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The Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro is one of the least frequently used and longest routes to the summit, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quieter and more scenic trek. After passing through beautiful forests and moorlands, this route crosses the Shira Plateau before meeting up with the Machame Route. From there, it follows the South Circuit, offering superb views of the southern ice fields as you pass Barranco Huts, then move onto Barafu Camp, and finally reach the summit. The descent is via the Mweka Route, completing your journey on the Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro .
Accommodation along the Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro is in tents, which are pitched by porters, ensuring comfort during your adventure. You will need essential gear such as a sleeping bag, warm clothes, and walking poles. This steep and challenging trek is best suited for fit individuals accustomed to mountain hiking. For those seeking an “extreme” adventure, the route can also lead to the Western Breach. An armed ranger accompanies you on the first day due to the presence of buffalo, elephants, and other big game animals in the forests around the Lemosho Glades.
As you climb, the terrain transitions dramatically from a tropical rainforest to an arctic climate over just a few days. Along the way, you’ll encounter alpine meadows, stunning moorlands, and exotic plants like giant lobelia and fork-like groundsel, which blooms once every 50–70 years. Finally, you’ll enter the alpine desert and reach the snow-covered summit of Kilimanjaro.
Day 1
Arrival Day in either Arusha or Moshi
On arrival, you are personally met at the airport by one of our representatives and transferred to your chosen hotel in Arusha or Moshi. In the afternoon, there is a full briefing with the climbs manager and your guide, who will provide detailed information about the Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro . This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about what to expect during your journey on the Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro . Additionally, your equipment will be carefully checked to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead. Dinner is included, giving you time to relax and reflect on the exciting days awaiting you as you prepare for the Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro climb.
Day 2
Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp (Mti Mkuba)
• Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain forest
After breakfast, you are driven from your hotel to the edge of the National Park Forest. From here we walk through the undisturbed forest to the Mti Mkubwa campsite for dinner and overnight camping. With luck you will be able to see colobus monkeys and signs of elephants
Day 3
Forest Camp (Mti Mkuba) to Shira Camp 1
• Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
• Distance: 8 kms
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland.
Take your time to walk through the forest which boasts plentiful game and bird life. You will pass through the mountain forest and hagenia zones. Dinner and overnight camping are at Shira campsite.
Day 4
Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2
• Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
• Distance: 14 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast we hike up Lava Tower. The is in the alpine zone. The only plant life being the hardiest of grasses and lichen. Here you will have a spectacular view of our final ascent route up to the western breach.
Day 5
Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
• Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
With the western breach ascent route in view, we spend a few hours climbing to the base of the route where we make your camp near Arrow Glacier. There is an afternoon hike further up the route before relaxing back down at camp. This extra hike will help you acclimatize and improve your performance tomorrow.
Day 6
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert
Wind your way up the western breach. It’s a non – technical climbing route and it will take us about six hours to reach the crater rim. We explore the inner crater and ash pit before pitching camp on the crater floor.
Day 7
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert
Summit day: You start your ascent to the summit early enough in the morning to reach the summit by 10 a.m. You descend via Barafu Huts and onwards down to Mweka camp for dinner and overnight camping.
Day 8
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
• Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
• Distance: 5 kms ascent / 12 kms descent
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 3-4 hours descent
• Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.
Elevation: (3100m) to (1980m)
• Distance: 10 kms descent
• Hiking Time: 3 hours descent
• Habitat: Forest
After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short three-hour scenic hike back to the park gate, marking the end of your incredible Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro adventure. At Mweka Gate, you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates—a proud moment for all who have completed the challenging Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro climb. Those who reached Stella Point (5,685m) are issued green certificates, while those who conquered Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates.
From the Mweka Gate, you will continue down into the Mweka village, typically a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village, you will be served a delicious hot lunch, celebrating the culmination of your Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro journey. You then drive back to Moshi or Arusha for a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations! The descent from the Mweka Gate to the road takes about 3 to 4 hours, bringing your Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro expedition to a close.
After your lunch, bid goodbye to your porters and transfer to your hotel for a restful night. On Day 10, enjoy breakfast before your departure. If you’d like to extend your stay or book additional nights, please inform us as soon as possible. We can arrange for you to be transferred to the airport or invite you to join a Big Five Tanzania Safaris tour, allowing you to continue your holiday and explore the world-famous game parks of Tanzania—making this the perfect extension to your unforgettable Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro experience.
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