Climb Kilimanjaro via Lemosho route 7 days

 

LEMOSHO ROUTE 8 DAYS CLIMBING PROGRAM

The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate.

Lemosho Route starts on the west side of Kilimanjaro from Londorossi Gate. After which the trek continues through the profound rainforest to Shira level throughout the following two days. The trail at that point, moves eastbound of the Shira Plateau to the Lava Tower in a level climb. The route at that point heads down towards Barranco Valley by means of the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu.

Day 1 - Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

• Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
• Distance: 6 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi 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.

Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

• Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
• Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Health

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.

Day 3 - Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

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

 

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadow 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.

Day 4 - Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15200ft down to 13000ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 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. 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 very beneficial for acclimatization.

Day 5 - Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 13,000ft to 15,000ft
• Distance: 9km
• Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, 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.

Day 6 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak descent to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft descent to 10065ft
Distance: 18 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 13-14 hours
Habitat: Arctic

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 summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, 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 enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

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

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 Moshi.

TOTAL PRICE INCLUDE

• Oxygen Cylinder
• Medically qualified guides
• Twice a day medical health check up, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope.
• 2 nights hotel in Moshi (before & after climb) BREAKFAST
• Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
• Pick up and drop off to the Airport
• Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, and rescue fees
• 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
• 4-season mountain tents, double occupancy.
• Mess tent, tables, chairs, sleeping pad 2.5 inches thick and trekking poles.
• All meals while on the climb + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
• As much treated water you can drink while climbing.
• Hot water for washing up daily.

PRICE NOT INCLUDE

·         Airfares and taxes

·         Tip to your guides, porters and cook. The recommended for this is $ 20 head guide per day, $ 15 per assistant guide per day, $ 15 per cook per day & $ 10 per porter per day. This can be split between each Client in the climb.

·         Lunch, dinner and drinks at hotel

·         Health requirements (Yellow Fever - compulsory depending on how you travel to Tanzania, Meningitis & Hepatitis A optional but recommended)

·         Personal travel insurance

·         Laundry (available at the hotel)

·         Items of a personal nature

·         Optional travel insurance

·         Personal hiking/trekking gear  Some gears available for rent

·         Snacks and personal medicine