Lemosho Trekk Route
Tour Overview
Lemosho Trekk Route
Lemosho route is one of the best routes for acclimatization. The route is less used and a beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephant and other wildlife.
The minimum duration for the Lemosho route is 6 days, however we strongly recommend hiking the route in 7-8 days. The additional 8th day will give your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the effects of altitude sickness and give you more time to rest before attempting the summit
Arrival & Briefing
If you have requested for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in a pre-trek briefing, check your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE ITINERARY
After breakfast drive to Lemosho Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
- Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
From the Shira Plateau continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), hiking to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit descend down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy your last night on the mountain.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast descend down to the Mweka 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).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi for hot shower, rest and overnight.
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
Umbwe Route – Best Time to Go
The Umbwe Route is the steepest and most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro, so choosing the right season is especially important for safety and success.
Best Time: June to October (Highly Recommended)
- Dry and stable weather
- Better trail conditions on steep sections
- Clear views and safer summit push
- Cooler temperatures at higher altitudes
Best for:Experienced trekkers seeking a serious challenge
Good Time: January to March
- Generally dry with warmer daytime temperatures
- Fewer climbers on the route
- Possible snow near the summit
Best for:Strong, experienced hikers who prefer quieter trails
Inclusions
- Transfers to and from the gate
- Experienced, mountain guides
- Sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Camping / Hut fees (where required)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Park fees
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Hut fees
- Rescue fees
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Exclusions
- Tanzania Visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional)
- Transfers (available as an optional)
- Personal equipment list for Mount Kilimanjaro. Trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for renting)
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Drinks
Lemosho Trekk Route
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