The Lemosho route is traditionally one of the quieter and lesser-known routes on the mountain. It’s also the newest and probably the most diverse in terms of the ecological systems and landscapes it passes through. The first two days of this route take you through lush rainforest before you emerge into heath and moorland then join the Machame Route on the third day. This narrow trail, which begins on the Western side of Kilimanjaro, has some very steep and undulating sections. Hikers overnight in tents.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 Moshi – Lemosho Gate (2385 m) – Big Tree Camp (2780 m)
In the morning, you will make your way to the Lemosho Gate. Here you will be registered by the national park authorities and your trek through a dense rainforest begins. Today will be a shortest walk of the entire trek, about 2½ hours, which gives you a small taste of what lies ahead in the coming days. The walk takes you through dense and unspoiled rainforest, which is very different from the scenery you will have in the next couple of days. Your destination for the day is the beautiful Big Tree Camp at 2780 m. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Big Tree Camp (2780 m) – Shira Camp 1 (3500 m)
After breakfast you will follow a thin trail through the rainforest before leaving the green area behind heading into moorland. Erica and Lobelia plants will start to take over the landscape. After about 3-4 hours you will reach Shira Camp 1 where you will have your evening meal and overnight stay. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Shira Camp 1 (3500 m) – Shira Camp 2 (3900 m)
After breakfast you continue your trek, which today will be less tiring than the day before. You will cross Shira Ridge which will allows for great views of the Rift Valley and Mt Meru. The ever changing landscape will again surprise you with a different terrain, you will walk on ground where lava once flowed. You will also pass the big Senecien that can grow to more or less 9 meters in height. Shira Camp 2 will be your destination for the night at (3900m), 400m more than the night before. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Shira Camp 2 (3900 m) – Lava Tower (4640 m) – Barranco Camp (3960 m)
After breakfast you will start your walk up to Lava Tower with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau. You will climb quite a bit in altitude, roughly 740 m. You will have a rest here before descending again. This is a so called acclimatising day, where you will climb high but sleep low, giving you a good idea of how your body reacts to altitude. The landscape will once again change as you pass through the Barranco Valley with its big Senecias and smaller Lobelia plants. After a long 6 – 7 hours you will reach your beautiful camp for the night the Barranco Camp. The crew will be there waiting with a well deserve evening meal before settling in for the night. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Barranco Camp (3960 m) – Karanga Camp (4035 m)
Straight after breakfast you will make your way up the famous Barranco Wall. This is most probably the steepest part of the entire route. Safety is very important to us so please follow the guideline of your guides who will get you to the top safely. You might have to use yours hands every now and then to get a better grip but rest assured there are no alpine climbing passages. Once at the top you will walk along the mountain ridge and if the weather allows you will have a great view of the southern glacier of Kibo as the Kibo summit. After 3 – 4 hours you will reach Karanga Camp for your overnight. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Karanga Camp (4035 m) – Barafu Camp (4640 m)
Barafu Camp is your destination for today at (15,220 ft) 4640 m. You will start after breakfast and should reach it in about 3 to 4 hours. The scenery for today will be mostly afro-alpine dessert. Once at the camp you will have a filling early dinner before settling in for a good rest in preparation for tomorrow exciting climb. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Barafu Camp (4640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3080 m)
Your day will begin at 00:00. After hot tea and biscuits you will start your 5-7 hours walk to Stella Point, the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. Here you will have a short rest if necessary before continuing another 1-2 hours to reach the highlight of the trip the Uhuru Peak (5895 m). This is truly a once in a lifetime experience as you stand at the top of Africa watching the sunrise light up the surrounding summits and landscape. After taking much needed pictures you will make your way down back to Barafu Camp for a 1-2 hours rest. Once everyone is well rested you will continue down to Mweka gate (3080 m), an approx. 3 hours walk. The rest of the evening is yours to relax, you’ll have a nice evening meal and a good night’s sleep. Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 Mweka Camp (3080 m) – Mweka Gate (1630 m) – Moshi
After breakfast, before starting your final stretch, you will enjoy a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain guides. A 2 – 3 hours walk will take you through the rainforest back the Mweka Gate. Our driver will be there waiting for you and take you back to the Sal Salinero Hotel. The rest of the day is yours to freshen up, relax, and take in all the excitement of the last couple of days.
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Tour Inclusions
- Park fees - (For non-residents)
- All activities - (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation - (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation - (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
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Tour Exclusions
- International flights (From/to home)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour Tips
- (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items
- (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Drinks
