Lemosho Route

Lemosho

Lemosho Route

Number of Days

9days/8nights

Max. Group Size

10 Persons

Difficulty Level

Medium

Speciality

Remote & Beautiful

A REMOTE & BEAUTIFUL ROUTE

High Level Facts About this Route

It is relatively new route to Kilimanjaro.
It starts on the Western side of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate and was introduced as an alternative to the Shira Route which begins at a higher more challenging altitude.
The Londorossi Gate is a fair drive from the town of Moshi, and considerably further from Arusha.This is where you will register with the authorities before being driven a further 12km to the starting point.
You may get lucky and spot large antelope, buffalo and may be even elephant.
It joins the Machame Route at Lava Tower and heads down towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit.
Lemosho trekkers need to transverse the Barranco Wall and then summit from Barafu Camp.
Descent is via the Mweka route.
Most trekkers complete the Lemosho Route in eight days, however some tour operators offer seven day treks and six day hikes (not recommended) on the Lemosho.
The 8-day variation is great for acclimatisation and of course increases the probability of success.
The seven day route typically stops for a night at both Shira Camp 1 and Shira Camp 2.
Eight day treks stop again at Karanga Camp for another acclimatization day.

DAYWISE BREAKUP

LEMOSHO ROUTE ITINERARY

Below is the itinerary for an 9-day Lemosho Route..

Day 1: Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)

You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00am and transferred to the Lemosho gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night. Distance covered: 7km / 4.3mi Approx. time taken: 4 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)

Today you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Our destination for today is the Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude today and parts of the route are fairly steep. Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi Approx. time taken: 7 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)

Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight. Distance covered: 8km / 5mi Approx. time taken: 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking in to the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)

Day 6: Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night. Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi Approx. time taken: 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) to Crater Camp (5,790m)

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit. Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi Approx. time taken: 3 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 8: Crater Camp (5,790m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Millennium Camp (3790m)

Wake before dawn to start your summit approach. You'll reach Uhuru Peak in the early afternoon, when few groups are around. A short descent brings you to Crater Camp, set in soft sands near the famed Furtwangler Glacier. Crater camp is not a route in it's own right but a challenging extension which in principle can be added to any route. It involves sleeping overnight in the bowl of the crater. An amazing experience enjoyed by only a few of the most adventurous climbers. Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi Approx. time taken: 5-6 hours & 1-2hours to Crater. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 9: Depart Tanzania (will meet again)

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time. Hotel: Bed &Breakfast