The Lemosho Route is perhaps the least used initial ascent route on Kilimanjaro, partly because of its remote location and likewise the difficult roads leading to the trailhead. The trailhead is at relative high elevation, and thus we start slow and easy on this route. Buffalo and elephant sightings are possible on the first day trekking through the forest, and the trail is often overgrown from lack of use. The route leads up to the western edge of the Shira Plateau, and the hike across the plateau is said to be one of the most stunningly beautiful hikes in Africa. The trail merges on day three of the trek with the Shira Route (which begins near this point, at the end of the 4×4 truck at the Morum Barrier gate), and on day four merges with the Machame Route. This is the point from where all three trails connect to Lava Tower and then they go down to the Great Barranco Valley and this is where the Umbwe route running steeply form the south joins. From here, the trail gets around counter-clockwise around the upper slopes of the Kibo massif, over the high-desert ridges to the Karanga Valley, then to an exposed campsite set on a high ridge; Barafu (meaning literally “ice” in Kiswahili). From Barafu Camp we make our overnight attempt at Africa’s highest peak …an experience that few ever forget.
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing through Lemosho Route as per this itinerary is the longest distance to trek up, so fitness certainly plays a role in the enjoyment and success of this trek. We start slow, and gain altitude slowly for the first four days, then the physical and mental demands increase. It is very challenging to trek from Barranco to Barafu and the overnight trek to the summit is rather a greater challenge. The short resting durations make the final day too hard. Overall, the distance covered and the intensity of the final few days make this trek a good choice only for the experienced hiker. The many changes of scenery and spectacular hike across the Shira Plateau make this trek truly special there are no huts on this route; the accommodation is in mountain tents and dining is in our mess tents. Daily itinerary.
Pick up from Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Half board accommodation at a Base Hotel in Moshi.
Lemosho trailhead (7800ft/2375m) – Forest Camp (9500ft/2895m)Departure from the base hotel for Londorossi gate, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, eat lunch, and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp, only about 3-4 hours of trekking. Overnight at Forest Camp (Mti Mkubwa Camp).
Meal plan : Full Board
Elevation : 7,742ft to 9,498ft
Distance : 6km / 4miles
Hiking time : 4-5 hours
Habitat : Forest
Forest Camp – Shira 1 Camp (12200ft/3720m)Once out of the forest, take a steep track into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching camp at the edge of the plateau, a day of 5-6 hours trekking. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
Meal plan : Full Board
Elevation : 9,498ft to 11,500ft
Distance : 8km / 5miles
Hiking time : 5-6 hours
Habitat : Heathland
Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp (12600ft/3950m)Full day exploration of the Shira plateau; trek east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Arrive at Shira 2 camp at 12600ft. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12500 feet. Trekking time without the optional excursions is about 3 hours.
Meal plan : Full Board
Elevation : 12,500ft / 15,190ft
Distance : 11km / 7miles
Hiking time : 4-5 hours
Habitat : Heathland
Shira 2 Camp – Barranco Camp (12950ft/3950m)Proceed steadily upward over expansive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower, for lunch. The trek is about 4 hours. Lava Tower, a 300 foot volcanic plug, marks an exposed pass at 15000 feet. In the afternoon, descend the steep track into the Great Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp: with hanging glaciers that glint in the sunshine above amidst the eerie landscape is a very exotic site to experience. Enclosed three sides with the massive valley walls and the Kibo massif itself, the camp is a paradise for the nature lovers. Trekking time is 6-7 hours.
Meal plan : Full Board
Elevation : 13,800ft to 15,190ft
Distance : 7km / 4miles
Hiking time : 4-5 hours
Habitat : Alpine Desert
Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp (15200ft/4620m)The day begins with a scramble up the steep ‘BArranco Wall’, then traversing up and down the slopes of valleys which have carved their way into the mountain’s southern face. Kibo’s glaciers loom above to your left and the jagged peaks of Mawenzi just into the African sky at just under 17000 feet straight ahead. We reach the Karanga Valley after 3-4 hours of trekking to find a hot lunch served. In the afternoon the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Eat and drink as much as possible before retiring to your tent for rest and sleep.
Meal plan: Full Board
Elevation: 13,106ft to 15,331ft
Distance: 4km / 2miles
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (19340ft/5895m) – Mweka Camp (10200ft/3110m). The steaming hot drink will arrive very early on this momentous day. A midnight wake-up call is the start of a juggernaut (12-17 hours of trekking). You begin trekking at lam. The temperature range from just below freezing at midnight, to between 10 deg F (-12 deg C) to 10F (-23 dg C) just before dawn at the summit. The winding path of endless switchbacks will take form and shape in the shadows of the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers at early dawn, and behind you the spires of Mawenzi will be silouhetted against the red glow of the sun from beneath the clouds. After about 6 hours of walking, you will come to the edge of the crater; Stella Point, at 19000 feet (5790m) on the crater rim is the end of the steep track. From here, there is a gentle slope about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak. The strength it takes to ascend this final 340 feet is for many monumental. After a short time at the summit, descend the steep scree trial back to Barafu Camp for some rest, then summon your strength again for further descent to Mweka Camp for the night.
Meal plan : Full Board
Elevation : 15,331ft to 19,341ft
Distance : 5km / 3miles
Hiking time : 7-8 hours
Habitat : Arctic
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (6000ft/1830m)Descend straight to the gate (2-3 hours), where you’ll have lunch and will be awarded climbing certificates. Transfer to base hotel for dinner and overnight.
Meal plan : Full Board
Elevation : 10,065ft to 5,380ft
Distance : 10km / 6miles
Hiking time : 3-4 hours
Habitat : Rain Forest
Moshi – Airport or ArushaAfter breakfast, transfer back to Arusha town. End of our services.
