7 Days
Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Area to Visit
Londorossi Gate, Mti Mkubwa, Shira Camp 1, Shira Camp 2, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Horombo Hut & Mweka Gate.
Your Dream African Safari Specialist
Overview
Lemosho Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the West, just like Shira and newly established Northern Circuit Route. The start of the route is Londorossi Gate, which takes you on two days trek thru lush rainforest, followed by a range of rolling hills. The rest of the trek is classic mountain scenery, with camps where we setup our tents. Lemosho is usually 7 or 8 days trek, and it joins Machame Route when reached Barranco Camp.
This is the most scenic of all the Kilimanjaro routes, and has the highest success rate. Lemosho is meant for people that are able to trek difficult terrain, and to sleep in the small tents for several days, but also for those who wish to explore superb wilderness. Descend is at the Mweka gate.
Itinerary in Details
DAY 1: LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA
- Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 3 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate, where we will complete entry formalities. From here a forest track requiring one hour drive to Lemosho Glades. After lunch, we will walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Meals:
Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:
Mti Mkubwa
DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA TO SHIRA CAMP 1
- Distance: 8km
- Hiking Time: 7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
We will follow a trail that leads out of the forest and into a savannah giant heather moorland zone. Our ascend through scenic rolling hills, we will cross several streams to reach the Shira Ridge before descending to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from the plateau is spectacular.
Meals:
B, L, D
Accommodation:
Kikelewa Hut
DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP 1 TO SHIRA CAMP 2
- Distance: 6km
- Hiking Time: 2 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
Meals:
B, L, D
Accommodation:
Mawenz Tarn
DAY 4: SHIRA CAMP 2 TO BARRANCO CAMP
- Distance: 7km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east towards the peak of Kibo and passing that junction. Here our path goes east, towards the Lava Tower, also called the Shark’s Tooth. Shortly after passing the Lava Tower, we meet the second junction that brings us to the Arrow Glacier. From here we continue down to the Barranco Hut, where we will rest, have dinner and overnight.
Despite the fact that we did not changed elevation from the point where we started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for the summit.
Meals:
B, L, D
Accommodation:
Mawenz Tarn
DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
- Distance: 9km
- Hiking Time: 8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we take short scramble to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley, beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers.
After a short and well deserved break we leave Karanga and cross the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail, used for descend from the mountain later. From here we continue up to the Barafu Camp. Here we will rest, have dinner and prepare for the summit day. From Barafu you can enjoy the view of two volcanic cones Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, and that view is quite spectacular and you should not miss it.
Meals:
B, L, D
Accommodation:
Kibo Camp
DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO HOROMBO HUT
- Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic
An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers. The last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. At the rim we will reach Stella point, from where we have further hour to Uhuru Peak.
After a short stop for taking photos we descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on past Millenium camp down to Horombo Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge. Those with the strength left from the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Meals:
B, L, D
Accommodation:
Horombo Hut
DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT TO MWEKA GATE
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Meals:
B, L,
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Hut fees
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the safari
- nternational Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks not included
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
