Lemosho
Route
Considered one of the best routes to climb because it’s longer, covers more distance, and has more elevation gain than other routes.
The Lemosho Route is a 71 km (42 mile) trekking route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. The route starts at Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain and winds through a remote section of the mountain, including a rainforest where you might see wildlife like black and white colobus monkeys.
The route then crosses the Shira Plateau from west to east and joins the Machame Route between Shira and Barranco. The Lemosho Route can be climbed in 6 to 9 days, but the ideal time to climb is eight days (seven nights) for better altitude acclimatization. The route includes the following camps: Big Tree Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, and Millennium Camps.
The Lemosho route is challenging because it’s longer, covers more distance, and has more elevation gain than other routes. However, some say the Lemosho route is one of the easier routes on Kilimanjaro, as its longer itinerary allows for better acclimatization.
The Lemosho route includes: A beautiful approach through the forest on the first day, The Barranco Wall, and Steep climbing on summit night.A good level of fitness is recommended, but no technical climbing is required.
8 Days Route Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) in Tanzania.
- Meet your crew and transfer to Arusha, a bustling town at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Spend the night in a hotel, relaxing and preparing for the trek.
Day 2: Lemosho Gate
Lemosho Gate (2,200m) - Big Tree Camp (2,780m)
- Take a scenic drive to the Lemosho Gate, the starting point of the trek.
- Complete park registration formalities and meet your porters and guides.
- Begin the trek through lush rainforests, teeming with birdlife and colorful flora.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the mountain crew.
- Arrive at Big Tree Camp, nestled amidst giant mahogany trees.
Day 3: Big Tree Camp
Big Tree Camp (2,780m) - Shira 1 Camp (3,505m)
- After breakfast, continue the trek on a gradual ascent through montane forests.
- The landscape opens up, revealing expansive views of the Shira Plateau.
- Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, set on a scenic plateau with volcanic rock formations
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp
Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) - Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)
- Enjoy a leisurely morning, taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Embark on a short hike with packed lunches to explore the Shira Ridge.
- Observe various volcanic features, including Shira Cathedral, the second highest peak on Kilimanjaro.
- Return to Shira 1 Camp for lunch and relaxation.
- In the afternoon, proceed to Shira 2 Camp, located at a slightly higher altitude for better acclimatization.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp
Shira 2 Camp (3,900m) - Lava Tower (4,630m) - Barranco Camp (3,960m)
- Today’s hike involves a steeper ascent to Lava Tower, an eroded volcanic cone.
- Take in breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau and the Kibo Glacier.
- Descend to Barranco Camp, situated in a dramatic valley.
- Enjoy a hearty dinner and rest for the next day’s challenge. surrounded by towering cliffs.
Day 6: Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp (3,960m) - Karanga Camp (4,035m)
- A relatively short hike allows for further acclimatization.
- Navigate the infamous Barranco Wall, a steep rocky section with good handholds and footholds.
- Take in the magnificent views from the top of the Barranco Wall.
- Arrive at Karanga Camp, a smaller and more exposed campsite with stunning scenery.
Day 7: Karanga Camp
Karanga Camp (4,035m) - Barafu Camp (4,640m) - Summit Attempt (Uhuru Peak - 5,895m) - Mweka Camp (3,080m)
- This is the most challenging day. Rise very early for a pre-dawn breakfast.
- Embark on a strenuous hike through scree slopes and switchbacks in the dark.
- Witness a spectacular sunrise above the clouds as you reach higher altitudes.
- The final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, is demanding but incredibly rewarding.
- Celebrate your summit success and enjoy the panoramic views from the “Roof of Africa.”
- Descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch.
- Descend further to Mweka Camp, located in a more sheltered and lower altitude for well-deserved rest.
Day 8: Depature
Mweka Camp (3,080m) - Mweka Gate (1,630m) - Depature
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, reflecting on your incredible achievement.
- Hike through the rainforest, following a different route offering diverse vegetation.
- Arrive at Mweka Gate, where you will be met by celebratory cheers from the porters and crew.
- Farewell to your mountain crew