7 Day Mt Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route, known as the longest and most secluded path to Kilimanjaro, traverses stunning forests and moorlands before reaching the Shira Plateau, where it intersects with the Machame Route. As a precautionary measure, groups may be accompanied by an armed ranger on the initial day, as the Lemosho Glades area teems with buffalo, elephant, and other wildlife. The route then follows the South Circuit, offering remarkable vistas of the Southern Icefields, passing through Barranco Hut and continuing to Barafu, ultimately leading to the summit. The descent is accomplished via the Mweka Route.
The Lemosho Route represents an unspoiled, remote, and less frequented approach to the Shira Plateau. It can be used either to access the Western Breach route or to continue along the Kibo South Circuit for a more accessible ascent via the Barafu Route.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will receive a warm welcome and assistance. Transfer to your designated hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy a delightful dinner and settle in for the night.Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2100m) - Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m)
Begin your day with an early briefing, followed by breakfast. From Moshi (910m), embark on a 2-hour drive to Londorossi Park Gate (2100m). In the village, our experienced guides and porters will organize and pack the necessary supplies and equipment. A lunch pack will be provided, and you can purchase mineral water in the village. The journey continues on a forest track, accessible only by a 4WD vehicle, leading to Lemosho Glades (2100m, 11km, 45 minutes). Enjoy a lunch break midway and arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite (2750m, 3 hours) in the late afternoon. Your tent will be set up upon arrival, and our team will prepare dinner. Be prepared for potentially freezing temperatures at this campsite.Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m) - Shira 2 Camp (3840m)
Start your day early at Mti Mkubwa camp. After breakfast, embark on a scenic hike, ascending through the forest for about an hour until you reach the top. The trail gradually steepens as you enter the giant heather moorland zone, crossing several streams along the way. As you walk across the plateau, marvel at the breathtaking view of the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. Reach Shira 2 camp, located on moorland meadows next to a stream (3840m). Our team will provide boiled water for drinking and washing, and dinner will be served. Prepare for another cold night at this exposed campsite.Day 4: Shira (3840m) - Lava Tower (4630m) - Barranco Camp (3950m)
Embark on an eastward route, venturing into a semi-desert and rocky landscape toward Lava Tower. The trail gradually leads you to an altitude of 4630m after approximately 5 hours of trekking. Enjoy lunch at a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower. This challenging day showcases the true acclimatization benefit as you descend to the Barranco camping area at 3950m. The descent takes about 2 hours, offering remarkable views of the Western Breach and Great Barranco Wall. Capture unforgettable sunset moments while awaiting dinner in the valley below the wall.Day 5: Barranco Camp (3950m) - Barafu Camp (4550m)
Conquer the imposing Great Barranco Wall as you ascend toward the Heim Glacier. The breathtaking beauty of Kilimanjaro unfolds before your eyes as you traverse the Karanga Valley, joining the Mweka route. After a left turn up the ridge, reach Barafu Hut, the final water stop on the route. Barafu, meaning "ice" in Swahili, is a stark and exposed camping area situated on a narrow, stony ridge. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the terrain before darkness falls. Prepare your equipment and thermal clothing for the summit attempt. It is recommended to carry water in a thermal flask to prevent freezing. Rest and sleep around 19:00, preparing for the summit.Day 6: Summit Attempt
Embark on the summit attempt around 23:30. After tea and biscuits, begin the ascent in a northwesterly direction, navigating through heavy scree until reaching Stella Point (5685m) on the crater rim after approximately 6 hours. Take a short rest and witness the awe-inspiring sunrise, weather permitting. The next 2 hours involve a snowy ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point on Kilimanjaro. The time spent at the summit depends on weather conditions. Descend to Barafu Hut in about 3 hours, rest briefly, collect your gear, and continue to Mweka Hut (3100m) through the rock and scree path, transitioning from moorland to forest. Dinner, washing water, and drinking water will be provided at the campsite.Day 7: Summit Attempt
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic 3-hour hike back to the Mweka Gate. For safety, it is recommended to withhold tipping the porters until you and all your gear have reached the gate. Sign your name and details in the register at Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Green certificates are issued to those who reached Stella Point (5685m), while gold certificates are awarded to those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m). Descend 3 km (1 hour) to Mweka village, where a delicious hot lunch awaits. Transfer to Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, and celebrations at Springlands Hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay.Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your return flight home or continue with your scheduled safari activities.