Main Info
Among other routes to Kilimanjaro, Lemosho route should be the most competitive route of all because of its’ scenic and trail development. Unlike the most popular and crowded Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat climb. The best thing as an added bonus is that climbers will meet few people while climbing until the route joins the Machame route. Later, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. Both Machame route and Lemosho route descends through the Mweka route. And the climber can decide to have a stop at Millennium Camp or Mweka Camp before heading out.
This 7 days route variation is favored over the 6 days option because it divides the one day into two days, providing a climber a better acclimatization experience and a more gradual ascent that cannot be found in other route like Marangu route. On the 7 day route, you walk from Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 on day two, at reasonable altitude gain of 2,000 feet. Then on day three, you continue from Shira Camp 2 to the little used Moir Hut, at 13,800 feet. Generally, the exposure to this altitude will help prepare the body for higher altitudes coming on the following days.
However, the trek from Barranco to Barafu, followed by the summit day is unchanged from the six day Lemosho variation. This schedule is still very tough, though the extra day on the mountain on the seven day route will help climbers deal with the exhausting itinerary better than those who opted for the six day route.
CLIMB HIGHLIGHTS
- Reaching the summit! Experiencing that incomparable, ‘roof of the world’ feeling
- A more relaxed pace than other routes, but longer in time and distance. But very challenging!
- Stunning views as you ascend, with arguably the best photo opportunities, possible wildlife experiences on Day One
- Discover Shira Plateau and Barranco
- Climb the Lava Tower!
- Dedicated guides, porters and cooks – a great team to help you on your way
| Departure | Arusha |
| Departure Time | Please arrive by 07:30 AM for a prompt departure at 08:00 AM |
| Return Time | Approximately 5:30 PM |
| Standard Package |
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| Luxury Package |
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Itinerary
Depending on your arrival arrangement, if you have chosen to be picked-up by us from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our company driver on uniform will be waiting to meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha depending on the prior arrangement to relax after your flight and naturally acclimatize while getting used to the local weather. Your professional Mount Kilimanjaro guide will meet you at the hotel for gear check and climb briefing. It is good time to interact and know each other before your hike. If you need to go out for dinner, at another hotel or restaurant, kindly let the company know and help you organize it for you in advance.
Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today in the morning after breakfast, you will continue on the trail from Forest Camp (9137 ft) leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. Continue enjoying the trail and scenery while slowly acclimatizing.
Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
It another beautiful day, after breakfast you depart for another day hike. You will explore the Shira plateau for a full day while walking into beautiful view. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then you continue 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 is one of the highest plateaus on earth
Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
In the morning after breakfast you will depart from the Shira Plateau walking steadily to another camp ahead, you continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, you come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. You now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here you rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. This significant day gives you change vegetation zones, you will also hike high and sleep at lower altitude. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, you leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You 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 you 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 (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), you continue our way to the summit between the Redman and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise, ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, you now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, you enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, you continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Your trip in Tanzania is now over. After a good night rest at your hotel, there will a breakfast ready according to your request while a scheduled check-out in most hotels is 10.00am. (If you wish to remain in the hotel during the day, please advise us of this when you book your trip and you will inform you of the cost for day room which ends at 18:00hrs. You will be picked from your hotel and dropped off at the Kilimanjaro International Airport if you wish airport transfer arrangement; your airport transfer driver will meet you at the hotel. However, those travelers who have booked with us to go on safari, your Alkebulan Travels guide will be meeting you in the evening for safari briefing.
