8 days, Mt Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Route

The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The route begins in the west and rather than simply intersecting Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira Camp. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit.

Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. It is our favorite route because it offers a great balance of low traffic, scenic views and a high summit success rate. Thus, Lemosho comes highly recommended.

Day 1: Arusha (1400 m) – Mti Mkubwa camp (2829 m)

Pick up from your accommodation. Transfer to Kilimanjaro – Lemosho gate 2360m.

Start the first section of the climb through the mountain forest to Mti Mkubwa camp (3-4 hours). Dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa camp site 2829m.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa camp (2829 m) – Shira 1 (3505 m)

We will follow a trail that leads out of the forest and into a savannah  giant heather moorland zone. Our ascend through scenic rolling hills, we will cross several streams to reach the Shira Ridge before descending to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from the plateau is spectacular.

Day 3: Shira 1 (3505 m) – Shira 2 (3900 m)

We follow the trail through steep and scramble rock across rainforest to moorland. The path proceed steep to the Southern Glacier Branches, at 4000m we reach our campsite, Barranco, were we overnight. (6-7 hrs)

All meals included.

Day 4: Shira 2 (3900 m) – Barranco camp (3976 m)

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east towards the peak of Kibo and passing that junction. Here our path goes east, towards the Lava Tower, also called the Shark’s Tooth. Shortly after passing the Lava Tower, we meet the second junction that brings us to the Arrow Glacier. From here we continue down to the Barranco Hut, where we will rest, have dinner and overnight. Despite the fact that we did not changed elevation from the point where we started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for the summit.

Day 5: Barranco camp (3976 m) – Karanga camp (4033 m)

After breakfast cross the floor of the Great Barranco Valley, over the steep Barranco wall to the Karanga River-the last water point on this route.

Dinner and overnight at Karanga camp 4033m. (4-5 hours).

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4033 m) – Barafu camp (4673 m)

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and cross the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail, used for descend from the mountain later. From here we continue up to the Barafu Camp. Here we will rest, have dinner and prepare for the summit day. From Barafu you can enjoy the view of two volcanic cones Mawenzi and Kibo peaks,  and that view is quite spectacular and you should not miss it.

Day 7: Barafu camp (4673 m) – Summit (5895 m) then drop to Millenium Camp (3810 m)

An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers. The last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. At the rim we will reach Stella point, from where we have further hour to Uhuru Peak.  After a short stop for taking photos we descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on past Millenium camp . Those with the strength left from  the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 8: Millenium Camp (3810 m) – Mweka gate (1640 m). Then transfer to Arusha

After breakfast descend through to the park gate at Mweka Wildlife College 1640m (5-6 hours). Met and transferred to Arusha Town. Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Arusha – Ilboru Safari Lodge (FB)