Which route up Kilimanjaro is best?

LEMOSHO ROUTE – 7/8 DAYS

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The Lemosho Route is regarded as one of the most scenic and beautiful routes on Mount Kilimanjaro.

It is also one of the newer routes, starting just beneath the Shira Route on the western side of the mountain and joining the Machame Route at Shira 2 Camp.

Although it is one of the longer routes on the mountain, it is becoming an increasingly popular option among climbers as it is highly recommended for good acclimatization.

Climbs can take seven to eight days; however, we always advise choosing the longer route for the best chance of acclimatization and reaching the summit.

ITINERARY

MOSHI ARRIVAL

Meet-and-greet at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Moshi.**

Once you have arrived in Moshi, we will arrange a pre-climbing brief with one of our mountain guides to ensure that you have all the correct gears and equipment. We will also talk you through what to expect on your climb to the highest point in Africa and answer any questions/concerns you may have.

DAY 1: LEMOSHO TRAILHEAD (2,000M/6,600FT) TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP (BIG TREE CAMP – 2,800M/9,100FT)

Elevation Gain: 800 metres / 2,500 feet

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hostel/hotel and driven to Londrossi Gate (approximately 3 hours). After registration, you will then head to Lemosho Trailhead (2,000m) where the trek begins. From here you will enter the beautiful and undisturbed rainforest to begin your ascent up the mountain. Sightings of Black and White Colobus monkeys and small antelopes are quite common, and you may even be lucky enough to spot buffalos and elephants too. After 3 to 4 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp (2,800m).

DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2,800M/9,100FT) TO SHIRA 1 CAMP (3,500M/11,500FT)

Elevation Gain:  700 metres / 2,400 feet

After breakfast, you 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 (3,500m) located by a stream on the Shira Plateau. Shira is actually a collapsed volcanic crater and was the first of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones to expire. If it’s a clear day, you’ll also get to enjoy superb panoramic views. Today’s hike takes approximately 5 hours.

DAY 3: SHIRA 1 CAMP (3,500M/11,500FT) TO SHIRA 2 CAMP (3,840M/12,600FT)

Elevation Gain:  340 metres / 1,100 feet

An easy day of hiking (approx 4 hours) to help acclimatization and to explore the volcanic rock formations of Shira Plateau. Today you will walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching Shira 2 Camp (3,840m). This campsite has stunning views, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable.

DAY 4:  SHIRA 2 CAMP (3,840M/12,600FT) TO BARRANCO CAMP (3,850M/12,650FT) VIA LAVA TOWER (4,550M/14,900FT)

Elevation Gain: 710 metres / 2,300 feet
Elevation Loss: 700 metres / 2,250 feet

The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping vistas across to Meru and the Shira Needles. This day’s trek lasts for about 6 hours with a steady walk taking you past Lava Tower (4,550m), where you stop to have lunch. Crossing the Bastains stream, you will begin to descend into the Barranco Valley towards Barranco Camp (3,850m). Although you will finish today’s climb at almost the same elevation as you started, this is very good practice for acclimatisation and will help prepare your body for summit day

DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP (3,850M/12,650FT) TO KARANGA CAMP (3,995M/13,106FT)

Elevation Gain: 145 meters / 456 feet

This will be a shorter day of hiking (taking approximately 4 to 5 hours) to allow for acclimatization. After breakfast, you will begin to ascend the Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys – but don’t worry, this sounds more difficult than it actually is! You will then cross a series of hills and valleys before descending to Karanga Camp (3,995m). If you are feeling up to it, in the afternoon you have the opportunity to hike in the Karanga Valley where giant senecios and lobelia grow; however, you are well advised to rest as much as you possibly can to prepare for the climb ahead.

DAY 6: KARANGA CAMP (3,995M /13,106FT) TO BARAFU CAMP (4,600M /15,100FT)

Elevation Gain: 605 metres / 1,994 feet

The scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on a moraine with a view of Mawenzi peak towering majestically to the right, and overhead, Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Today’s hike will take approximately 4 hours. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp (4,600m) and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.

DAY 7:  BARAFU CAMP (4,600M/15,100FT) TO UHURU PEAK (5,895M/19,300FT) THEN DESCENDING TO MWEKA CAMP (3,110M/10,200FT)

Elevation Gain: 1,295 metres / 4,200 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,785 metres / 9,100 feet

This is where the going gets really tough! The climb to the summit starts at around 12:00am. For about 6 hours you will be climbing the steepest and most challenging part of your journey. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685m). After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations, you have now made it to the highest point in Africa! From here you will descend going straight down to Mweka Camp (with a short, well-deserved rest at Barafu Camp where you can collect the rest of your belongings). The descent usually takes a further 6 to 7 hours.

DAY 8: MWEKA HUT (3,100M) TO MWEKA GATE (1,980M)

Elevation Loss: 1,280 metres / 4,220 feet
After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro! The day is spent descending to Mweka Gate via a scenic path through the rainforest. The descent to the gate will take approximately 5 hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at the gate, climbers will be rewarded with certificates attesting their success on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Transfer back to accommodation in Moshi.

NB: 7 Day Itinerary for Lemosho Route – The difference between the seven-day and eight-day climbs is that you miss out Shira 1 Camp. On day 2, you head straight to Shira 2 Camp. This hike takes approximately 7 to 8 hours.

OUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• All park fees (entry, camping, forest department and rescue fees)
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while on the mountain
• Pre/post accommodation (2 nights in mid-range hotel)**
• Airport transfers**
• Hut accommodation and facilities
• Fair and ethical salaries for the team (guide, assistant guide, cook and porters)
• Transport to and from the gate
• Drinking water
• Oxygen cylinder and ox meter

NOT INCLUDED:

• Tips for the team (guide, assistant guide, cook and porters)
• All personal mountain climbing gear and equipment
• Alcohol, soft drinks and energy snacks
• Flights, travel insurance, visa and any required vaccinations
• Helcopter evacuation

* Prices depend on the number of climbers in the group, the route you choose, and how many days you wish to climb. Please contact us directly to receive a quote. 

**Accommodation and airport transfers are included in our Mount Kilimanjaro packages as standard. If you do not require either of these services, let us know and we can adjust your quote.

Interested in the above package? Contact us today to book your climb to the “Roof of Africa” with Kili Footprint