The Lemosho Route offers a more extended and immersive Kilimanjaro experience, marked by stunning landscapes and improved acclimatization. As with all Kilimanjaro treks, it’s essential to be physically and mentally prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Choosing a reliable tour operator and following their guidance are key to ensuring a safe and successful climb.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and head to the Lemosho Gate for registration and entrance permits.
You will continue for an additional one-hour drive to the Lemosho starting point.
You will disembark and enjoy a picnic lunch before meeting the entire crew, including guides, cooks, and porters.
You will start the hike by crossing a rainforest, covering 7km in 2 to 3 hours to reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Along the way, you will observe the diverse flora, including impatiens Kilimanjaro, and potentially spot black and white Colobus monkeys and other forest wildlife.
You will begin the day with a beautiful and lengthy hike, one of the longest.
You will walk for 3-4 hours in the first session, covering a distance of 7km to reach Shira 1 camp.
You will pause for lunch and a short break before embarking on a 4 to 5-hour hike, covering an additional 9km.
You will traverse the middle of Shira Plateau, designated as a world heritage site, passing through the moorland zone.
You will arrive at the stunning overnight camp nestled at the base of a massive lava flow.
You will traverse the Alpine Desert on a 9km hike lasting approximately 6-8 hours.
You will begin by navigating steep hills and sparse rocks, progressing to a steady uphill climb.
You will reach the lava tower at 4600m, a 150-meter-high volcanic plug located just outside the mountain.
You will stop for lunch around noon, with some individuals potentially experiencing a mild headache due to altitude change.
You will descend for about two hours through a trail of dust and rocks to reach the overnight rest stop at Barranco Camp.
You will depart from Barranco after breakfast, ascending a steep ridge and passing the Barranco wall on the way to Karanga Valley campsite.
You will have lunch at Karanga, take a few minutes to acclimatize, and then proceed to Barafu Hut.
You will reach the culmination of the South Circuit, providing diverse views of the summit.
You will set up camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day at Barafu Hut, with the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo visible.
You will cover a distance of 9 kilometers over 8-10 hours, entering the alpine desert.
You will wake up at around 11:00 pm, prepare with tea and snacks, and dress warmly for the summit.
You will begin the summit ascent at midnight, initially navigating steep rocks for two to three hours.
You will progress through a zigzag area, reaching the crater rim and Stella Point (5756 meters) by 6:00 am.
You will interact with climbers from other routes at Stella Point, then join them towards Uhuru Peak, about one hour away.
You will witness the sunrise either at Stella Point, on the way to Uhuru, or at Uhuru Peak (5895m), spending 10-15 minutes for pictures and views.
You will descend to Barafu Campsite for a restful brunch, followed by a descent to Mweka Camp. You will cover 5km ascent and 12km descent, with hiking times of 7-8 hours for ascent and 4-6 hours for descent to Mweka Hut at 3100m.
You will descend post-breakfast to the Mweka Gate (1640m) for summit certificates, braving potentially wet and muddy lower elevations.
Equip yourself with gaiters and trekking poles, while shorts and t-shirts should suffice (keep rain gear and warmer clothing within reach).
You will cover a decent distance of 10km over 3-4 hours, journeying through the lush rainforest.
Upon reaching the Mweka Gate, our vehicle will be ready to transport you back to your Moshi hotel.
You will enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and perhaps a celebratory beer to conclude your trek.
