8 Days Lemosho Route Climbing

Climb Overview

The Lemosho Route stands out as a scenic and less crowded path up Mount Kilimanjaro, offering trekkers a tranquil experience amid pristine rainforests and across the expansive Shira Plateau. Beginning at Londorossi Gate, this route meanders through remote sections of the mountain, providing ample opportunities to spot wildlife such as colobus and blue monkeys, lizards, and various bird species. With lower foot traffic compared to other routes, adventurers relish the solitude, enhancing the trek's allure as they journey through unique landscapes, enjoying uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness.

Although the Lemosho Route eventually merges with the Machame Route, introducing more hikers to the trail, its early days offer a sense of serenity unmatched by busier paths. Despite sharing some scenery with the Machame Route, including iconic landmarks like the Lava Tower and Barranco Wall, the Lemosho Trail provides distinct vistas not found elsewhere on the mountain. Its lengthier duration and secluded nature contribute to a higher success rate, with most trekkers spending seven to eight days immersed in the breathtaking beauty of Kilimanjaro's western flanks.

ADVENTURE MAP

DAY BY DAY

Day 1
Day 1 – Lemosho Glades
Departing from the lodge, we'll head to Londorosi gate near Mt. Kilimanjaro's western side. After a drive from Moshi town, we'll embark on the Lemosho trail, with potential extra hiking if vehicles can't reach the trailhead due to muddy conditions. Following a picnic lunch, a 4-hour hike leads to Forest Camp, where exotic moss, flowers, and bird calls enchant. Wildlife sightings may include Black and White Colobus monkeys and elephant signs. Overnight stay at Forest Camp.
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude ~9,498’
Day 2
Day 2 – Shira Plateau
As we transition from the Montane Forest to the Hagenia zone, the landscape unfolds, revealing the majestic Kibo peak in the distance. Trekking through this terrain offers valuable acclimatization opportunities, with ascents and descents along ridges leading us to our highest point of the day at 11,500 feet. Afterward, we descend to our campsite at Shira 1, where we rest and recharge for the journey ahead.
Hiking: 6-9 hours
Overnight Altitude 11,500’
Day 3
Day 3 – Moir Camp

We will traverse the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau and begin climbing the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Along the way, we will enjoy a picnic lunch at Scott Fisher memorial camp (the well-known Mt. Everest guide). We will continue on to the upper heath zone and Moir camp. Depending on the weather, acclimatization hikes can be arranged in the late afternoon

Hiking: 5-6 hours

Overnight Altitude: ~13,650′

Day 4
Day 4 – Barranco Camp

We leave the heath zone and enter the alpine zone as we hike 4-6 hours past Lava Camp (up to about 14,300’) with its volcanic landscape and then down a bit into the scenic Barranco Valley to camp.

Hiking: 4-6 hours

Overnight Altitude: ~13,044

Day 5
Day 5 – Karanga Camp

Ascend the Great Barranco Wall with views of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields, then hike up and down across some small valleys on your way to Karanga Camp.

Hiking: 3-5 hours

Overnight Altitude: ~13,106′

Day 6
Day 6 – Barafu Camp

Hike about 3-5 hours to Barafu Camp, again with some ups and downs across small valleys. After settling into camp, we’ll have a demonstration on use of safety equipment such as the Gamow (hyperbolic) bag and oxygen. Early supper and rest in camp before your wake-up call to start your summit ascent around 11:00 PM or midnight.

Hiking: 3-5 hours

Overnight Altitude: ~15,100’

Day 7
Day 7 – Summit and Mweka Camp

Summit day. We will start our ascent to the summit (19,340ft – 5,896m) around 11:00 PM or midnight the night prior. The goal for you – and numerous other climbers – is to reach the peak right at sunrise. In reality, due to differences in hiking speed, energy, and altitude acclimatization, there is a several hour span where most climbers reach the summit.

 

Using headlamps (bring extra lithium batteries, which last much better in cold dark conditions!) you will ascend 6-7 hours to Stella Point and then another 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the summit. After a summit celebration and photo, descend to Barafu camp for lunch and then to Mweka camp to sleep overnight.

Hiking: Very variable on both the up and the down; 12-17 hours typical

Summit 19,341’

Overnight Altitude: 10,448’

Day 7
Day 8 – Mweka Park Gate

We make the final descent to the trailhead today, about 3-5 hours hiking. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro and heading back to Moshi town. Arrive at your lodge usually between 3-5 PM.

Hiking: 3-5 hours

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