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Mt. Kilimanjaro, Lemosho Route (8 Hiking Days)
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- Mt. Kilimanjaro, Lemosho Route
Scenic beauty, little to no crowds, gradual ascent..
Lemosho Route is a relatively new trail for climbers of
Mount Kilimanjaro. It is known for its scenic beauty, low
crowds, gradual ascent, and high success rate. The route
approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and joins the Machame
Route to the east. The descent is down Mweka on the
southeastern side of the Mountain. The eight-day trek
allows a more relaxed pace and ample time for
acclimatization, resulting in a high success rate. This
route is ideal for those who want a challenging but
achievable hike, a less crowded climb, and need extra
time.
itinerary
Day 1- Hiking: Londorossi(2100m)- Forest Camp(2750m):
Depart from Moshi to Londorossi gate, which takes about 4
hours. After checking in at the gate, we’ll drive to the
Lemosho trailhead, which will take 1 hour. We will have lunch
and walk through the forest to our first camp.
Distance:6 km
Duration:4 hrs
Elevation gain: 1800 m
Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2: Forest Camp- Shira 1 Camp:
After breakfast, we continue on the trail leading out of the
forest into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic
rock. As we ascend through lush rolling hills, we reach the
Shira 1 Camp. In the distance, the snow-capped Kibo peeks
through the clouds, a constant reminder of our ultimate goal.
Distance:8 km
Duration:6 hrs
Elevation gain: 790 m
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp-Shira 2- Moir Hut:
We will explore the Shira plateau, one of the highest plateaus
on Earth, for the whole day. It is a gentle trek east towards
Kibo glaciered Peak to Shira 2 camp on the meadows by the
stream. We will have our packed lunch and continue to Moir
hut, where we will spend the night.
Distance:14 km
Duration:7 hrs
Elevation gain: 574 m
Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Moir Hut- Lava Tower-Baranco Camp:
From Shira Plateau, we trek to the east up a ridge, passing
the junction towards Kibo Peak. Our direction changes to the
southeast as we head to Lava Tower. We shall have our packed
lunch here and continue our trek to Baranco Camp. This day is
essential for acclimatization and prepares your body for
summit day. This Camp will have more crowds because the
Machame and Umbwe Route will join with the Lemosho route.
Distance:7 km
Duration:6 hrs
Elevation gain: 486 m
Elevation lost: 650 m
Habitat:Semi-desert
Day 5: Barranco Camp- Karanga Camp:
After breakfast, we hike the iconic Baranco wall by the
Kissing Rock to the Karanga Camp. The climb is non-technical,
but some sections require scrambling and handholds. This is a
short day meant for acclimatization.
Distance:5 km
Duration:4 hrs
Elevation gain: 45 m
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp- Barafu Camp:
After breakfast, we leave Karanga, passing the junction to
Mweka trail to the base camp, Barafu Camp. From this camp,
Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are visible. Here, we have dinner and
retire early before the next day’s summit push.
Distance:4 km
Duration:4 hrs
Elevation gain: 708 m
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 7: Barafu Camp- Uhuru Peak-Barafu Camp-Mweka Camp:
We arise at 2300hrs, have a simple breakfast, gear up and
start the slow trek to the summit via Stella Point. This is
the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek.
If the weather is clear, we will briefly rest at Stella Point
while experiencing the magnificent African sunrise. From
Stella Point, it is an hour-long trek to the summit. At Uhuru
Peak, the roof of Africa, we will celebrate the moment and
then descend to Mweka Hut Camp for last night’s rest, stopping
at Barafu Camp for lunch. After lunch, the trek to Mweka Camp
is demanding as a result of the exhaustion.
Distance:17 km
Duration:14 hrs
Habitat: Arctic
Day 8: Mweka Camp- Mweka Gate-Moshi:
We leave the camp and trek downhill to Mweka Gate, where we
will receive our summit certificates and check out of the park
gate. After that, we board our vehicle and head to our hotel
in Moshi.
Distance:10 km
Duration:4 hrs
Elevation lost:2150 m
Habitat: Rainforest