The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The route begins in the west and rather than simply intersecting Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira Camp. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit.
The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although eight days is ideal.
Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. It is great route because it offers a great balance of low traffic, scenic views and a high summit success rate.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION |
Arusha or Nairobi – JKIA Airport or Nairobi hotel |
| DEPARTURE TIME |
Early Morning |
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| INCLUDED |
| 2 Nights accommodation in Arusha |
| Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents |
| Professional, experienced, mountain guides |
| All Park fees |
| Rescue fees |
| All meals while on the Mountain |
| Arrival and Departure transfers |
| Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees |
| Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food |
| Clean, purified drinking water |
| Summit Emergency Oxygen |
| Walking Poles |
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| NOT INCLUDED |
| International flights (from/to home) |
| Personal items e.g. souvenirs |
| Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival |
| Tips and other gratitude |
| Passports and visas |
| Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc) |
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Day 1: Arrive in Arusha
We will gather in the evening at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Full board)
After breakfast at the hotel in Arusha, we drive approximately 2 hours through the rural countryside to the Londrossi Gate. For the necessary park registration formalities at the Londorossi National Park gate, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho road head. We start our ascent along the forest trail we camp at Lemosho Mti Mkubwa Camp. Londrossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m); 3-4 hours walking.
Day 3: Shira Camp (Full board)
We leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. A full day trekking with slow and steady pace up to Shira Camp. Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp (3,550 m): 6-7 hours walking
Day 4: Shira Hut (Full board)
Today we follow an easy path to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira Hut. As this camp is quite exposed, it can be substantially colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing. Shira Camp to Shira Hut (3,840 m): 3-5 hours walking.
Day 5: Barranco Valley (Full Board)
Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and after hot lunch the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.). Shira Hut to Barranco valley (3,900 m.): 5-7 hours walking.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (Full Board)
A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, finally we have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp Barranco camp to Karanga camp (4,000 m): 4-5 hours walking.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (Full Board)
Today we take the Traverse Route that takes up the Barafu Ridge, we walk up quite slowly to the final camp before your last ascent day to the summit. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): 3-4 hours walking.
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (Full Board)
Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. We will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to main peak (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment we descend to Barafu is amazingly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Mweka Camp. Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (3100 m): 13-15 hours walking.
Day 9: Mweka Gate to Arusha (Full Board)
A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka gate successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch we drive back to Arusha hotel. Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.
Day 10: Depart Arusha
Depart from Mweka Gate gate to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya.
