8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing via Lemosho Route

Trekking Overview

Lemosho Route is one of the lengthiest, most picturesque routes on Kilimanjaro and it is our ‘secret favorite’. You will traverse through tranquil trails that feature scenic grandeur. In the rainforest the exquisiteness of dawn’s light pierces the lush, emerald sward. Mist embraces the lichen coated bark and the melodic piping of a songbird splits the silence whilst the distinctive blue monkeys swing above. This leads to the smooth surfaces of the stunning Shira Plateau and the magnificent sight of the looming Lava Tower. Barranco Valley provides beautiful sights of the azure glaciers. Vast plains of Savannah are decorated with splotches of wildlife and there is a possibility of encountering elephants or buffalo. The Mweka Route is used to descend, and you have a good chance of completing the 9 days Lemosho Route due to the advantageous acclimatization conditions. Kilimanjaro captivates the hearts of those who reach the summit, but this route exceedingly epitomizes Africa’s magnificence.

Day by day Trekking Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT – ARUSHA

Our driver will pick you up at the airport and proceed to the hotel in Arusha. whereby you will start trekking on the following day, your guides will provide comprehensive information that will assist you in reaching the summit. Your trekking gear will be checked before you leave, dinner and overnight will be at Ilboru Safari Lodge on bed and breakfast.

Day 2: Arusha to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 10 km | Altitude Gain: 800m

The trail heads towards Shira Camp 1 and there is shift in scenery to the heather and moorland zone – an arid landscape sprinkled with contrasting silver fauna and flora as well as the enormous lobelias. Stunning views of Mount Meru engulfing the fiery sunset are present in the west and the gleaming Kibo Peak makes its presence known. The light clouds will begin to float around you as you cross several calming streams to get to the Shira Ridge (3,600m). We will proceed to Shira Camp 1 where a delicious meal awaits.

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)

Trekking Time: 3-4hours | Distance: 8km | Altitude Gain: 290m The moorland landscape remains with its dusty, rocky ground and low grasses and shrubs. The bright everlastings erupt from the ground and the concentric rings of leaves on the celestial lobelias are astonishing. The scenic views of the towering mountain are best observed from this area and the path is generally flat. A steaming hot lunch will be served at Shira Camp and after the short excursions for acclimatization are complete, you will rest for the remainder of the day. In the evening the stars twinkle from the infinite arch of darkness. In areas they are sapphire balls and beautiful, shimmering in their heavenly finery. The ones on the outermost boundary, virtually outside the span of human comprehension, are like glinting pinpricks in a shroud of blackness.

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) to Barranco camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours / Distance: 11km / Altitude Gain: 110m Today the Lemosho route connects with the Machame route before approaching Lava Tower. The landscapes are magnificent, and the trail begins with a gentle incline towards the beautiful sights Kibo Peak. The first milestone is a jagged ridge named the Shark’s Tooth (4,400m) and after crossing the mysterious shadow valleys we will come across the protruding Lava Tower (4,600m). Thousands of years ago enormous volcanos erupted and spluttered the remains of the once molten rocks. The gradual descent to the Barranco Camp features incredible views of the bleached Western Breach and the striking Barranco or ‘Breakfast’ Wall. This day follows the mountaineering principles of walking high and sleeping low, making it an ideal acclimation day.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (4040)

km, elevation 337 m, 3 hrs 40 min. Total trip distance so far: 33.2 km, total elevation 3177 m, total hiking time 19 hrs 5 min.

The main feature of today’s hike was ascending the Barranco Wall. The Wall is an imposing, if not overly tall, cliff of volcanic rock. Imposing, at least, when looking from below: Barranco wall is 257 m high (or 843 ft). The Barranco wall is not a technical climb. No equipment is required. It would be best to categorize the wall as scramble. We did need to use our hands on several occasions and there was some exposure.

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4040) to Barafu camp (4640 m)

Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi / Approx. time taken: 3 hours

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made mo re difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp, we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5895m) (Midnight start), descent to Mweka Camp (3100m)

Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours / Distance: 5km / Altitude Gain: 1195m You will be awoken at 11:00pm to ensure that you have a light snack and a hot beverage before you embark on your 5km trek to the summit. Sixteen hours are needed to complete the trek, it goes without saying, this is the most taxing day on the 9 days Lemosho Route. The temperatures will dip to lows of up to -10°C. The trail along the stunning valley on the edge of scree fields will gradually increase. Stella’s Point (5,672m) is the first milestone and you will pass the glowing Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Illuminating rays of orange, red and purple begin to burst from the sky as you reach the southern rim of Kibo (Marks an hour until the summit). Upon reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) you will attain an intangible reward, the heaven touching apex of the mountain drenched in a shroud of clouds and splotches of gleaming snow impale the lush floor. Across the horizon you will see the glaciers protruding like a row of thorns. Swaddled around them are necklaces of powdery snow, frosty ice fields and Mawenzi Peak. We will begin descending towards the Barafu Camp where we will have a short break before proceeding to the Mweka Camp (3,100m). The 9km trails features stunning views of the magnificent Kilimanjaro plains. The incline traverses down a rocky scree path through barren moorland and then you will enter the magnificent forest (4-5-hour hike). A tantalizing meal will be served at the campsite, and you will be able to snuggle in your sleeping ba

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m)

Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hours / Distance: 10km / Altitude Loss: 1300m

You will enjoy an appetising breakfast before your descent to the Mweka Gate (1,300m). The leisurely stroll provides you with beautiful sceneries. A Gold Summit Certificate will be awarded upon reaching the gate, a token to symbolize successfully tackling the 9 days Lemosho Route. From the tranquil Mweka Village you will be driven back to your hotel at Arusha, dinner and overnight will be at Ilboru Safari Lodge on bed and breakfast. dinner and overnight.

What is Included and no Include on the Above Itinerary

• Porterage
• Park fees and Rescue fees
• All accommodation
•professional mountain guides
• All transportation
• All Taxes/VAT
• Meals and soft drinks

Sopai Safaris