Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 7 Days Moshi, Tanzania

This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro just like the Machame route. Accomodation on the Marangu route is huts, the Lemosho route offers strictly tents only. This makes Lemosho Route better suited to the slightly more adventuros hiker, however rewarding him/her a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route, from late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco wall, the Lemosho route normally complted in a minimum of 7 days. There is an added benefit to this, as you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain – acclimatization. The Lemosho Route takes you high to Lava Tower (4630 m) on the day 4 and brings you down by nealy 700 m for an overnight at Barranco Camp (3950 m). This is the secret to successful acclimatization recommended.

1st Day

Londros Gate (1800 m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2250 m)

Hiking Time: 3 – 5 Hours

Distance: 7 km

Habitat: Montane Forest

The drive from Moshi/Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Prk takes about 5 – 6 hours. The journey passes through the village of Sanya Juu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the starting point, porters will be seen arranging their packs containing the food and other equipment. Make sure that you have al your day pack items with you as the porters travel very quickly. The guides will be pleased to assist with any additional Information. You now trek through the main forest on a winding trail to the first camp, which is located at an altitude of 2250 m. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are good idea here. You continue a short distance until you reach the Mti Mkubwa Camp, rest and enjoy your dinner and overnight. You have now reached an altitude of 2250 meters.

2nd Day

Mti Mkubwa (2250 m) – Shira 1 Camp (3500 m)

Hiking Time: 4 hours

Distance:  7 km

Habitat: Moorland

After Breakfast, you leave the forest to continue on an ascending path crossing the Heather and Moorland up to Shira 1 Camp at 3500 meters. Time for restm dinner and overnight at Shira 1 Campsite.

3rd Day

Shira 1 Camp (3500 m) – Shira 2 Camp (3840 m)

Hiking Time: 3 hours

Distance: 7 km

Habitat: Moorland

After Breakfast, you leave the Heather to continue on an ascending path, through the Moorland, until the end of the trek. Time for rest, dinner and overnight at the Shira 2 Campsite.

4th Day

Shira 2 Capsite (3840 m) – Lava Tower (4620 m) – Barraco Camp (3950 m)

Hiking Time: 7 hours

Distance 10 km

Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateu, you continue to the east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, your direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the ”Shark’s Tooth”. You now continue down to the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 3860 m. Here you rest, enjoy dinner and overnight.

Although, you end the day at the same elevation, as when you started, this is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. For acclimatization purpors, some parties stay here an extra night.

5th Day

Barranco Camp (3860 m) – Barafu Camp (4600 m)

Hiking Time: 6 Hours

Distance: 6 km

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After Breakfast, you leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (4200 m),  and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. You continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 4600 meters. You have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views ot the summit from many different angles. Here you camp, rest enjoy dinner and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzu and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

6th Day

Barafu Camp (4600 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3100 m)

Hiking Time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru peak

Distance: to Uhuru Peak 4 . 5 km

Habitat: Stone scream and ice capped summit

Early morning, you continue your way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5985 meters. This part of the climb takes about 6 hours. It can be bitterly cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. You now make your descend continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite at 3100 meters. This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well earned sleep.

7th Day

Mweka Camp (3100 m) – Mweka Gate (1500 m)

Hiking Time: about 3 hours

Habitat: Forest

After Breakfast, you continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate, at lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. A Vehicle will meet you at Mweka village and drive you back to Moshi/ Arusha.

Do not forget to Tip your Guides, Cooks and Porter

Equipment needed which you can hire if you don’t have:

– Sleeping Bag

– Mountain Poles

– Warm Gloves

– Gaiters

– Balaclava

– Water Bottles

– Head Torch

– Rain Mac/Poncho

– Warm Jacket

– Warm Trousers

– Day Pack

– Mountain Boots

– Scarves

– Pairs of Socks