8 Days
Lemosho route
Overview
High success rate. Good for acclimatization. Converges with Machame on day 4 at Baranco. Shira offers higher start point compared to Lemosho and poorer acclimatisation. Fully catered camping only.
Accommodation:
Camping
Type of Safari:
Mountain Trekking
Arrival Location:
Kilimanjaro Airport
Departure Location:
Kilimanjaro Airport
Best Period:
June – October
Itinerary at glance
| Day | Location | Accommodation | Meal Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forest Camp | Camping | BLD |
| 2 | Shira 1 Camp | Camping | BLD |
| 3 | Moir Hut | Camping | BLD |
| 4 | Barranco Camp | Camping | BLD |
| 5 | Karanga Camp | Camping | BLD |
| 6 | Barafu Camp | Camping | BLD |
| 7 | Mweka Camp | Camping | BBLD |
| 8 | Arusha | Camping | BBLD |
BB:
Bed & Breakfast
BBLD:
Bed and breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AI:
All inclusive
TRSF:
Transfer
CRT:
Crater Tour
LEI:
Leisure
A:
Morning game drive
P:
Afternoon game drive
Day by Day
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
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 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
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.
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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 they 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. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
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 hotel in Arusha.
Preparation Checklists
Travel Documents
- Valid passport and visa
- Airline ticket
- International health card with immunizations (Yellow fever)
Guides and Porters
Guides and Porters
Once on the Mountain, your well-equipped guides and porters, will rank second only to your mental determination, in terms of important factors contributing to a successful summit attempt.
While on the Mountain
Go Slowly
Go slowly – “Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery.
- Price includes
- 2 nights’ hotel Arusha of Moshi (before & after climb)
- Group transport to and from Moshi to the trail head
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees and Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
- Four season, 3-person mountain tents, double occupancy
- Sleeping pad, foam, 1.5 inches thick
- Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
- Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
- Breakfast at hotel
- Price Not includes
- Airfare/Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Lunch or dinner at hotel
- Beverages at hotel
- Personal gear and equipment
- Tips
Got a Question?
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
- +254 724 731 331
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