8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE MT. KILIMANJARO
The 8-day Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a popular choice for trekkers seeking a balanced combination of scenic beauty, varied terrain, and a higher success rate for reaching the summit. Starting on the western side of the mountain, this route allows for a gradual ascent, passing through diverse ecosystems, from the lush rainforests at the base to the barren, high-altitude deserts. The first few days are spent trekking through dense forests and the Shira Plateau, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and giving your body ample time to acclimatize to the increasing altitude.
As you continue your ascent, the route converges with the Machame Route, leading you through the challenging Barranco Wall, the Karanga Valley, and up to Barafu Camp, the base for your final summit push. The extended duration of this trek not only improves acclimatization but also allows for a more relaxed pace, reducing the strain on your body as you climb higher. The final ascent begins in the early morning hours, leading you to Uhuru Peak just as the sun rises over the African plains, a breathtaking reward for your efforts. The descent is swift, taking you back through different environments and offering a final opportunity to take in the beauty of Kilimanjaro before the journey concludes.
| Destination |
Mount Kilimanjaro |
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| Included |
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals
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| Excluded |
- Additional Services
- Insurance
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 Travel With Bus |
Details
The 8-day Lemosho Route also offers a deeper immersion into the natural and cultural aspects of the Kilimanjaro region. Along the way, you'll have the chance to interact with local Chagga guides and porters, learning about their traditions and their deep connection to the mountain. The route’s relative seclusion compared to others means you’ll experience quieter trails, enhancing the sense of being in a truly wild and untouched environment. Nights are spent in tents at various campsites, each offering unique views of the surrounding landscapes and the star-filled African sky. The combination of physical challenge, cultural interaction, and breathtaking scenery makes the 8-day Lemosho Route not just a trek, but a transformative journey that leaves lasting memories.
The adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate, where you'll complete registration. Afterward, you'll start your trek through the lush rainforest, encountering a variety of wildlife and unique vegetation. The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) at 2,650 meters, a short hike that helps your body acclimatize to the altitude while you enjoy the dense, vibrant forest surroundings.
The trek continues through the rainforest and into the heath and moorland zones, with the landscape gradually opening up to reveal stunning views of the Shira Plateau. As you ascend, you’ll reach Shira 1 Camp at 3,500 meters, where the environment becomes more rugged and the vegetation sparser. The day's hike is moderately challenging, offering the first clear views of Kilimanjaro's peaks.
Today, you’ll traverse the Shira Plateau, a vast, high-altitude desert-like area with expansive views of the surrounding terrain. The trek to Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 meters is relatively gentle, with opportunities to explore the Shira Cathedral, a prominent volcanic rock formation. This day also includes an acclimatization hike to higher altitudes, which helps your body adjust as you prepare for the more challenging days ahead.
From Shira 2 Camp, you’ll ascend to the Lava Tower at 4,600 meters, a critical point for acclimatization. The landscape becomes increasingly barren, with a stark beauty that contrasts with the earlier, greener stages of the trek. After reaching the Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp at 3,900 meters, following the "climb high, sleep low" principle to help your body adapt to the altitude.
The day starts with the challenging ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb that requires some scrambling. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Karanga Valley and the peaks of Kilimanjaro. The trek continues through undulating terrain, and you’ll set up camp at Karanga Camp at 4,035 meters, where the rest of the day is spent acclimatizing.
You’ll leave Karanga Camp and make your way to Barafu Camp at 4,673 meters, the base camp for your final summit push. The terrain becomes more desolate as you climb higher, with alpine desert dominating the landscape. After arriving at Barafu, you’ll spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the early morning summit attempt. The anticipation builds as you settle in for a few hours of sleep before the midnight departure
The summit day begins in the early hours, with a strenuous climb up the steep slopes towards Stella Point at 5,756 meters. From here, you’ll continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. Reaching the summit at sunrise is a breathtaking and emotional moment, as you take in the panoramic views of the African continent. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters.
The final day involves a descent through the lush rainforest from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, where the journey concludes. As you make your way down, you’ll reflect on the incredible experience, passing through the vibrant greenery and possibly encountering wildlife. At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, a testament to your successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, before being driven back to Moshi or Arusha for some well-deserved rest and celebration.
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