8 Days Lemosho Route
Lemosho Route is one of the scenic and less traveled paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. It is renowned for its stunning views, diverse landscapes, and relatively low traffic compared to some other routes. The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, starting in the lush rainforest and traversing various ecological zones, including heath, moorland, and alpine desert, before reaching the arctic summit.
WHAT MAKES IT 8-DAYS
In the course of a 7-day trek, the Shira 1 Camp is deliberately omitted, whereas on an 8-day expedition, we diverge from the Mti Mkubwa Camp to spend the night at Shira 1. The rationale behind skipping Shira 1 lies in its lower elevation, a strategic move to optimize acclimatization. While the same principle could be applied to higher elevations, a measured and steady approach becomes crucial, ensuring a gradual progression and enhanced acclimatization through covering shorter distances.
The following morning, right after a delightful breakfast, your primary guide will make a punctual arrival at your hotel to escort you to Londorossi Gate for the mandatory registration process. Following registration, a brief journey will bring you to the embarkation point, Lemosho, marking the commencement of your trek through the enchanting forest trails. As you traverse the rainforest, keep an eye out for the vibrant array of tropical birds and, with a bit of luck, catch glimpses of the indigenous wildlife. This leg of the journey leads to the picturesque Mti Mkubwa, also known as the Big Tree campsite.
DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS
Altitude: From 1830m/7742ft to 2650m/8700ft
Covered Distance: 6km/4miles
Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
Ecological Zone: Montane Forest
Provided Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Lodging: Overnight Camping
After breakfast, we continue on along the trail which gradually steepens and takes us into the giant heath and moorland zone. We cross several streams and continue over the Shira Ridge to Shira 1 camp.
DAY 2 FACTS
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5miles
Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast, we gently hike across the plateau leading to Shira 2 Camp which is situated on moorland meadows by a stream. This is a great opportunity to explore the area around the Plateau. Many short hikes acclimatization days.
DAY 3
Elevation: 3500m/11500ft to 3850m/12600ft
Distance: 8km/5miles
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast, we leave Shira Plateau and head east along a ridge, towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes southeast towards Lava Tower – a 300ft tall volcanic rock formation. We then pass the Arrow Glacier and arrive at the Barranco Camp. Although not much elevation has been achieved, this day is extremely important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
DAY 4 FACTS
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 3950m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5miles
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast, we leave Barranco camp and continue along a steep ridge up to the Barranco Wall. We then head through the Karanga Valley and join the Mweka Trail.
DAY 5 FACTS
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast, we take a slow and steady pace to 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.
DAY 6 FACTS
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4673m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2miles
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
It’s summit night and you will be woken up between 12 to 2 am. Then have a light breakfast. You will start your hike to the summit. You’ll be feeling nervous and excited, but we take it slow and head on through Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Taking north-west direction and ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mental and physical part of the Trek, some people may feel really tired and want to quit here, but our guides will always be there to motivate you. Finally, reaching Stella Point, we will stop for a short rest to watch a magnificent sunrise.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, congratulations you have now reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit, we descend straight down to Barafu camp for resting and lunch. After that, we head to Mweka Camp and enjoy a celebratory evening on the mountain.
DAY 7 FACTS
Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 4673/15,350ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Distance: 5km/3miles
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Arctic
After breakfast, we continue to descend down to Mweka Gate. Once you get to the gate and sign out, you will meet your team and you can now say goodbye to your mountain team before being transferred to the hotel. After checking in at the hotel, your guide will present you with your summit certificate.
DAY 9 FACTS
Elevation: 3000m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
All
Airport Pick up and drop off
Pre and Post Trek Hotel accommodation
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and taxes
Q-4 season mountain tents
Transportation to and from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
3 meals per day whilst on the mountain
Filtered water throughout the trek
- Iteams of Personal Nature
- Visa fees & Travel Insurance
- Flight Tickets
- Guides, Cooks, Porter Tips
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