8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro trekking: The Lemosho route is a beautiful trail starting on the western flank of Kilimanjaro. It is the longest route but allows gradual acclimatization. After three days the Lemosho route joins the trail of the Machame route. Accommodation is in tents. Climbs depart every second Sunday, except in the rainy season (November, April, May & June).
8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Trekking
The Lemosho route is a stunning trail that commences on the western flank of Kilimanjaro. Although it’s the longest route, it offers gradual acclimatization. After the first three days, the Lemosho route converges with the Machame route. Accommodation during this trek is in tents. Climbs typically start every second Sunday, except during the rainy season (November, April, May & June).
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our dedicated driver will be waiting to welcome you. You’ll be transported to Meru View Lodge in Usa River, near Arusha. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead. If you’re inclined, you can explore the town of Arusha (taxi required). In the late afternoon, our Kilimanjaro team will convene at the lodge to brief you on the impending trek and assess your equipment. Dinner will be served.
Day 2: Arusha – Starting Point Lemosho (2,385m) – Big Tree Camp (2,780m)
In the morning, we’ll transport you to Londorossi Gate (2,250m). After completing all entry formalities and a final 15 km drive on a bumpy road, you’ll reach your starting point at the edge of the rainforest. Lunch will be enjoyed before you embark on the trail through the rainforest. This initial walk is relatively short, allowing you ample time to appreciate the lush scenery, which will undergo significant changes throughout your trek. You might even catch a glimpse of the thumbless colobus monkeys in the branches above. Your dinner and overnight stay will be at the enchanting Big Tree Camp. Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner.
Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2,780m) – Shira Camp 1 (3,500m)
Your journey through the rainforest will transition into a moorland landscape, featuring lobelia and erica plants. Ascending through rolling hills, you’ll reach Shira Camp 1 in about 3 to 4 hours. From your camp, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and the unmistakable snow-capped summit of Kibo. After a hearty evening meal, you can stargaze before resting for the night. Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner.
Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,500m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,900m)
Today’s trek involves 8 Days Lemosho Route crossing Shira Ridge, characterized by rocky ground, low grasses, and shrubs. The terrain is flatter than the previous day, making your hike more leisurely and providing fantastic views of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Meru. Giant lobelias and smaller lobelias continue to dot the moor landscape. You’ll reach Shira Camp 2, where you’ll have your evening meal and overnight stay. Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner.
Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,900m) – Lava Tower (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
After breakfast, you’ll ascend to Lava Tower through a boulder-strewn terrain. In the distance, Kibo beckons you to continue the uphill journey. Arriving at Lava Tower, you’ll take a rest to acclimatize to the higher altitude before descending to Barranco Camp. This method of climbing high but sleeping low allows your body to adapt to varying altitudes and assess your reaction to altitude changes. The scenery will transform once more, and soon you’ll be surrounded by giant senecios and smaller lobelias. After 6 to 7 hours, you’ll reach the beautiful and green Barranco Camp, offering magnificent views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Following dinner, you’ll settle in for the night. Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner.
Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
After breakfast, you’ll encounter the famous Barranco wall, arguably the steepest section of the entire route. While it doesn’t require technical climbing, some spots may necessitate the use of your hands for better grip and support. Your guide will be nearby to assist if needed. After maneuvering around the Kissing Rock, you’ll traverse the mountain ridge and proceed through the Karanga Valley. You’ll also pass the last water source before reaching Karanga Camp. Following a well-earned meal, it’s time for some rest. Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner.
Day 7: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Today, you’ll journey to Barafu Camp. The landscape is arid, and the ground feels as hard as glass under your boots. As you progress through the afro-alpine desert to the rocky Barafu Camp, excitement builds as you’re just a few hours away from your final ascent. Barafu Camp, with its rocky backdrop, provides a breathtaking view of Mawenzi Peak and the path to the summit. After an early dinner and last-minute preparations for tomorrow, it’s time for some rest. Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner.
Day 8: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
At approximately midnight, you’ll be roused with hot tea and biscuits to prepare for the day’s ascents. You’ll head northwesterly through heavy scree toward Stella Point, which you should reach in about 5 to 7 hours. At Stella Point (5,730m), you can rest if needed before embarking on another 1 to 2-hour stretch along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—the pinnacle of your journey. A breathtaking view awaits you as you stand on the highest point in Africa. After capturing as many pictures as you can, you’ll leave the glistening glaciers and snow-capped peaks behind and make your way back down to Barafu Camp. Here, you’ll have time to catch your breath before descending further to Mweka Camp, a roughly 3-hour walk. A delectable dinner and peaceful night’s rest await you. Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner. read more…
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,080m) – Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Arusha
After a hearty breakfast and a traditional farewell ceremony by your mountain crew, you’ll commence your final descent to Mweka Gate marking it the end of our 8 Days Lemosho Route . A leisurely 2 to 3-hour walk will take you through the lush rainforest, where the endemic Impatiens kilimanjari flower grows. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, our transfer driver will greet you and transport you back to Meru View Lodge. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at leisure—indulge in
Marangu Route 5 Days – Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca-Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds.
The lesser-known Lemosho route begins on the western side of Mt Kilimanjaro. The first 2 days of the tour cross the thick rainforest belt which then changes into heath and moorland with many ferns and ericas along the way.
The Marangu route is well-developed and the climb is constant and moderate. Only the approach to the summit is the exception as it is slightly more demanding.
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