The Lemosho route is one of the newest Kilimanjaro routes. It was introduced as an alternative to the Shira route which starts at a higher and more challenging altitude. Because of it’s versatility, scenery and a rather untouched, very wild and you may get lucky and spot wild animals, Lemosho is considered the route with the most scenic trails on the west of Kilimanjaro and it is a virtual climate expedition. This route can be completed in 6, 7 or 8 days.
Lemosho Route begins on the west side of Kilimanjaro from Londorossi Gate. After which the trek proceeds through the deep rain-forest to Shira plateau over the next two days. The trail then, moves eastward of the Shira Plateau to the Lava Tower in a flat hike. The route then heads down towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Following which the descent is made through the Mweka route.
The chances of summiting are high , the Lemosho route ticks all of the boxes when it comes to choosing a Kilimanjaro climb. If you are especially concerned about acclimatizing, you can take an 8 days Lemosho route which gives you more time to acclimatize.
The route is less crowded as compared to other routes making it ideal from first-time trekkers.
Itinerary
Itineraries
ARRIVAL
Arrive in Tanzania
Arrive in Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA – JRO) where by Tupo Travel staff will be holding a Tupo Travel placard who will transfer you to Moshi town, for you to spend the first night at a hotel. Those who will arrive through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA – NBO) in Kenya, will be picked by Shuttle bus to Moshi.
DAY 1
Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)
Hiking time: 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 7km / 4.3mi
Habitat: Montane Forest – Moorland
You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00am and transferred to the Lemosho route at Londorosi gate which is located at western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.
DAY 2
Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m) – Shira 2 Camp (3840m)
Hiking time: 7 Hours
Distance: Approximately 8.5km / 5.3mi
Habitat: Montane Forest – Moorland
Today you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Our destination for today is the Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude today and parts of the route are fairly steep.
DAY 3
Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)
Hiking time: 5 Hours
Distance: Approximately 8km / 5mi
Habitat: Montane Forest – Moorland
Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4
Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
Hiking time: 7 Hours
Distance: Approximately 10km / 6.2mi
Habitat: Alpine desert
Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking in to the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
DAY 5
Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 5.5km / 3.4mi
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
DAY 6
Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
Hiking time: 3 Hours
Distance: Approximately 3km / 1.9mi
Habitat:Alpine Desert
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.
DAY 7
Barafu Camp (4640m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Mweka Camp (3100m)
Hiking time: 13hours – 15hours
Distance: Approximately 16.4km / 9.6mi
Habitat:Alpine Desert
We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Mweka Camp for a long well-earned rest.
DAY 8
Trek Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
Hiking time: 6hours
Distance: Approximately 9.1km / 7.5mi
Habitat:Stone Scree, ice capped summit, Alpine desert
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower then celebrate with cold drinks. Overnight at your arranged Hotel
DEPARTURE
Moshi - Kilimanjaro International Airport
Depart Tanzania or continue your dream with amazing safari extensions.
For trekkers not continuing with a safari we provide transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport or bus station for your onward journey.
