8-DAYS | 7 NIGHTS KILIMANJARO CLIMBING VIA LEMOSHO ROUTE

Lemosho route is considered the most beautiful trail to the roof of Africa, we highly recommend it too because of its dazzling landscape and the high success rate, and most of our clients prefer this route also, hence making it one of our top choices when it comes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The hike commences in the londorosi gate just 3 hours away from moshi town, the trek will take you through five different climates from the cultivation zone, to arctic zone at the peak.

The route is thoughtfully designed in a way to improve acclimatization for climbers. lemosho route can be tackled in six days, however it is advised to be done in at least 7 – 9 days for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. Opting to climb the mountain in more than eight days increases your chance of reaching the top up to 90%.

After passing though the cultivation zone, lemosho route continue in fertile forest, heads up to shira plateau; the Kilimanjaro third peak before it collapsed. Then the route proceed to moir hut which is a best place for acclimatization due to short hike that can be done in the nearby lent hills, there after we will hike over lava tower before dropping into barranco valley. We will trek along the intimidating barranco wall and then circle along the southern circuit to karanga and high barafu hut. Summit will be done from the barafu camp and descent will follow the mweka trail.

DAY 1

Moshi – Londorossi Gate (7,800ft) – Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp (9,500ft)

Departure will commence from moshi as we head to londorossi gate for registration, the drive will only take about 4 hours, and from there we will drive to lemosho trailhead. Lunch will be offered on arrival and then will proceed through the lush, green forest which leads to the first camp

Elevation: 7,800ft- 9,500ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: rain forest

DAY 2

Mti Mkubwa Camp (9,498 ft) – Shira 1 Camp (11,500ft)

We proceed with the trail that will lead us to the savannah grasses, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. We will continue descending through the lush rolling hills, and along the way crossing several streams, and after reaching the shira ridge we will gently descend to shira 1 camp. The view of the kibo is spectacular from here

Elevation: 9,498ft – 11, 500ft

Distance: 8km

Hiking time: 5- 6 hours

Habitat: moorland

DAY 3

Shira 1 Camp (11,500ft)-Moir hut (13,800ft)

On this day we traverse though the shira plateau for the whole day.

We will keep trekking towards shira camp 2 and join hikers from the machame route whilst indulging in the beautiful scenery across the valley below and western breach of Kilimanjaro above. Proceed to shira caldera and diverge to an off - the - beaten path to moir hut. This is a site at the base of lent hills. You can opt to take walks on lent hills, which can be the best for acclimatization.

Elevation: 11,500ft -13,800ft

Distance: 14km

Habitat: moorland

Hiking time: 5- 7 hours

DAY 4

Moir Hut (13,800ft )-Lava Tower(15,190ft) - Barranco Camp( 13,044ft)

We begin our day by proceeding eastwards up a ridge, passing the intersection towards the peak of kibo. As we keep moving, our direction changes to the south east towards lava tower. Immediately after the tower we reach the second intersection which leads us to the arrow glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We head down the barranco hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. We will retire here and spend overnight. The day ends up at almost the same elevation as when we started which is best for acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,800ft – 13, 044ft

Distance: 7km

Hiking time: 4- 6hours

Habitat: semi desert

DAY 5

Barranco Camp (13,044 ft) - Karanga Camp (13,106 ft)

We start this day by descending to the base of the intimidating barranco wall. Afterwards we hike the non – technical yet steep cliff. From the top of barranco we go across a sequence of hill and valleys until we descend into karanga valley. The day is short to improve acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,044ft – 13, 106ft

Distance: 5km

Hiking time: 4 -5 hours

Habitat: alpine desert

DAY 6

Karanga Camp(13,106ft) -Summit to Barafu Camp(15,331ft)

We depart from karanga and reach the intersection which connects with mweka trail. We then proceed to barafu hut. This will be the completion of southern route which offers a spectacular view of the summit from different angles. Here we will rest and enjoy a tasteful early dinner as we prepare for the summit on the next day. The two peaks of kibo and mawenzi are clearly visible here.

Elevation: 13,106ft -15,331ft

Distance: 4km

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours

Habitat: alpine desert

DAY 7

BARAFU CAMP (15,331ft) -UHURU PEAK (19,341ft)- MWEKA CAMP (10,065ft).

On this day we will push our way to the summit our trek will begin around midnight, this can a bit more physically and mentally challenging compared to the other parts of the trek.

After reaching Stella Point (18,600ft), we will take a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, snow may be encountered all the way on our 1-hour ascent to the summit. Your time at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa will be brief. Take as many pictures as you want, enjoy your accomplishment and then start heading back to Stella Point.

From the summit, we will immediately start our descent straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. . The trail is rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are useful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. We will later enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and take a well-earned rest.

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

DAY 8

MWEKA CAMP (10,065ft) -MOSHI

Following a well-earned breakfast, we will have a celebration with all the team and afterwards will have a three hours walk to mweka gate. Upon arrival at the gate you will receive your gold certificate for reaching the summit and there after head to mweka village where we will meet our driver who will take you back to your hotel for a long rest.

Distance Covered: 9.1km

Time to be used: 3hrs

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch