8 Days Lemosho Route Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tour is a very special itinerary designed for those wishing to make the ascent to the summit in the daylight hours. You spend a night in Kibo crater and trek to the top of the inner Reich crater. Here there is a stunning view into the Ash Pit, and this itinerary crosses the Shira Plateau. It takes in the glades on the Lemosho Route as well as the drive to high altitude on the first day which takes us through magnificent scenery with views of the Great Rift Valley, Mt Meru and Longido.
The vegetation changes along the track are striking with especially large Sceneries. We often see more wildlife using this route, particularly eland and buffaloes, and there is evidence of leopard and other animals. We operate this trip at a very high level of comfort, which makes it more expensive than some of our other routes.
Lemosho Climbing Route
Day 01: Arrival
Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport/Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Transfer by normal (0800am or 0200pm) shuttle Bus to Arusha where you booked in Arusha Crown Hotel/Impala hotel for the night BB
Day 02: Hotel – Londorossi Park Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
A three-hour drive from Moshi brings us to the Londorossi Park Gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. At the gate after registration we pick up a game ranger who will accompany us, as we might encounter elephants and buffaloes during our trek. Drive to the trailhead at Lemosho Glades and start the trek through the rain forest. In places the vegetation is so untouched that it grows right across the narrow track. The flora and fauna are richer here than on the other more popular routes through the rain forest. Our trek today will be along a little used track known as Chamber’s Route. In about 3-4 hours we will reach our camp in the rain forest at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) at 2795m.
Day 03: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, start the climb cross the remaining rain forest towards the giant moorland zone. Today is a full day trek with an altitude gain of 610m. After lunch we cross into the Shira Caldera, a high altitude desert plateau which is rarely visited. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro volcanic cones, and is filled with lava flow from Kibo Peak. Overnight Shira 1 Camp at 3505m.
Day 04: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
After breakfast continue hike east across the Shira Plateau past the Shira Cathedral towards Shira Two camp. You only gain 214 feet in elevation – this allows you to acclimatize slowly to the altitude. The views of the plateau are nothing less than spectacular. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp 3720m.
Day 05: Shira 2 Camp – Baranco Camp
It’s about a 7 hour superb hike today. We pass the Lava Tower, around the southern flank of Kibo, and slowly descend to Barranco, your most spectacular campsite, at the foot of Kibo Peak, looming high above. Our camp is only 142m higher than where we were last night, but our walk will have taken us to just over 4300m today. This is one of your most valuable days for acclimatization. Overnight at Barranco 3865m.
Day 06: Baranco Hut – Karanga Valley Camp
From the Barranco Hut we ascend up the Barranco wall and walk across screed and ridges to Karanga Valley (4100m) with breathtaking views of the West Breach and the southern glacier. Lunch is often taken here, depending on progress. The afternoon can be spent on an acclimatization hike, before spending the night at Karanga Valley.
Day 07: Karanga Valley Camp – Barafu Camp
After a relaxing start, about 2 hours from Karanga we will come out on the Barafu path (part of the Mweka Trail). It is a further 1-2 hours to Barafu. The last stage to Barafu camp is quite steep, and as always we advise taking it as easy as possible. This is the day that leads to the final ascent and so being as relaxed as possible, both mentally and physically, is the best advice. In the evening you will be briefed for the final ascent.
Day 08: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Hut
You will be woken in the middle of the night and start the final ascent. We plan to reach Stella Point by sunrise. (About 6 or more hours) At dawn, from the Crater rim, rugged Mawenzi is a thrilling sight, with the Kibo saddle still in darkness beneath you, and the crater’s ice-walls looming ahead. If you feel strong enough, you continue to Uhuru Peak (1- 2 hours) This is the highest point in Africa, and the world’s highest solitary peak (5895m). This is the toughest day that most trekkers have ever experienced. You will have ascended 1100m and descended 2,200m in a period of 12-15 hours. We continue down to Mweka Hut (3-4 hours from the top).
Day 09: Mweka Hut – Mweka Village
The final descent takes you through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest. Your time on Kilimanjaro ends at Mweka Village (1450m), where your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to the Arusha Hotel. Relax, take a hot shower and celebrate your achievement.
Enquire for price
Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Cost
Price Includes:
- National Park entry fees, camping fees, rescue fees
- English speaking guide(s), cook and porters
- Full board camping accommodation during the climb
- Camping equipment ie Tents + Form mattress
- Mineral water for the first day, boiled and filtered water on the other days
- Transfer to the gate and return to Arusha
Price excludes:
- Other drinks
- Meals and accommodation in Arusha – We can arrange this one too.
- Sleeping bag
- Personal expenses and tips