8 Days Lemosho Route Trekking

Duration

8 Days | 7 Nights

Starts in

Arusha

Ends in

Arusha

Experince

Mount Trekking

Destinations:

Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp → Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate

Safari Overview

This 8-day Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). The route approaches the mountain from the western side, offering spectacular landscapes, excellent acclimatization opportunities, and a quieter trekking experience during the early stages of the journey.

The trail begins in the lush montane rainforest before gradually ascending through heath and moorland, across the spectacular Shira Plateau, and into the high-altitude alpine desert. As you approach the summit, you will pass through dramatic volcanic landscapes before making the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

What makes the Lemosho Route particularly special is its diverse scenery and gradual altitude gain. Trekkers have the opportunity to experience several of Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Experiences:

Rainforest Adventure, Shira Plateau Exploration, Scenic Moorlands, Alpine Desert Experience, Barranco Wall Adventure, Summit Challenge, Panoramic Mountain Views, and African Sunrise at Uhuru Peak.

Suitable for:

Adventure Seekers, Experienced Hikers, Nature Lovers, Photography Enthusiasts, Fitness Enthusiasts, and First-Time Kilimanjaro Climbers Seeking a Longer and More Gradual Route.

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your Adventure of Trekking to Mount Kilimanjaro Begins at Londorossi Gate, Located on the Western Side of the Mountain. After Completing the Park Registration and Entry Formalities, You Will Begin Your Journey Through the Lush Montane Rainforest of the Lemosho Route.

The Trail Takes You Through a Beautiful and Peaceful Forest Filled With Tall Trees, Colorful Birds, and Diverse Plant Life. Along the Way, Your Guide Will Introduce You to Some of the Unique Flora and Fauna Found on the Lower Slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

After a Scenic and Relaxing Trek Through the Forest, You Will Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, Where You Will Settle Into Your Tent, Enjoy Dinner, and Rest Overnight in Preparation for the Days Ahead.

• Elevation: 2,100m to 2,780m
• Trekking Time: 3–4 Hours
• Trail Distance: 6km
• Difficulty: Easy to Medium
• Habitat: Rainforest

Meal Plan

Bed and Breakfast

Overnight

Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After Breakfast at Mti Mkubwa Camp, You Will Continue Your Trekking Journey Through the Changing Landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro. As You Leave the Rainforest Behind, the Trail Gradually Enters the Heath and Moorland Zone, Where the Vegetation Becomes Shorter and the Landscape Opens Up.

The Trail Ascends Steadily Through Beautiful Mountain Scenery, With Views of the Surrounding Hills and the Higher Slopes of Kilimanjaro. You Will Notice a Dramatic Change in the Environment as You Approach the Vast Shira Plateau, One of the Most Scenic Areas Along the Lemosho Route.

After a Rewarding Day of Trekking, You Will Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, Where You Will Enjoy Dinner and Spend the Night Under the Clear Mountain Sky.

• Elevation: 2,780m to 3,505m
• Trekking Time: 5–6 Hours
• Trail Distance: 8km
• Difficulty: Medium
• Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight

Hut

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After Breakfast at Shira 1 Camp, You Will Continue Across the Spectacular Shira Plateau, One of the Most Beautiful and Open Landscapes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The Trail Becomes More Gentle as You Trek Across the High-Altitude Plateau, Surrounded by Wide Mountain Views and Unique Moorland Vegetation.

As You Walk Through This Remote Environment, You Will Enjoy Stunning Views of Kibo Peak Rising Above the Landscape. The Open Terrain Provides Excellent Opportunities for Photography, While the Gradual Trek Allows Your Body to Adjust to the Increasing Altitude.

After a Scenic Day Exploring the Shira Plateau, You Will Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, Where You Will Have Dinner and Spend the Night Preparing for the Higher Sections of the Mountain.

• Elevation: 3,505m to 3,850m
• Trekking Time: 4–5 Hours
• Trail Distance: 8km
• Difficulty: Medium
• Habitat: Moorland

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight

Hut

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

After Breakfast at Shira 2 Camp, You Will Begin a Challenging and Scenic Day of Trekking Toward Lava Tower. The Trail Gradually Ascends Through the Alpine Desert, Taking You Into the Higher Altitudes of Mount Kilimanjaro. As You Climb, the Vegetation Becomes Increasingly Sparse and the Landscape Takes on a Dramatic Rocky Appearance.

Upon Reaching Lava Tower at Around 4,630m, You Will Spend Some Time Resting and Taking in the Impressive Volcanic Scenery. This High-Altitude Point Provides an Important Acclimatization Opportunity Before You Begin Your Descent Toward Barranco Camp.

The Trail Then Descends Into the Beautiful Barranco Valley, Where the Landscape Changes Again and Giant Senecio Plants Create a Unique Mountain Environment. With the Impressive Barranco Wall Rising Above You, You Will Arrive at Barranco Camp for Dinner and Overnight Rest.

