“Summited Kilimanjaro via Lemosho with an incredible crew. Great gear, great food, and they got all of us to Uhuru Peak.”8 Days Lemosho Route
Lemosho has the best acclimatisation profile on the mountain, and eight days makes the ascent gradual. It is the route to choose if summit success matters most.
You start on the remote western side and cross the Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit at the Lava Tower and Barranco Wall. Summit night ends at Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m.
The approach is quieter than Machame or Marangu for the first two days.
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: Lunch and Dinner_
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: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner_
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: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner_
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: 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 which connects with the Mweka Trail. _Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft_ _Distance: 5km/3mi_ _Climbing Time: 3-4 hours_ _Habitat: Alpine Desert_ _Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner_
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_ _Climbing Time: 3-4 hours_ _Habitat: Alpine Desert_ _Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner_
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: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner_
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). Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes). _Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft_ _Distance: 10km/6mi_ _Hiking Time: 3-4 hours_ _Habitat: Forest_ _Meals: Breakfast_
Talk to our local safari experts for a tailor-made itinerary that fits your dates and budget.
