The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most beautiful of all the Kilimanjaro Routes The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is one of the newer routes on the mountain, and it shares a portion of the same trail as the Machame route, but it has a few advantages over that route that make it worthwhile to consider, especially for tourists with extra time.
The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is newer and approaches Kilimanjaro from the west. The journey begins at Lemosho Gate and the route was introduced as a substitute to the Shira Route which trails starts from a higher, more challenging altitude.
7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Travel Itineraries is a little wild and you may get to spot large buffalo, antelope, and maybe even elephant. The route is also home to some primates such as black and white colobus monkey, blue monkeys etc.
Arrival: Optional airport transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport to your hotel in Moshi.
Activity: Pre-trek briefing at your hotel. Arrive at least one day before the trek starts to review your equipment and rent any necessary gear.
Pickup: 08:00 am transfer from your hotel to Lemosho Gate. Activity: Register at the gate and begin your trek through the Lemosho glades forest.
After breakfast, we continue as the trail’s steepness gradually increases 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 (3505 m) located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East toward Lava Tower, also called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 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 crucial for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
We start the day by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up what has been termed the Breakfast Wall. It is a climb over rocks, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga Valley (4000 m) overnight
After a good night's rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It's a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 6am), we will 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, we will stop for a short rest and 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 will 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 will arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
After breakfast, we will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).
