Route
8 Days Lemosho Route
Duration
8 Days
Trek Highlights
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure to the Roof of Africa with the scenic and less-crowded Lemosho Route. This trek offers stunning views, diverse landscapes, and the best chance for acclimatization, giving you a higher success rate to reach Uhuru Peak. Hike through lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and glacier-capped peaks with expert guides who ensure your safety and comfort. Perfect for adventurous souls, this journey combines natural beauty with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.
Itinerary
- Arrival Day: Arrive in JRO / Transfer to Arusha
- Day 1: Arusha to Forest Camp 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, 4 miles, approx. 3-4 hours
- Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft, 5 miles, approx. 5-6 hours
- Day 3: Shira 1 to Moir Hut 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft, 7 miles, 5-7 hours
- Day 4: Moir Hut Camp to Barranco Camp 13,800 ft to 15,223 ft (Lava Tower), down to 13,044 ft, 7km, 4-6 hours
- Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp 13,044 ft to 13,123 ft, 3 miles, 4-5 hours
- Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 15,288 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,467 ft, 3 miles ascent, 7 miles descent, 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
- Day 7: Barafu to the Summit to Mweka Camp 12,467 ft to 5,380 ft, 6 miles, 3-4 hours
- Day 8: Mweka Camp to Arusha
- Departure Day
Day By Day Description
Arrival Day: Arrive in JRO / Transfer to Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be greeted after clearing customs. From there, you’ll be transferred to Kibo Palace Hotel for a thorough briefing with your climbing manager and guide. During this session, your guide will conduct an equipment check to ensure you’re fully prepared for your Kilimanjaro trek. This is the perfect opportunity to ask any last-minute questions before your adventure begins.
Day 1: Arusha to Forest Camp 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, 4 miles, approx. 3-4 hours
From Arusha, embark on a scenic drive to the Londorossi Gate, the starting point of the Lemosho Trail. The trek begins in the lush Afromontane Rainforest, the first of Kilimanjaro’s four ecological zones. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your experienced trekking crew and start your ascent at a relaxed pace, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. Enjoy a packed lunch on the trail before reaching camp in the mid-afternoon to rest and prepare for the next stage of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Overnight at Forest Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft, 5 miles, approx. 5-6 hours
As you ascend from the forested slopes of the Lemosho Route, you’ll pass through podocarpus and juniper forests before reaching the heather and lichen-covered volcanic rock of the Shira Plateau. This plateau, once Kilimanjaro’s third peak before it collapsed, offers spectacular views of Kibo, the highest peak on Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a scenic lunch along the trail before arriving at your camp in the afternoon. The breathtaking panorama of Kilimanjaro’s summit is a perfect reward for the day’s trek.
Overnight at Shira 1 Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 3: Shira 1 to Moir Hut 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft, 7 miles, 5-7 hours
Crossing the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth, is a highlight of the Lemosho Route, offering stunning views as you hike across moorland meadows for 3-4 hours to your lunch point. After lunch, continue your ascent to Moir Camp, where you’ll arrive in the afternoon. For better acclimatization, you can opt for a hike in the surrounding Lent Hills if you have the energy. This scenic trek and acclimatization opportunity help prepare you for the challenging days ahead on your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Overnight at Moir Hut. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 4: Moir Hut Camp to Barranco Camp 13,800 ft to 15,223 ft (Lava Tower), down to 13,044 ft, 7km, 4-6 hours
From Moir Camp, you’ll traverse the slopes of Kibo, where the harsh conditions limit the flora and fauna. Along the way, enjoy lunch near the iconic Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation, with an optional ascent for those feeling strong. Descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the stunning ‘Garden of the Senecios,’ filled with giant groundsel and lobelias. The Barranco Valley, one of the most scenic areas on the Kilimanjaro trek, offers incredible views and a perfect place for acclimatization.
Overnight at Barranco Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp 13,044 ft to 13,123 ft, 3 miles, 4-5 hours
Today’s trek takes you to Karanga Camp after navigating the challenging Barranco Wall, where you’ll use all four limbs to climb. From the top of the Karanga Valley, you’ll continue along a path with varied inclines and descents, arriving at Karanga Camp in the afternoon. This camp is strategically chosen to aid acclimatization, giving you vital time at higher altitudes. The sunsets here are unforgettable, with stunning views of the southern glaciers and ice fields towering above you.
Overnight at Karanga Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 15,288 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,467 ft, 3 miles ascent, 7 miles descent, 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
Today’s trek takes you to Barafu Camp, where you’ll ascend through a desolate alpine desert. Lunch is served at the camp, giving you time to rest and prepare for the final summit attempt. Despite strong winds that sometimes sweep across the camp, the evening offers breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak. After a relatively early dinner, you’ll rest, gearing up for the challenging summit bid ahead.
Overnight at Barafu Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 7: Barafu to the Summit to Mweka Camp 12,467 ft to 5,380 ft, 6 miles, 3-4 hours
Your final summit attempt begins just before midnight, trekking through the cold and windy conditions of Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes. As dawn breaks, you’ll reach Stella Point at 18,652ft, where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. From Stella Point, it’s a shorter climb to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa, where you can celebrate your achievement and capture stunning photos. After your summit, descend slowly through the lush rainforest to Mweka Camp, enjoying the refreshing air as you near the end of your Kilimanjaro trek.
Overnight Mweka Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Arusha
After breakfast, begin your descent through Kilimanjaro’s montane forest, enjoying the lush surroundings. By midday, you’ll bid farewell to your trekking crew and be transferred back to your hotel. This marks the end of your incredible Kilimanjaro adventure. Relax with a refreshing shower and celebrate your achievement after completing one of the most iconic treks in the world.
Hour’s trekking: 4-7
Departure Day
Pick up from the hotel and be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your flight.
Included
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All Park fees Airport transfers Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Oximeter
- Medical Kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Accommodation in Arusha
- Portable toilet
Excluded
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending monies for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
