Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 8 Days

Kilimanjaro Tanzania

From

$2120.00

Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Hiking

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The Lemosho path is a traditional track that has gained prominence in recent years. And deservedly so: it provides breathtaking vistas, an excellent acclimatization profile, and among of the greatest summit success rates of any route.

Starting on Kilimanjaro’s western side, the Lemosho path is accessible in two itineraries: seven and eight days on the summit. One of Lemosho’s attractions is Cathedral Peak, one of the Shira Volcano’s highest elevations (3872 m). The Lemosho route is one of the most effective acclimatization routes. This less-traveled trail leads to the Shira Plateau and provides breathtaking vistas.
Because buffalo, elephants, and other species live in the forests around the Lemosho Glades, this route is one of the few where groups may be escorted on the first day by an armed ranger.
Eight days Among the highest success percentages is Lemosho. The extra days let your body adjust to the higher altitude, lessening the symptoms of altitude sickness and providing you with more time to recover before making the summit attempt.

Duration: 7 to 8 days.
Level of difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: Medium.

Tour Highlights:

Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Lemosho Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hats, cold-weather jackets, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on bed and breakfast at a 3-star hotel (upgrades on request).
Customizations: Can be customized upon request to meet travelers’s needs
Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
Trip Availability: All year round.

Included/Exclude

Ground transfers with pick up and drop of at Kilimanjaro airport and the base hotel in Moshi
Park entrance fees,
Camping/Hut fees
Rescue fees,
Emergency Oxygen at not extra charge
Medical / First aid Kit.
Fingertip Pulse Oximeter, to measure clients oxygen saturation and pulse rate.
24 Hours standby radio Communication
3 litres of Mineral water on the first day per client
Hot meals (except first day) served in the mess tent.
4 season sleeping tents
2 inches mattress 1 per client
Professional Mountain Guide, Park Fees and Salaries
Porters,
First and last night accommodation
Flying Doctor membership cover
Forest fees for clients and crews

Personal gears
climbing equipment
sleeping bags
drinks
tipping and all other expenses of personal nature.

Tour Plan

DAY 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

We leave Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes around 4 hours, where you will complete entrance requirements. Then, travel to the Lemosho Trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we continue trekking through undisturbed woodland to the first camp site.

Elevation: 7,742 to 9,498 feet.
Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours.
Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest

DAY 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

We proceed down the track that leads out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock adorned with lichen beards. As we travel through the beautiful rolling hills and pass multiple streams, we arrive at Shira Ridge before gradually descending to Shira 1 Camp. Here we get our first view of Kibo over the plateau.

Elevation: 9,498 to 11,500 feet.
Hiking Duration: 5-6 hours.
Distance: 8 kilometres (5 miles)
Habitat: Heath

DAY 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail 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 Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Heath

DAY 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

We start the day by climbing a hill before heading southeast to the Lava Tower, a 300-foot-tall volcanic rock feature. We descend to Barranco Camp via the unusual but lovely Senecio Forest, reaching an elevation of 13,000 feet. Although the day begins and ends at the same level, spending time at greater altitude is quite good for acclimatization.

Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Distance: 3 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then, we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900-ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave Karanga and reach the intersection with the Mweka Trail. We proceed up the rough path to Barafu Hut. You have finished the Southern Circuit, which provides views of the summit from a variety of positions. We set up camp, recover, and have an early dinner in preparation for the summit day. From this vantage point, you can see Mawenzi and Kibo's summits.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak– the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the peak, we descend directly to the Mweka Hut camp site, pausing at Barafu for lunch. The terrain is highly rough and can be hard on the knees; trekking poles are recommended. Mweka Camp is located in the higher forest, so mist or rain might be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we have our final meal on the mountain and get some well-deserved sleep.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
.
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Arctic
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest

DAY 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On the final day, we descend to Mweka Gate and get the summit credentials. At lower levels, it may be damp and muddy. A van will meet us in Mweka Village and transport us back to the Moshi hotel.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest

Map

Accommodations

Two Nights Hotel Accommodations
One before and after the Kilimanjaro hiking adventure. Our recommended options include:
1. Keys Hotel: Comfortable and contemporary stay.
2. Ameg Lodge: Tranquil retreat amidst picturesque landscapes.
3. Lindrin Lodge: Charming and rustic ambience.
4. Parkview Inn: Convenient location with well-appointed rooms.
5. Chanya Lodge: Exceptional service and warm hospitality.