Overview
The 9 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route offers adventurers a breathtaking journey to the summit of Africa’s tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Beginning with a scenic drive through lush rainforests, the trek commences at the Londorossi Gate, gradually ascending through diverse ecological zones, from dense forests to expansive moorlands. This longer itinerary allows for ample acclimatization, increasing the chances of successful summit attempts. As climbers progress, they are treated to awe-inspiring vistas of Kilimanjaro’s iconic glaciers and panoramic views of the surrounding plains. With its gradual ascent and stunning scenery, the Lemosho Route promises a challenging yet rewarding experience for those seeking the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure.
Day 1:
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to one of
the hotels in Moshi for your overnight stay.
Day 2:
Lemosho Trailhead (2,000m/6,600ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp – 2,800m/9,100ft). A 2hours
drive from your hotel bringing you to the Londorossi Park Gate located on the western side of
Kilimanjaro. At the gate you will sign in. Thereafter, drive to the trailhead at Lemosho Glades and start
your trek through the rain forest. In places, the vegetation is so untouched that it grows right across the
narrow track. The flora and fauna are richer here than on the other more popular routes through the
rain forest. The trek today will be along a little used track known as Chamber’s Route. In about 3-4
hours, you will arrive at the camp in the rain forest at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree)for the dinner and
overnight stay at Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Day 3:
Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,800m/9,100ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,500ft). After breakfast, you will start
the climb cross the remaining rain forest towards the giant moorland zone. Today is a full day trek with
an altitude gain of 2,000 ft. You will have hot lunch at the camp thereafter have lunch then cross into
the Shira Caldera, a high altitude desert plateau that is rarely visited. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro
volcanic cones and is filled with lava flow from Kibo Peak . The crater rim has been decimated by
weather and volcanic action. Today you will get your first close views of Kibo – the dramatic summit of
Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at Shira one campsite.
Day 4:
Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,500ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m/12,600ft). You will have breakfast then start
the hike across the rocky ridge onto Shira Plateau, where you will be able to see the easterly side and
the western breach with its dramatic glaciers. You will be on the west of Kibo Peak and it will take
another short walk before reaching the Shira 2 Campsite. Shira 2 Camp is very exposed and will be
much colder with temperatures dropping below freezing point.
Day 5:
Shira 2 Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft). Today is the last of the “easy
days”. It is about a 6-7 hour superb hike. You will pass the Lava Tower , around the southern flank of
Kibo and slowly descend into the spectacular Barranco Valley , interspersed with giant lobelia and
senecia plants. After arriving at your most spectacular campsite, everyone stands in awe at the foot of
Kibo Peak , looming high above, on our left. The camp is only 465 feet higher than where you were last
night, but during the day you will have climbed to just over 14,000 feet. This is one of our most valuable
days for acclimatization. Dinner and overnight at Barranco camp.
Day 6:
Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) to Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft). On the eastern side of the
valley, across the stream is the Barranco Wall – a 9,500 ft. barrier of volcanic rock. Although it is tall and
looks steep, it is very easy to climb. This is your first challenge of the day. The views from the wall are
nothing less than magnificent. The rest of the day is spent skirting the base of Kibo peak over our left
shoulder. You descend down into the Karanga Valley , where you will rest up for the night before the
tough climb up to Barafu hut. Dinner and overnight ata Karanga camp.
Day 7:
After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects to the famous Mweka Trail.
You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers
stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a
narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s therefore worth taking some time to familiarize yourself
with your surroundings before it gets dark. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the
upcoming hike to the summit.
Day 8:
Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,300ft) then descending to Mweka Camp
(3,110m/10,200ft). Dress warmly, because we start climbing around midnight, on the steepest and most
demanding part of the mountain. The moon, if out, will provide enough light, and we will reach the
crater rim by sunrise, after a 7 hour hike, and welcome a new dawn. From the crater rim, rugged
Mawenzi Peak is a thrilling sight, with the Kibo saddle still in darkness beneath you, and the crater’s ice-
walls looming ahead. We now continue to Uhuru Peak (1-2 hrs.) This is the highest point in Africa , and
the world’s highest solitary peak (19,300 ft). It is the best view in Africa . The descent is invigorating. It is
a good idea to have a little rest once in awhile as you continue down back to Barafu camp (4 hours), and
then down the Mweka route to Mweka camp (5 hours). This is where we spend our last night on the
mountain. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 9:
Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,980m). In the morning walk down to the gate of Mweka. This
takes about 4hrs. After a welcome lunch, it is time to say thanks and tipping the potters and guides, then
drive to Moshi or Arusha for your next destination.
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