LEMOSHO ROUTE ITINERARY
8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Route overview
Embark on an exhilarating trekking adventure along the legendary Lemosho Route, considered one of the most scenic and challenging routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey begins at the Londorossi Gate, where you’ll enter the lush rainforests of the lower slopes. As you ascend, the landscape transforms into heath and moorland, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Traverse the Shira Plateau, an expansive high-altitude desert, and marvel at the unique flora and fauna that have adapted to this extreme environment.
As you approach the summit, the terrain becomes more rugged and rocky, and you’ll navigate through challenging sections like the Barranco Wall and the steep slopes of the Karanga Valley. Your Key2afriaca Safaris experienced guides will provide support and guidance every step of the way, ensuring your safety and well-being.
Finally, reach the Uhuru Peak, standing proudly at 5,895 meters above sea level. Bask in the awe-inspiring achievement of conquering Africa’s highest peak and relish the breathtaking views of the glaciers and surrounding landscapes.
The Lemosho Route offers a longer duration, allowing for better acclimatization and increased chances of reaching the summit. It is a truly unforgettable journey, combining physical endurance, mental resilience, and a deep connection with the natural wonders of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 1 : Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
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.
Overnight at
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2 : Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
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.
Overnight at
Shira 1 Campsite
Day 3 : Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows 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.
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
Overnight at
Moir Hut
Day 4 : Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
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.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Overnight at
Barranco Campsite
Day 5 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Overnight at
Karanga Campsite
Day 6 : Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Overnight at
Barafu Campsite
Day 7 : Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
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.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Overnight at
Mweka Campsite
Day 8 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
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/Arusha.
