The Lemosho Route is one of the lesser used routes on Kilimanjaro and provides beautiful views of both sides of the mountain. The route provides plenty of time for acclimatization and is one of our favorites!

 

Arrival Day: Our packages include arrival day services. Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transport you to your Arusha/Moshi hotel (location depends on availability), bed and breakfast service are included.
 

Acclimatization Day: optional in our packages

 

Mountain Day 1: Londorossi gate (5,900 ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (9,500 ft)

Hiking Time: 4 hours

From the Londorossi gate you will drive to the Lemosho Trailhead and continue on to the Forest Camp (Mti Mkubwa Camp).

 

Mountain Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (9,500 ft) to Shira 1 Camp (12,200 ft)

Hiking Time: 6 hours

Once out of the forest, you will take a steep treck into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching the Shira 1 Camp at the edge of the plateau.

 

Mountain Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (12,200 ft.) to Shira 2 Camp (12,600 ft)

Hiking Time: 4 hours

Full day exploration of the Shira plateau. Trek east toward Kibo's glaciered peak with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro's three volcanoes. Arrive at Shira 2 camp, one of the highest plateaus on earth.

 

Mountain Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (12,600 ft) to Barranco Camp (12,950 ft.)

Hiking Time: 7 hours

From the Shira Plateau, you will continue to the east up a ridge eventually passing the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, you come to the second junction which brings you up to the Arrow Glacier and continuing on to the Barranco campsite.

 

Mountain Day 5: Barranco Camp (12,950 ft.) to Karanga Camp (13,100 ft)

Hiking Time: 3 hours

You leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing up the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.

 

Mountain Day 6: Karanga Camp (13,100 ft) to Barafu Camp (15,200 ft.)

Hiking Time: 3 hours

From Karanga the tour heads up a moraine ridge. The views here can be spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it's taken it very slowly. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent.

 

Mountain Day 7 - Barafu Camp (15,200 ft) to Crater Camp (18,750 ft)

Hiking Time: 7 hours

You will wake up early and begin your way to the Crater Camp. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. After reaching crater camp you can go for an optional walk to the central ash pit (Reusch Crater).

 

Mountain Day 8: Crater Camp (18,700 ft.) to Summit (19,340 ft) to Mweka Camp (10,000 ft)

Hiking Time: 10 hours

Rise early to watch the sunrise from the summit, which will take about 1.5 hours from Crater Camp to Uhuru peak. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

 

Mountain Day 9: Mweka Camp (10,000 ft.) to Mweka Gate (6,000 ft)

Hiking Time: 3 hours

From Mweka Camp you continue the descent down to the Mweka Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where summiting climbers receive their summit certificates. Our driver will meet you at the gate and transport you to your Arusha/Moshi hotel (depending on availability, overnight stay included in our packages.

 

Departure Day: Our packages include departure day services. Enjoy breakfast and a morning sightseeing in the city or join us for one of our Safari Adventures. If you are returning home our driver will bring you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your flight home.