The Lemosho route is lesser known. It begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Walking through the rainforest for the first two days the vegetation changes to heath and moorland with many ferns and ericas along the way. The narrow trail sometimes has some very steep sections and is scenically diverse. On the third day, the trail joins the Machame route. Hikers overnight in tents

There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe route all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes except Marangu descend via Mweka.

Six, seven, and eight-day programs are available, so you can choose depending on the amount of time at your disposal. Longer programs are always recommended over the shorter ones for better acclimatization.

7 Days Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route

Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet our mountain guide for a briefing and mountain gear check, followed by a drive to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. We then proceed to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin the hike through undisturbed forest that winds its way to the first camp.

Day 2:  Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp

Altitude: 9,498 to 11,500 feet.

Distance: 8km/ 5miles

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Health

We continue on the trail that leads out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rocks draped with lichen barbs. Climbing through the lush hills and crossing several streams, we reach Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira Camp 1. Here we get our first glimpse of Kibo on the other side of the plateau.

 

Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp

Altitude: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

From the Shira Plateau, we continue eastwards up a ridge, passing the junction to Kibo Peak.

Continuing, our direction changes to the southeast towards the lava tower, called “Shark’s Tooth” (altitude 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we reach the second junction which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to Barranco Camp. Although you end the day at about the same altitude as you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft

Distance to climb: 5km/3mi

Climbing time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction to the Mweka Trail.

 

Day 5:  Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft

Distance to go: 4km/2mi

Climbing time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

We continue to Barafu Camp. You have completed the southern circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we set up camp, rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for summit day.

 

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft

Descent to 3090m/10,150ft

Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down

Hiking time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down

Habitat: Rocky scree and ice-covered summit

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Early in the morning (midnight to 2 a.m.) we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head northwest and climb through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point you will take a short break and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you have ever seen. Faster hikers can see the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow throughout your hour-long climb to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent!

From the summit, we begin our descent by continuing straight down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want to wear gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the way down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

 

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we continue downhill to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower altitudes, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will be useful. Shorts and t-shirts will probably suffice (keep rain gear and warmer clothes handy). Meet our guide at the gate for transfer to Arusha for dinner and overnight or late flight according to your budget and schedule.

The climb cost includes:

Transfers:

  • Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi;
  • Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Entry fees:

  • Park Fees: all park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fees, rescue fees, and all others).

Accommodation:

  • Accommodation at 3* hotel (Aishi Machame Hotel or Altezza Lodge) one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay – friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant, and swimming pool;
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season North Face VE-25 tents);

Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. A single supplement is available upon request.

Meals:

  • Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
  • All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, and fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
  • All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water).

Hiking and safety equipment:

  • 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
  • All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, and cutlery);
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
  • GPS-tracking service;
  • Complete medical kits including Diamox.

Climbing crew:

  • Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holders of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

The climb cost excludes:

  • International flights;
  • Visa fee;
  • Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
  • Personal gear rentals;
  • Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);
  • Portable toilets (if required – 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3-4 people);
  • Mountaineering insurance. You’ll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.