• Elevation: 3,850m to 4,630m to 3,960m
• Trekking Time: 7–9 Hours
• Trail Distance: 12km
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Habitat: Alpine Desert to Moorland

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight

Hut

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After Breakfast at Barranco Camp, You Will Begin One of the Most Exciting Sections of the Lemosho Route as You Take on the Famous Barranco Wall. The Trail Requires Some Careful Climbing Over Rocky Terrain, But Your Experienced Guide Will Assist You Throughout the Ascent.

Once You Reach the Top of the Barranco Wall, You Will Be Rewarded With Spectacular Views Across the Surrounding Valleys and Toward the Higher Slopes of Kibo. The Trail Then Continues Through a Series of Ridges and Valleys Before Descending Into the Karanga Valley.

After a Scenic Day of Trekking Through Dramatic Mountain Landscapes, You Will Arrive at Karanga Camp, Where You Will Enjoy Dinner and Spend the Night Resting in Preparation for the Final Approach to the Summit.

• Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
• Trekking Time: 4–5 Hours
• Trail Distance: 7km
• Difficulty: Medium to Challenging
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight

Hut

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After Breakfast at Karanga Camp, You Will Begin Your Final Approach Toward Barafu Camp, the Last Base Camp Before Your Summit Attempt. The Trail Ascends Steadily Through the Rocky Alpine Desert, With the Landscape Becoming Increasingly Rugged and Barren as You Gain Altitude.

As You Continue Toward Barafu Camp, You Will Enjoy Impressive Views of Kibo Peak and the Surrounding High-Altitude Terrain. Upon Reaching Camp, Your Mountain Crew Will Prepare Dinner While You Have Time to Rest, Hydrate, and Organize Your Equipment for the Summit Attempt.

You Will Have an Early Dinner and Go to Bed Early, as You Will Wake Around Midnight to Begin Your Final Ascent to Uhuru Peak, the Highest Point in Africa.

• Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
• Trekking Time: 3–4 Hours
• Trail Distance: 5km
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight

Hut

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Your Most Exciting and Challenging Day Begins Around Midnight as You Wake Up and Prepare for the Final Ascent to Uhuru Peak, the Highest Point in Africa at 5,895m. After a Light Breakfast, You Will Begin Hiking in the Darkness With Your Headlamp, Slowly Making Your Way Up the Steep Rocky Trail Toward Stella Point. As the Sun Begins to Rise, You Will Be Rewarded With a Spectacular Sunrise Above the Clouds. From Stella Point, You Will Continue Along the Crater Rim Toward Uhuru Peak. Upon Reaching the Summit, You Will Have Time to Celebrate Your Achievement, Take Photographs, and Enjoy the Incredible Panoramic Views From the Roof of Africa. After Spending Time at Uhuru Peak, You Will Begin Your Descent Toward Barafu Camp for a Short Rest Before Continuing Down the Mountain to Mweka Camp. The Lower Altitude and Changing Landscape Will Provide a Welcome Relief After the Demanding Summit Day. • Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m to 3,080m • Trekking Time: 12–15 Hours • Trail Distance: 16km • Difficulty: Very Challenging • Habitat: Arctic Zone to Rainforest

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight

Hut

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Departure or Extend the Adventure

After Breakfast at Mweka Camp, You Will Begin Your Final Descent Through the Lush Montane Rainforest Toward Mweka Gate. As You Descend, You Will Notice the Air Becoming Warmer and the Vegetation Becoming Thicker, Providing a Beautiful Change From the High-Altitude Alpine Environment Experienced During the Summit. The Trail Winds Through the Forest, Where You May Spot Colorful Birds, Monkeys, and Other Wildlife Along the Way. Upon Reaching Mweka Gate, You Will Complete the Final Park Formalities and Receive Your Kilimanjaro Certificate to Celebrate Your Achievement. After Saying Goodbye to Your Mountain Crew, You Will Be Transferred to Your Hotel in Arusha or to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Depending on Your Travel Plans. Should You Have More Time to Explore Tanzania, You Can Extend Your Adventure With an Exciting Wildlife Safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park. Alternatively, You Can Relax on the Beautiful Beaches of Zanzibar and Enjoy the Warm Waters of the Indian Ocean. • Elevation: 3,080m to 1,630m • Trekking Time: 3–4 Hours • Trail Distance: 10km • Difficulty: Easy to Medium • Habitat: Rainforest

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight

Hut

Price Includes

  • English speaking professional mountain guide

  • Porters for luggage (1 porter for every 2 people)

  • 4 x 4 transportation from Kilimanjaro Airport to Hotel and vice versa

  • Bottled mineral water while trekking

  • Full Board Accommodation on Mountain (huts)

  • All fees in the park including fees for entering the Kilimanjaro National Park

  • Meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Certificates for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro if climbed successfully

  • All government taxes of Tanzania

  • Trekking equipment information and support

Price Excludes

  • Tanzania International Flights

  • Visas and airport departure tax

  • Personal belongings (snacks, toiletries, clothing)

  • Mountain laundry or hotel laundry

  • Tips or gratuities to guides and porters

  • Alcohol and non-alcohol beverages not included in the program

  • Travel insurance (required for treks)

  • Extra optional activities (e.g., cultural tours, additional days)

  • Any additional changes the client asks for at the last minute

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