8 days Kilimanjaro, Lemosho route

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Lemosho Starting Point to Mti Mkubwa

  

  We leave Moshi for the Londorossi gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete the entry formalities. Then, we drive to the starting point of the Lemosho trail. Upon arrival at the Lemosho trailhead of Kilimanjaro, we begin the hike through a preserved forest that winds up to the first campsite. The Lemosho route of Kilimanjaro offers a peaceful start to your trek, surrounded by a beautiful forest and a calm environment, ensuring a perfect beginning to your 8-day adventure on the Lemosho route of Kilimanjaro.

• day 2

  Mti Mkubwa at Shira 1 Camp

  

  We continue along the trail that leaves the rainforest to enter a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks covered with lichens. As we climb through the green hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira ridge before gently descending towards Shira 1 camp. Here, we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. The Lemosho route of Mount Kilimanjaro offers an unforgettable landscape, making the hike both picturesque and varied.

• day 3

  Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

  

  We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east through the heather meadows towards Shira 2 camp. Then, we will have the opportunity to exercise and acclimatize at the Shira Cathedral, a little-visited site at the base of the Lent Hills. A variety of hikes is available on the Lent Hills, making this stage an excellent acclimatization opportunity. The Kili Lemosho route offers excellent altitude training on one of the highest plateaus on the planet.

• day 4

  Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

  

  We start the day by climbing a ridge, then head southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 300 ft high volcanic rock formation. We then descend to Barranco camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio forest, at an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you start and end the day at the same altitude, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization. The Kilimanjaro Lemosho route map highlights this section as one of the most interesting parts of the ascent.

• day 5

  Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  

  We start the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then, we climb the cliff, which is non-technical but steep, about 900 feet high. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys before descending sharply into the Karanga valley. A final steep ascent leads us to Karanga camp. This is a shorter day, planned for acclimatization. The 8-day Lemosho route ensures adequate acclimatization to prepare you for summit day.

• day 6

  Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  

  We leave Karanga and reach the junction that joins the Mweka trail. We continue to the rocky section leading to Barafu Hut. At this stage, you have completed the southern circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here, we set up camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this spot. Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route offers you spectacular views that will remain with you forever.

• day 7

  Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

  

  Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak—the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite and stopping at Barafu for lunch. The Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho route offers the ultimate test of endurance and rewards with breathtaking views from the summit.

• day 8

  Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

  

  On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. Kilimanjaro Lemosho route 8 days provides an incredible journey, culminating in a rewarding celebration at the gate.