8 Days Lemosho Route
Explore Tours
Experience the scenic Lemosho Route, starting with a rainforest trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp. Traverse through diverse habitats including moorland and alpine desert, with acclimatization at Shira and Barranco Camps. Conquer the Barranco Wall, trek through the Southern Circuit, and reach Barafu Camp. Summit at Uhuru Peak before descending to Mweka Gate. This route offers a comprehensive and breathtaking journey to Africa’s highest point.
Tour Plan
- Elevation: 2100m/6900ft to 2780m/9120ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Lodging: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Drive from Arusha or Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate for registration (approximately 3 hours). From the gate, drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, begin your trek through the lush rainforest. Your first night’s camp is at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
- Elevation: 2780m/9120ft to 3500m/11,500ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Lodging: Shira 1 Camp
Leave the rainforest and follow a steady ascent into the heather and moorland zone. Cross several streams and reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
- Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 7km/4mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Lodging: Shira 2 Camp
Explore the Shira Plateau as you hike east toward Shira 2 Camp. On the way, enjoy views of the Western Breach and Kibo's glaciated dome. This is a relatively short day designed for acclimatization.
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4600m/15,190ft to 3900m/12,800ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Lodging: Barranco Camp
Continue the hike east into the alpine desert to Lava Tower. This will be your highest elevation so far and a great opportunity to acclimatize. After lunch at Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the Giant Senecio forest. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization.
- Elevation: 3900m/12,800ft to 3995m/13,106ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Lodging: Karanga Camp
Begin the day by climbing the Barranco Wall, which is not technical but challenging. At the top of the Wall, hike up and down over ridges and valleys until reaching Karanga Camp. This is a short day designed for acclimatization.
- Elevation: 3995m/13,106ft to 4673m/15,331ft
- Distance: 4km/2mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Lodging: Barafu Camp
Leave Karanga and reach the intersection that connects with the Mweka Trail. Continue up to Barafu Camp. You have now completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here, make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
- Elevation: 4673m/15,331ft to 5895m/19,341ft to 3100m/10,170ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 12km/7mi down
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours up / 4-6 hours down
- Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Lodging: Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (around midnight), begin the final ascent to the summit. The trail winds through a rocky path to Stella Point on the crater rim. From Stella Point, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After a brief celebration and photo opportunity, descend back to Barafu Camp for a rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.
- Elevation: 3100m/10,170ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, continue descending down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A Bestday Safaris vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel.
Included
- Pick up at International Airport
- Transfer to the hotel Parkview inn or Kilimanjaro wonders hotel
- Professional mountain crew.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits Fees
- Camping/hut fees
- 3 meals daily
- Modern tents
- First aid kit
- Warm and comfortable sleeping pads (2 inches thick)
- Portable flush toilets can be provided for free upon the client's request
- Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, and cutlery)
- Meeting the group at the National Park exit and transfer to the hotel
- Accommodation after the climb
- International certificates for a successful ascent
- Return transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.
Exclude
- Flights tickets
- Visa fee
- Personal gear rental
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry services
- Tips for the mountain
