HIGHLIGHTS

The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on the mountain, and a superb choice for your climb.

It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low traffic, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. An added bonus is that climbers will encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. Descent is made via the Mweka route. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although eight days is best. Lemosho is considered the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro, and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended.

Mountain Gear Check-list

  • A Rucksack for Your Equipment – To Be Carried By Porters
  • Sleeping Bag [Mountain Type], Day Pack – For Your Personal Items
  • Hiking, Climbing Boots, Camp Shoes, Trainers Not Sandals
  • 2 Thin Polypro Type For Quick Drying, 4 Thick Wind Pants, Wind shirts
  • High Gaiters, Warm Pants [Fleece], Jacket Or Pullover, 1 Rain Parka
  • 2 Underwears,1 Hiking Shirt, Long Sleeve, 1 Bandanna
  • 1 Warm Hat, 1 Hiking Shorts, Pants, Balaclava, Fleece Neck Warmer
  • Headlamp, Bulb, Batteries, First Aid Kit, Pocketknife, Sunglasses, Snow
  • Goggles, Water Purification Tablets
  • Toiletry Item, Plus Sunblock, Lipsalve, and Moisturizer
  • Walking Stick

ITINERARY

Day 1

Arusha - Londorosi Gate - Forest Camp

We depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.
Accommodation: Forest Camp
Day 2

Forest Camp To Shira Camp 1

We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 2 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
Accommodation: Moir Hut
Day 3

Moir Hut To Lava Tower To Barranco Camp.

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.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 4

Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp.

Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong, we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 5

Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp.

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, 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. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 6

Barafu Camp To Summit To Mweka Hut.

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 (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down.
Accommodation: Mweka Hut
Day 7

Mweka Camp to Arusha.

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).
From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to the hotel in Arusha for an overnight stay at Kibo Palace Hotel
Accommodation: Arusha Ambassador Hotel
Day 8

Departure

Time to say Goodbye. After breakfast, we will assign the driver to pick you up and drop you at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight booked by you. End of Our Service.

PRICE INCLUDES

Included in the Safari Cost

  • Transport to & from the mountain
  • Porters, Guide & Cooks Fee
  • Three meals a day whilst on the mountain
  • All hut & camping fees
  • All park entry fees
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Certificate of achievement
  • Mineral Water

Excluded in the Safari Cost

  • Tipping to the guide & porters, cooks
  • Personal climbing gear – clothing’s & rucksack
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Beverages
  • Items of personal use.

For more information:

Please contact us on email info@tropicalwildexpeditions.com or phone (+254) 721 411 044

Book this Safari

Hits: 101