Lemosho Route
Tour Overview
The Lemosho Route is one of the newer and less crowded routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, renowned for its stunning scenery and higher success rates due to its longer duration, which allows for better acclimatization.
This route takes you through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, culminating in a challenging but rewarding summit.
Area to Visit
Londorossi Gate, Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira 1 Camp, Shira 2 Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp, Mweka Gate
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Habitat: Rainforest
Time: 3-4 hours
The trek starts at Londorossi Gate with registration and a drive to the trailhead. The hike begins in the lush rainforest, where you might see wildlife such as colobus monkeys and various bird species. The trail is relatively easy and leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Habitat: Moorland
Time: 5-6 hours
The trail continues through the rainforest before transitioning into the moorland zone. The path becomes steeper as you ascend, with views of the Shira Plateau opening up. The day’s hike ends at Shira 1 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Distance: 7 km / 4.5 miles
Habitat: Moorland
Time: 4-5 hours
Today’s hike is a gentle ascent across the Shira Plateau, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the western breach of Kilimanjaro. You will reach Shira 2 Camp, where you can relax and acclimatize.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Time: 7-8 hours
The trail heads east towards Lava Tower, a significant acclimatization point at 4,630m. After reaching Lava Tower, you descend to Barranco Camp, which is situated in a valley below the Barranco Wall. This descent helps with acclimatization by the “climb high, sleep low” principle.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Time: 4-5 hours
The day starts with the challenging Barranco Wall, a steep climb that requires some scrambling but is manageable. After the wall, the trail undulates through the alpine desert, with beautiful views of the Kibo peak and valleys below, leading to Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Time: 4-5 hours
The trail to Barafu Camp is a steady ascent through the alpine desert. Barafu Camp is the base camp for the final summit push. After arriving, you will have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then to Mweka Camp
Distance: 17 km / 11 miles (round trip)
Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert
Time: 10-14 hours
The summit attempt starts around midnight. The steep climb to Stella Point (5,739m) is demanding. From Stella Point, it’s a gentle slope to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, you descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp through the alpine desert and moorland zones.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Habitat: Rainforest
Time: 3-4 hours
The final descent takes you through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail can be slippery and muddy, so take your time. At the gate, you will receive your summit certificate and be transported back to your hotel.
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