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail. With eight days (seven nights) on the mountain, your chances of reaching the “Roof of Africa” are very high, around 90%.

The Lemosho route is approximately 70 km/ 42 miles from gate to gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience. There are several variations to the 8-day Lemosho climb regarding starting and finishing points, altitude, distance and hiking time. However, ours is considered to be the ideal Lemosho route variation.

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Day 1: Mti Mkubwa

Camping

Altitude: 6,562 to 8,692 Hike time: 3 hrs

Drive from Hotel to the Londorossi Park Gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Arrive at the trailhead and start trek through the rain forest. In places, the vegetation is so untouched that it grows right across the narrow track. The flora and fauna are richer here than on the other, more popular routes. Our trek today will be along a little used track known as Chamber’s Route. Your rainforest camp at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) will be reached in 3-4 hrs.

Day 2: Day 2: Shira One Camp

Camping

Altitude: 8,692 to 11,841 Hike time: 5-6 hrs

After breakfast, hike across the remaining rainforest towards the giant moorland zone. Today is a full-day trek with an altitude gain of 2,000 ft.

Stop for lunch at a beautiful valley just outside the Shira Crater at around 10,000 ft. After lunch, we cross into the Shira Caldera, a high altitude desert plateau that is rarely visited. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro volcanic cones, and is filled with lava flow from Kibo Peak.

The crater rim has been decimated by weather and volcanic action. Today you will get your first close views of Kibo – the dramatic summit of Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: Day 3: Shira Two Camp

Camping

Altitude: 11,841 to 12,628 Hike time: 5-6 hrs

After breakfast, continue the hike east across the Shira Plateau past the Shira Cathedral towards Shira Two camp. Elevation gain is only 700 ft – allowing you to acclimatize slowly. The views of the plateau are nothing less than spectacular.

Day 4: Day 4: Barranco Camp

Camping

Altitude: 12,628 to 12,956 Hike time: 5 hrs

Today is the last of the “easy days.” It is about a 7-hour superb hike. We pass the Lava Tower, around the southern flank of Kibo, and slowly descend into the spectacular Barranco Valley, interspersed with giant lobelia and senecia plants. After arriving at our most spectacular campsite, everyone stands in awe at the foot of Kibo Peak, looming high above, on our left.

Our camp is only 465 ft higher than where we were last night, but during the day, we will have climbed to just over 14,000 ft. This is one of our most valuable days for acclimatization.

Day 5: Day 5: Karanga Valley

Camping

Altitude: 12,956 to 13,743 Hike time: 3.5 hrs

On the eastern side of the valley, across the stream is the Barranco Wall – a 950 ft barrier of volcanic rock. Although it is tall and looks steep, it is very easy to climb. This is the first challenge of the day. The views from the wall are nothing less than magnificent. The rest of the day is spent skirting the base of Kibo peak over the left shoulder. Descend down into the Karanga Valley Camp where we take a night rest.

Day 6: Day 6: Barafu Camp

Camping

Altitude: 13,743 to 15,088 ; Hike time: 3.5 hrs

Start the day with a steep hike out of the valley. It is a tough, but rewarding uphill to the rocky, craggy slopes at the camp. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili, and it is extremely cold at this altitude. So, go to bed early because we will be waking you at midnight for the final leg to Uhuru Peak.

Day 7: Day 7: Final Ascent: Mkewa Camp

Camping

Altitude: 15,088 to 19,340 (summit) then down to 9,550; Hiking time: 12-14 hrs

Dress warmly, as climbing starts around midnight, on the steepest and most demanding part of the mountain. The moon, if out, will provide enough light, and we will reach the crater rim by sunrise, after a 7-hour hike, and welcome a new dawn.

From the crater rim, the rugged Mawenzi Peak is a thrilling sight, with the Kibo saddle still in darkness beneath you, and the crater’s ice-walls looming ahead. Continue to Uhuru Peak (1-2 hrs), descend back to Barafu camp (4 hrs), and then down the Mweka route to Mweka camp (5 hrs). This is where we spend our last night on the mountain.

Day 8: Day 8: Arusha

Altitude: 9,550 to 5,997; Hiking time: 4 hrs

Finish your hike down to the trailhead. This takes about 3 – 3.5 hrs.
After a welcome lunch, it is time to say “kwaheri” to the porters.
Transfer back to your hotel in Arusha.

what’s included

Transport to the gate and back
All meals to the mountain
Professional guide and porters
All the required camping materials
Park fees
Camping fees
Rescue fees

what’s excluded

Visa entry
Tipping
Climbing gears
Personal use of nature

Tour details

Availability Available Daily

Duration 8 days

Tour Type

guiding method Live guide/instructor

Guide Language English, french & german

Trek difficulty Moderate

Maximum altitude 5894 meters

Meeting/Start Point Pick-up at your hotel or location in Arusha, Tanzania

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Good to know Payment

A deposit of 10% is required when booking this tour. The remaining balance will be charged 45 days prior departure. For any bookings within 45 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking.

Travel Insurance

We advise to take out Travel Insurance to cover for any unforeseen circumstances. Bookmundi recommends World Nomads' travel insurance.

CancellationFree cancellation up to 45 days prior departure. No refund applicable within 45 days of departure.

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Simba Adventures Ltd / Product Category: Trekking

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