Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 8 days

One of the most scenic trails on Kilimanjaro is the Lemosho Route which offers panoramic views on various sides of the mountain. Being one of the newer routes which is still unexplored, it is a superb choice for your climb due to its ideal balance of lesser crowds, beautiful scenery, and high success rates of reaching to the top. We, at Signature Safari, are adept on guiding you through the Lemosho route through to the top. Majority of the clients that we serve climb through this route and reportedly love every bit of it. Thus, we highly recommend the route of Lemosho.Via this route, you’ll begin climbing Mount Kilimanjaro from its western side with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rain forest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. You’ll see almost no crowds until you join the Machame route which is near the Lava Tower. The route then goes on beneath the Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field following the path known as the Southern Cirucit. For descending purposes, the Mweka route is generally used.Signature safari* offers Lemosho as an eight day group climb or as a seven to eight day private climb. The seven day variation combines days five and six, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga. A nine day variation that includes an overnight at signature safari* is available as a private climb by special request.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa.

We depart Moshi or 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. Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch.

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp.

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain 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. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch.

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft

Distance: 8 km/ 5miles

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Health

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. Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch.

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft

Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Heath

Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower.

Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp.

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft

Distance: 3 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Through the beautiful Senecio Forest, we descend down to Barranco Camp to an altitudinal level of 13,000 ft. Even if you begin and end your day at almost the same altitude, the time spent here is beneficial for acclimatization purposes.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.

We’ll be climbing down a non technical but steep cliff which is nearly 900 ft long. From the top of the Wall, we descend sharply into the Karanga Valley crossing a series of hills and valleys. Another series of a steeper climb will lead us to Karanga Camp. This will be a relatively shorter day which is meant for acclimatization. Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.

As we leave Karanga, we join the junction which will lead us to the Mweka Trail. The rocky section of the trail will lead us to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Camps will be set at this place where you’ll rest for the day and prepare for the upcoming summit day. You’ll also get a good view of the two peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo. Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

Distance: 4 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak.

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Arguably the most demanding portion of the trek, both mentally and physically, the wind and cold at this elevation can be extreme. Taking frequent short breaks, we’ll ascend in the darkness for two, three or more hours till we reach the Stella Point which is located at an elevation of 18,900 ft. It is here at Stella Point that you’ll get to witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises you’ve ever seen in your life. Finally, after some more trekking, we’ll reach the Uhuru Peak which is the highest point in the continent of Africa.After spending time at the top, we descend from the summit into the Mweka Hut camp site, making a brief stop at Barafu for having our lunch. The Mweka campsite is located in the upper part of the forest area. Mist and moderate rain is usual during the late afternoon time. In the evening time, we’ll have our last dinner on the mountain and that’ll be it for the day.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest