About Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route starts on the Western side of
Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate and was introduced as an alternative to the
Shira Route
which begins at a higher, more challenging altitude.
The western side of Kilimanjaro is still very wild and you may get lucky and spot large
antelope, buffalo and maybe even elephant.
The Lemosho Route joins the Machame Route
at Lava Tower and heads
down towards
Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit (see map below). As with the
Machame Route ,
Lemosho trekkers need to transverse the Barranco Wall and then summit from Barafu Camp.
This eight-day trek allows extra time for acclimatization and, in turn, making this
a very achievable climb.
You will be picked up from airport. From there you will go to the hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek.
Your guides will be there to provide you with details on your trek and will also check your trekking
gears.
Elevation: 2,460m/7,742ft to 2,895m/9,498ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
We depart Moshi Hotel to Londorossi Gate, roughly a 4-hour drive, where you will complete the entry formalities. We will then drive to the Lemosho trailhead and upon arrival, we will begin the hike through undisturbed forest which winds its way to the first campsite. Keep your eyes peeled for the blue monkeys swinging through the trees!
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
We depart Moshi Hotel to Londorossi Gate, roughly a 4-hour drive, where you will complete the entry formalities. We will then drive to the Lemosho trailhead and upon arrival, we will begin the hike through undisturbed forest which winds its way to the first campsite. Keep your eyes peeled for the blue monkeys swinging through the trees!
Elevation: 2,895m/9,498ft to 3,505m/11,500ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking time: 5-6 hrs
Habitat: Heath
We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest 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.
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking time: 5-6 hrs
Habitat: Heath
We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest 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.
Elevation: 3,505m/11,500ft to 4,206m/13,800ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking time: 5-7 hrs
Habitat: Heath Today, we will spend the full day exploring the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. We then divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a lesser-used camping site at the base of the Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity.
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking time: 5-7 hrs
Habitat: Heath Today, we will spend the full day exploring the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. We then divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a lesser-used camping site at the base of the Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity.
Elevation: 4,206m/13,800ft to 4,629m/15,190ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 4,629m/15,190ft to 3,963m/13,044ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking time: 2-3 hrs
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. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is extremely beneficial for acclimatization.
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 4,629m/15,190ft to 3,963m/13,044ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking time: 2-3 hrs
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. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is extremely beneficial for acclimatization.
Elevation: 3,963m/13,044ft to 3,994m/3,106ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. We will then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900ft, cliff. The Barranco Wall, also known as the Kissing Wall, is approximately 3 ft. wide. This narrow section is famous because climbers often place a kiss on the rock as they pass by. Climbers also “hug” the outcrop and breathe a sigh of relief on the other side as they realize it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as it looked.
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 up leads us to Karanga Camp. This shorter day will prepare us for higher elevation at the summit.
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. We will then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900ft, cliff. The Barranco Wall, also known as the Kissing Wall, is approximately 3 ft. wide. This narrow section is famous because climbers often place a kiss on the rock as they pass by. Climbers also “hug” the outcrop and breathe a sigh of relief on the other side as they realize it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as it looked.
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 up leads us to Karanga Camp. This shorter day will prepare us for higher elevation at the summit.
Elevation: 3,994m/3,106ft to 4,672m/15,331ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.
Elevation: 4,672m/15,331ft to 5,895m/19,341ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking time: 7-8 hrs
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,067m/10,065ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking time: 4-6 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900ft), 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. Here, you can take a moment to reflect on your tremendous accomplishment. You’ll obviously have the opportunity to take a few pictures from the ‘Rooftop of Africa’ to memorialize this special moment.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking time: 7-8 hrs
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,067m/10,065ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking time: 4-6 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900ft), 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. Here, you can take a moment to reflect on your tremendous accomplishment. You’ll obviously have the opportunity to take a few pictures from the ‘Rooftop of Africa’ to memorialize this special moment.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation: 3,067m/10,065ft to 1,639m/5,380ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate where we will be met by our driver who will transport us back to the hotel in Moshi. Here, we can relax with some refreshments, perhaps a local Kilimanjaro beer, while we wait to receive our 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 Moshi.
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate where we will be met by our driver who will transport us back to the hotel in Moshi. Here, we can relax with some refreshments, perhaps a local Kilimanjaro beer, while we wait to receive our 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 Moshi.
- Private transport from the hotel to the Park s gate (starting point for the climb), and transport back to the hotel after the climb.
- All National Park entry fees.
- All camping fees.
- 2 night's hotel the night before and the night after the climb, with breakfast included.
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.
- Qualified medical guides.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
- Salaries for Guides, cook and porters..
- Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees).
- Government taxes.
- Pickup and drop off to Airport.
- Evacuation services.
- Hut fees [ Marangu route }.
- Friendly and competent Trained Mountain Guides, assistant guides, porters and professional cooks.
- 3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by skilled professional cooks(we also consider your choice of food that you would prefer -Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian). Menu especially designed for climbers.
- Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provide everyday on the mountain.
- Quality specious tents, sleeping mats, camping tables ,camping chairs and Mess/Dining Tent.(Not applicable on the Marangu route as accommodation is in A-frame huts).
- Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only).
- Pulse oxy-meter carried by all chief guides.
- 3-4 liters of mineral/treated water (per Climber) provided daily during the climb..
***Portable toilet available at an additional cost (There are public toilets on the mountain)**
NOT INCLUDED IN OUR PACKAGES PRICES.
• Items of a personal nature.
• Tips for guides, porters and cook (Recommended $20 per guides, $15 per cook, $10 per porter all per day).
• Personal Hiking/Trekking gears (Some Gears are available for Rent).
• Extra days in hotel.
- All National Park entry fees.
- All camping fees.
- 2 night's hotel the night before and the night after the climb, with breakfast included.
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.
- Qualified medical guides.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
- Salaries for Guides, cook and porters..
- Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees).
- Government taxes.
- Pickup and drop off to Airport.
- Evacuation services.
- Hut fees [ Marangu route }.
- Friendly and competent Trained Mountain Guides, assistant guides, porters and professional cooks.
- 3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by skilled professional cooks(we also consider your choice of food that you would prefer -Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian). Menu especially designed for climbers.
- Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provide everyday on the mountain.
- Quality specious tents, sleeping mats, camping tables ,camping chairs and Mess/Dining Tent.(Not applicable on the Marangu route as accommodation is in A-frame huts).
- Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only).
- Pulse oxy-meter carried by all chief guides.
- 3-4 liters of mineral/treated water (per Climber) provided daily during the climb..
***Portable toilet available at an additional cost (There are public toilets on the mountain)**
NOT INCLUDED IN OUR PACKAGES PRICES.
• Items of a personal nature.
• Tips for guides, porters and cook (Recommended $20 per guides, $15 per cook, $10 per porter all per day).
• Personal Hiking/Trekking gears (Some Gears are available for Rent).
• Extra days in hotel.
