8 Days Lemosho Route
Tour Overview
The Lemosho route is traditionally one of the quieter and lesser-known routes on the mountain. It’s also the newest and probably the most diverse in terms of the ecological systems and landscapes it passes through. The first two days of this route take you through lush rainforest before you emerge into heath and moorland then join the Machame Route on the third day.
This narrow trail, which begins on the Western side of Kilimanjaro, has some very steep and undulating sections. Hikers overnight in tents.
Destination: | Mount Kilimanjaro |
Activities: | Hiking |
Starting & Ending Point: | Arusha |
Languages | English |
TOUR INCLUDES |
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TOUR EXCLUDES |
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Tour Itinerary
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1Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
Direct arrival at a lodge in Arusha. This evening you will have a pre-climb briefing with your guide and a consultant.
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2Day 2 : Arusha to to Lemosho gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big tree) camp
A guide and support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold another briefing. Then you will travel by vehicle for 3-4 hours to the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, known as Lemosho Gate (2,200 m). After another few hours of formalities with the park rangers at the gate and you will be on the trail.The group will stop for a light snack then start the 3-4 hour hike towards the Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m).
Raincoats are necessary on this day in particular, as you will be walking through the rainforest. The trail goes through the lowland forests where you’re likely to spot the large Colobus monkeys which are fairly common .By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put tents up and cook lunch for you. After lunch the group will depart on an acclimatization hike towards Shira 1 Camp that features a 300 meter gain in altitude, after which you will hike back down to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where a hot dinner will be waiting.
Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously.
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness. -
3Day 3 : Mti Mkubwa (Big tree) camp to Shira One camp
An early wakeup and breakfast. The first part of today’s trek is a slow gradual walk that is fairly steep as you climb up out of the jungle and into the moorland ecosystem dominated by Giant Heathers and a variety of grasses and wildflowers. ; After passing several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge. At that point for the first time you will be able to see stunning views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano. On the whole, the passage from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) is rather easy and takes about 5-6 hours. This will allow you to start the acclimatization process gradually, which is important to have a successful climb. When you reach the camp, your team of specialists will cook you lunch and you will have the chance to rest in your tent or walk around the nearby area.
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4Day 4 : Shira One camp to Shira Two camp
We will explore the Shira plateau for a full day. Departing from Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) we have a gentle walk that leads to the Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m). This trek is not difficult and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the moreland meadows of and the surrounding area. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa), weather permitting. Then we continue to Moir Hut (4139m), a little used camping site on the base of Lent Hills, there are a variety of short walking trails making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity.
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5Day 5 : Shira Two camp to Barranco Camp
Begin your trek out of moorland and enter the semi desert with rocky landscapes following the trail to Eastern side to Lava Tower. At this point you would probably start to feel high altitude sickness symptoms. Descend to Barranco camp for your overnight stay. The camp is located below Barranco wall.
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6Day 6 : Barranco camp to Karanga camp
This day is designed for acclimatization. Today you will conquer the Great Barranco Wall with the view of Heim glacier on the top. The trail winds down to Karanga Valley. You will then proceed with a steep climb to Karanga Camp.
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7Day 7 : Karanga camp to Barafu camp
Today you cross the alpine desert and continue with your trek on empty and dry landscape to Barafu Camp. This trail intersects with Mweka Route, the trail used to descend for the final two days. The word “Barafu” means Ice, this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge
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8Day 8 : Barafu camp to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp
Around mid-night begins a steep climb over loose volcanic scree. Slow and steady pace will take you towards Stella point. Take a short rest at Stella point (5685m), proceed with your ascent to Uhuru peak (5895m). You will normally encounter snow on your way to the peak. Spend few minutes on the top of the mountain and then descend back to Barafu camp for a short rest before you proceed to Mweka Camp to wind up your day
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9Day 9 : Mweka camp to Mweka gate to Arusha
Today is the final day on the mountain; enjoy your breakfast before descending to Mweka gate passing through forest zone. Upon arrival at the gate complete park formalities and tipping ceremony with your support team. Our driver will then transfer you to Arusha.