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The less known Lemosho route starts on the western flank of Kilimanjaro. A demanding route suitable for fitter hikers, it has a bit less traffic and amazing scenery. Accommodation is in tents. Climbs can be booked to depart on any day of the week.
The less travelled Lemosho Route approaches the Mount Kilimanjaro from the west. The first two days are spent trekking through thick rainforest which gradually changes to heath and moorland, before finally joining the Machame Route on day three.
Diverse landscapes and breath-taking panoramic views make this challenging route, with its steep passages, all the more worthwhile. Overnights will be spent in tents.
The Lemosho Route is typically completed in 8 days. This is a great option if you want a longer trek for acclimatization. It connects with the Machame Route at Shira 2 Camp. The drive to trail head is about 4 hours.
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp (BLD)
Day 2: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (BLD)
Day 3: Hike Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (BLD)
Day 4: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (BLD)
Day 5: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (BLD)
Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (BLD)
Day 7: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp (BLD)
Day 8: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi (B)
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp (BLD)
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
— Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi
— Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (BLD)
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
— Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
— Distance: 8km/5mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Moorland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Hike Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (BLD)
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
— Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
— Distance: 8km/5mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Moorland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (BLD)
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
— Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
— Distance: 8km/5mi
— Walking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp
Day 5: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (BLD)
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
— Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi
— Hiking Time: 34 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Karanga Valley Camp
Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (BLD)
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
— Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
— Distance: 4km/2mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp
Day 7: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp (BLD)
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
— Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
— Down to 3090m/10,150ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
— Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
— Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp
Day 8: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi (B)
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.
— Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
— Distance: 10km/6mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast
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