The Lemosho Route is widely considered to be the best route on Mount Kilimanjaro, is preferred by reputable operators due to its beauty, remoteness and success rate, it maximizes the chances that a climber will reach the summit, and enjoy the experience overall. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate and Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route report that they loved it.
Daily Breakdown
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Meet & greet at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Arusha for dinner & overnight. In the evening you will be met by your guide and have briefing and gear check-up to prepare you for the climb.
Day 2 – Lemosho Gate (2100 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750 m)
Hike time: 3-4 hours; elevation change: +650 m; final elevation: 2750m.
The climb begins at the Lemosho Gate. After signing in the park regulations, you will enjoy an easy hike through spectacular tropical rain forest. You will reach your first camp in the late afternoon. Hot drinks and hot dinner will be served
Day 3 – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750 m) to Shira I Camp (3600 m)
Hike time: 5-6 hours; elevation change: 850 m; final elevation: 3600m.
Departing from Camp, the path continues through the heather and moorland. We cross the spectacular Shira Ridge and river streams created during the glacial period in East Africa. After lunch, you will climb the infamous Shira Plateau, created when Kibo's lava flows filled up the Shira Crater. You will have your first view of Kibo's glacial peak, your camp will be set up by the crew and you will rest and wait for dinner. Many people spend two nights here on the way up for acclimatization.
Day 4 – Shira I Camp (3,600m) to Shira II Camp (3,840 meters)
Hike time: 4 hours; elevation change: +240 m; final elevation: 3840m.
This extra acclimatization day will help you prepare for the push to the summit. It is more of an acclimatization day; the terrain is nearly flat and you´re still hiking inside the Shira Plateau. You will hike only for 4 hours max before you reach Shira 2 campsite, enjoy the view of Shira peaks and the glorious sunrise. Hot Lunch and Dinner will be served at the camp.
Day 5 – Shira II Camp (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4600m) then Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Hike time: 6 hours; elevation change: +110 m; final elevation: 3950m.
Although this up and down day ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed over 690 meters to a height of 4600 meters before beginning your descent to Barranco Camp. This day is vital for acclimatization so it's important that you take it incredibly slow. After breakfast, continue east on the Shira Plateau for 2-3 hours before reaching the junction for Shira and Lemosho Route, A hot lunch will be served at the Lava Tower, a 300-foot unique lava formation on the top ridge of the Bastian Valley. From here its takes 2 hours to reach Baranco camp, Barranco Camp is considered to be the most scenic campsite on the Western Route. It is set in a valley among forests of Senecio Kilimanjaro.
Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)
Hike time: 4-5 hours; elevation change: +250 m; final elevation: 4200m.
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with an hour and a half scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to pull your body up. After reaching the top, we have 2 more hours before we make a short descent into the greener Karanga Valley, ascend to reach the top ridge where our overnight camp is located. The sceneries are dominated by Moon landscape, Lahars and the Southern ice fields. Hot lunch and Dinner at the camp.
Day 7: Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Hike time: 4hours; elevation change: +400 m, -980m; final elevation: 4600 m
After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo's glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. Today you will hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep as soon as you finish dinner, as you will awake before midnight for your summit hike
Day 8: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Hike time: 12 hours; elevation change: +1295m, -1820m; final elevation: 3100m.
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep and dark, zigzagging up loose volcanic scree until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point. From there, it’s an hour along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent first to Barafu camp for a brief rest, then further down to Mweka Camp through the alpine desert and into the forest zone.
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)
Hike time: 3-5 hours; elevation change: -1600m; final elevation: 1500m
The final descent takes you through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest. Your time on Kilimanjaro ends at Mweka Gate where the vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to the airport, or your hotel in Arusha
Day 10: Departure
You will be transferred to Kilimanjaro airport for your return flight or start your safari trip.
Inclusions
- Two overnights before and after the climb based on dinner, bed and breakfast
- All transfers to and from the airport, to your hotel and to the park gate
- All Park fees, camping/hut fees and mandatory rescue fee
- All meals and non-alcoholic drinks while on the mountain
- Camping equipment, Mountain hard ware tents, private mess tents, chairs, tables, etc.
- Fairly paid professional mountain staff; guides certified in Wilderness first-aid and rescue, cook and porters
- High-capacity Jumbo D Supplemental Oxygen
- Pulse Oximeter
- 2 ways long range communication radios
- A fully kitted professional expedition medical & first aid kit with full resuscitation capabilities
- Portable chemical Toilet
- Katadyn Expedition Water Filter and Micropur
Exclusions
- International Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport/Dar Es Salaam International Airport
- Personal equipment & items (sleeping bag, sleeping mats, clothing, hiking boots, poles, climbing gear, water bottles.
- Comprehensive travel & medical insurance is mandatory (please ensure policy includes hiking)
- Laundry and drinks at your Arusha hotel
- Gratuities to your mountain crew, transfer drivers and lodge staff
Are you ready for your Kilimanjaro Expedition
Reach out to us today to start planning today!!