07 Days Lemosho Route
Lemosho Route
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. Sirikwa Travel specializes in guiding on the Lemosho route. Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and they consistently report that they loved it. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rain forest 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.
- Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
- Departure Location: Londorosi Gate, Kilimanjaro
- Return Location: Mweka Gate, Kilimanjaro
Day 1
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
- Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain 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. 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
Day 3
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
Day 4
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.
- Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
- Distance: 7 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5
After breakfast, 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: 13,000ft to 15,000ft
- Distance: 9km
- Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6
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. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but 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.
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.
- 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: Rain Forest
Day 7
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
- Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Distance: 10 km/6 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
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INCLUDED
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Guides and Porters: Experienced guides to lead the climb and ensure safety. Porters to carry equipment, supplies, and a portion of your personal gear.
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Park Fees and Permits: Fees for entering Kilimanjaro National Park and necessary permits
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Meals and Accommodation: All meals during the climb, typically including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags) or accommodation in mountain huts.
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Safety Equipment: Necessary safety equipment, such as first aid kits and, in some cases, oxygen.
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Transfers: Transportation to and from the airport or specified meeting point.
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Briefings and Orientation: Pre-climb briefings and orientations to provide essential information about the climb.
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Summit Certificates: Certificates confirming your successful summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
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EXCLUDED
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Flights: International and domestic flights to and from Tanzania.
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Personal Gear: Your personal climbing gear, including clothing, boots, and other specific items.
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Insurance: Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and evacuation.
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Tips: Tips for guides, porters, and other staff. Tipping is a customary practice on Kilimanjaro.
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Additional Accommodations: Accommodations before and after the climb, especially if you arrive early or stay longer.
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Altitude Medications: Any necessary medications for altitude sickness. Consult with a healthcare professional.
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Personal Expenses: Expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and additional items not specified in the package.
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Optional Excursions: Side trips or optional excursions not included in the main climbing itinerary.
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Visa Fees: Visa fees for entry into Tanzania, if applicable.
7 Days Lemosho Route
From: $ 1,750
07 Days Lemosho Route
Price guide;
On request
Perfect for;
Solo, Couple, Family, Group of travelers.