Lemosho Route

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8 Days, 7 Nights Trek

Lemosho Route

Route Notes:
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Scenery: Excellent
  • Traffic: High
Trek Inclusions:

Accommodation

Transfer

Meals

As a newer route, it is more remote and arguably more beautiful, but a bit longer and slightly more expensive. It starts on the Western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate, which is a further drive from town, and was introduced as an alternative to the Shira route. After beautiful forests and moorlands it crosses the Shira Plateau on day 3 to connect with the Machame Route at Lava Tower and down towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit.
You may be lucky enough to see buffalo, elephant and other game. Because this route can be done over a longer period of time for acclimatization, it has a higher success rate of summit.
Trekking Itinerary

Day 1:

Lemosho Glades

From your lodge, we will make our way to the Londorosi gate on the Western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro (a few hours drive from Arusha). We will begin our hike at the Lemosho trail head.

Please note that in rainy/muddy conditions, sometimes the vehicles can’t make it to the true trailhead so there can be some extra hiking – After a picnic lunch, we will hike for about 4 hours to the forest camp.

In the forest, exotic moss and flowers delight the eye while bird calls entertain the ear. You may see Black and White Colobus monkeys as well as signs of the elephants that travel in this area. We will overnight at Forest Camp.

  • Hiking: 3-4 hours
  • Overnight Altitude ~9,498’

Day 2:

Shira Plateau

As we leave the Montane Forest and enter the Hagenia zone, our views open and we will catch our first views of the Kibo peak. This is a good acclimatization hike, as we go up and down several ridges along the way to our highest point of the day at 11,500’ before descending to camp. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

  • Hiking: 6-9 hours
  • Overnight Altitude 11,500’

Day 3:

Moir Camp

We will traverse the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau and begin climbing the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Along the way, we will enjoy a picnic lunch at Scott Fisher memorial camp (the well-known Mt. Everest guide). We will continue on to the upper heath zone and Moir camp. Depending on the weather, acclimatization hikes can be arranged in the late afternoon.

  • Hiking: 5-6 hours
  • Overnight Altitude: ~13,650′

Day 4:

Barranco Camp

We leave the heath zone and enter the alpine zone as we hike 4-6 hours past Lava Camp (up to about 14,300’) with its volcanic landscape and then down a bit into the scenic Barranco Valley to camp.

  • Hiking: 4-6 hours
  • Overnight Altitude: ~13,044′

Day 5:

Karanga Camp

Ascend the Great Barranco Wall with views of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields, then hike up and down across some small valleys on your way to Karanga Camp.

  • Hiking: 3-5 hours
  • Overnight Altitude: ~13,106′

Day 6:

Barafu Camp

Hike about 3-5 hours to Barafu Camp, again with some ups and downs across small valleys. After settling into camp, we’ll have a demonstration on use of safety equipment such as the Gamow (hyperbolic) bag and oxygen. Early supper and rest in camp before your wake-up call to start your summit ascent around 11:00 PM or midnight.

  • Hiking: 3-5 hours
  • Overnight Altitude: ~15,100’

Day 7:

Summit and Mweka Camp

Summit day. We will start our ascent to the summit (19,340ft – 5,896m) around 11:00 PM or midnight the night prior. The goal for you – and numerous other climbers – is to reach the peak right at sunrise. In reality, due to differences in hiking speed, energy, and altitude acclimatization, there is a several hour span where most climbers reach the summit.

Using headlamps (bring extra lithium batteries, which last much better in cold dark conditions!) you will ascend 6-7 hours to Stella Point and then another 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the summit. After a summit celebration and photo, descend to Barafu camp for lunch and then to Mweka camp to sleep overnight.

  • Hiking: Very variable on both the up and the down; 12-17 hours typical
  • Summit 19,341’
  • Overnight Altitude: 10,448’

Day 8:

Mweka Park Gate

We make the final descent to the trailhead today, about 3-5 hours hiking. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro and heading back to town. Arrive at your lodge usually between 3-5 PM.

  • Hiking: 3-5 hours
Inquire about this Trek

Cost Covers:

  • Airport Transfers (we pick up you on arrival day, and we take you back after the climb)
  • Transfers from Hotel to Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel
  • Quality Sleeping tents shared by 2 clients
  • Mess tents, Crew tents, Table, Chairs, eating utensils, cooking equipment.
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Kilimanjaro entrance fees/conservation fees
  • Kilimanjaro Camping fees
  • Rescue Fees and all taxes.
  • Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
  • Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
  • Sleeping Mats

Cost does not Cover;

  • International and local airfare
  • Local transportation before and after the climb.
  • Yellow fever vaccinations
  • Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
  • Personal expenses example: Laundry, beverages, etc.
  • Tips for the support team
  • Private Toilet and hot shower tent
  • Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
  • Optional tours not mentioned in this itinerary

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