7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route

This is the longest and most remote route to Kilimanjaro. After beautiful forests and moorlands it crosses the Shira Plateau to meet up with the Machame Route. Groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other game. The South Circuit is then followed, offering superb views of the Southern Icefields, past the Barranco Hut then on to Barafu and hence the summit. Descent is by the Mweka Route.

The Lemosho Route: is an unspoilt, remote, little used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. It can either be used to gain the Western Breach route or followed by the Kibo South Circuit to ascend by the easier Barafu Route. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other big game animals.

Day 1: NAIROBI – ARUSHA

On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, met and assisted. Transfer to a hotel for an overnight. Dinner and Overnight.

Day 2: LONDOROSSI GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP

Day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 2-hour drive from Moshi (910m) to Londorossi Park Gate (2100m). From here a forest track to Lemosho Glades (2100m, 11km, 45 minutes).  Have a lunch stop about half way and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, (2750m, 3 hours). In the evening  retire to the tent for the night. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at this campsite.

Day 3: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA 2 CAMP

Early rise at Mti Mkubwa camp and, after breakfast,  climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Several streams are crossed. A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2-camp on moorland meadows next to a stream (3840m). By now you will be able to see, in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. The porters will boil drinking and washing water, before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing. Enjoy dinner and overnight.

Day 4: SHIRA -LAVA TOWER- BARRANCO CAMP 

Shira Camp.The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4630m after about a 5 hours walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4630m). After lunch descent again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatisation benefit of this day becomes clear.Shira Camp. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for your dinner.

Day 5: BARRANCO CAMP – BARAFU CAMP

After spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall, make your way up this awesome looking obstacle, which in the end normally turns out to be easier than anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. Shira Camp. After another hour or so, you reach Barafu Hut. The last water stop on the route is the Karranga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu camp.  Retire back to the campsite in the evening.

Day 6: BARAFU CAMP – UHURU PEAK – MWEKA

Rise at around 11:30pm, and after some snacks shuffle off into the night. Head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour walk to Stella point is for many climbers, mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. Make a  2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, enjoy the view then walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Dinner, and washing water will be prepared at the campsite.

Day 7: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE

After an early breakfast, take a short 3-hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate, from Mweka Gate continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will be served a delicious hot lunch!!  drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in the hotel.

Day 8: DEPARTURE

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home or continue with your safari schedule.

Includes

• Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
• All park entrance fees to include government taxes
• Full board accommodation whilst on the trek.
• Meal plan as detailed
• All park entrance fees.
• Service of an English speaking professional Mountain guide on the mountain
• Treated water on the trek
• Return airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport

Excludes:

• Personal Insurance.
• Alcoholic, Soft drinks.
• Tips
• Laundry.
• Sleeping bags.
• Climbing gears