Lemosho Route - 8 Days, Kilimanjaro

Lemosho route is one of the best routes for acclimatization. The route is less used and a beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau.

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 inhabited by buffalo, elephant and other wildlife.

The minimum duration for the Lemosho route is 6 days, however, we strongly recommend hiking the route in 7 days. The additional 7th day will give your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the effects of altitude sickness and give you more time to rest before attempting the summit.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Camping overnight

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Camping overnight

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Camping overnight

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15, 250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Camping overnight

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Camping overnight

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Camping overnight

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Camping overnight

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at the Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.