Mount Kilimanjaro-Lemosho Route 9-Day Trekking

The Lemosho Route is regarded as one of the prettiest routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. You begin the trek from the west, climbing in the fertile rainforest until We reach the wildflowers on the heath ecosystem. Approaching from the west, we cross on of the most beautiful areas on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Shira Plateau, before traversing the mountain along the southern circuit.

Day 1 – Airport pick-up

Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha town . Meet your guide and review your equipment in the evening in preparation for the trek the following day.

Day 2 – Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

After breakfast, we will depart for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 2 hours. Here you would have to fill out entry formalities. Afterwards, we will drive to the Lemosho trail-head (approximately one hour). Upon arrival at the trail-head, we will have our lunch and commence our walk through undisturbed forest which winds all the way to the first camp site.

Day 3 – Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1

We will continue walking through the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. From here, you will witness an exhilarating view of Kibo from across the plateau.

Day 4 – Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

We will explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east towards Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Day 5 – Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we will continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we will come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 6 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall all the way to the Karanga Valley campsite. This will be a short day of walking intended for acclimatization.

Day 7 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail and then continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you would have completed the South Circuit, which offers stunning views of the summit from various angles. This is also where we will camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Day 8 – Barafu Camp to Summit ( Uhuru Peak) to Mweka Hut

At around 2 am, we will continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We will head northwest and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

At Stella Point, we stop for a short rest and take in the magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. You may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you would have reached the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the whole continent of Africa.

From the summit, we descend straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site and stop at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we will have our last dinner claim our well-deserved sleep.

Day 9 – Mweka Hut to Arusha

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 but gaiters and trekking poles will help. It is also best to keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. From the gate, you will continue for another hour to Mweka Village.

From there, a vehicle will meet you at mweka to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha where dinner and accommodation awaits. Now is the best time to celebrate!

Price Includes:

  • Two nights accommodation at the hotel in Arusha  (before and after the climb)
  • Return transportation from Moshi to/from the starting/finishing point on the mountain
  • Qualified guides with mountain crew
  • National park fees
  • Tents and sleeping mattresses
  • Cutlery / Crockery / Eating utensils
  • Mess tent (for dining) / Mini camping chairs / Tables / Candles
  • Rescue Fees
  • Return Airport transfers to JRO – Kilimanjaro international Airport
  • Pulse oximeters
  • First aid kit
  • Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
  • Boiled water on the mountain
  • All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain

Price Excludes:

  • Single rooms supplement at Springlands Hotel (except on the 1 person rate)
  • Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
  • Meals and drinks not specified
  • Gear for your climb
  • Items of personal nature
  • Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
  • Visas
  • Emergency oxygen