Duration

7 Days 6 Nights

Country

Tanzania, United Republic of

Maximum Traveller

Min Pax

7 Days Lemosho Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking, Trekking

Overview

The Lemosho route is lesser known. It begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Walking through the rainforest for the first two days the vegetation changes to heath and moorland with many ferns and ericas along the way. The narrow trail sometimes has some very steep sections and is scenically diverse. On the third day, the trail joins the Machame route. Hikers overnight in tents.

Itinerary
Cost Info
FAQ
Map
Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1
Londorossi Gate (2250 m) – Big Tree Camp (2780 m)
Up and away. You will drive to Londorossi Gate where you will be registered by the national park authorities. Then you drive another 15 km into the dense rainforest to where you will start. A moderately steep path leads to the Big Tree Camp (2780 m). Look out for monkeys and interesting birds along the way. The tents will be already set up and hot tea and washing water will be waiting.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 2
Big Tree Camp (2780 m) – Shira Camp 2 (3900 m)
Today’s long trek starts on a small trail which continues through the trees and gradually ascends to reach the Shira plateau. Enjoy the views of the mountain and plains below. The path continues to cross the Shira Ridge (ca. 3600 m) and you will stop for lunch at the Shira Camp 1 after another few hours. The last section (approximately 3 hrs), you will climb another 250 meters in altitude and pass the surreal Senecia-plants growing to over 8m in height. Reaching the camp after the long day, you will relax with coffee and tea and be nourished with a 3-course meal tonight. As the sun sets you might see the summit glowing in the afternoon sun.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 3
Shira Camp 2 (3900 m) – Lava Tower (4640 m) – Barranco Camp (3960 m)
You will gain 700m in altitude but descend to sleep at Barranco – 60 m higher than last night’s camp. This will help with acclimatization as you will go up to 4600 m before descending again. Today begins with a long uphill in the direction of the Lava Tower Hut (4640m) and you will notice how the landscape changes to a rocky alpine desert. Later, the path descends again to the Barranco Valley with its giant Senecias and Lobelias. After six to seven hours you should arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain – the Barranco Camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 4
Barranco Camp (3960 m) – Karanga Camp (4035 m)
Today will start with the daunting Barranco Wall. Soon you will realize it looks worse than it actually is, but there are tricky sections where you will need to hold on tight. Admire the views from the top. The rest of the route follows along the mountain ridge into the Karanga valley and out. You reach Karanga Camp after lunch and you will have fantastic views of the southern glacier of Kibo as well as of the Kibo summit.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 5
Karanga Camp (4035 m) – Barafu Camp (4640 m)
A few hours hiking through desolate and rocky moon-like landscape lies ahead. It will be a relatively easy day leading steadily uphill. The goal for today is the Barafu campsite on a narrow ridge in full view of Mawenzi peak. You will walk along a trail that passes through the afro-alpine dessert until you reach your destination for today –Barafu Camp at 4640 m. Use the rest of the day to relax and pack your daypack for tonight’s summit attempt. Supper will be served early; drink and eat enough if you can and try to sleep. You will be woken up around midnight to start your walk to the summit.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 6
Barafu Camp (4640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3080 m)
It is dark and cold as you set off just after midnight. You will climb the frozen volcanic dust by headlamp going towards Stella Point on the crater rim – about six hours. The sun should be rising when you arrive here. Just an hour or two more and you will be standing on the highest point of the crater: Uhuru peak. On top of the world! Take a short break for pictures and celebratory hugs before you tackle the steep and dusty descent. By now the volcanic ash will have thawed… You will stop for a short tea break at Barafu and then continue downhill for about three hours to Mweka camp (3080 m). This is your overnight stop. Refuel by drinking lots of fluids and have a good helping at supper time.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 7
Mweka Camp (3080 m) – Mweka Gate (1630 m) – Arusha
A traditional farewell ceremony from the porters begins the day. After about three hours of comfortably descending through the greenness of the forest, you should reach Mweka gate where the driver will be waiting. Back at the lodge, a hot shower, cold drinks, a debrief and your certificate of achievement are waiting. Well done!
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Cost Info

Price includes

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees
Government Tax
Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
3 meals daily while on the mountain
Filtered water throughout the trek
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Pre and after Trek accommodation at the hotel, 2 nights at hotel in Moshi with bed & breakfast (BB) meal

Price excludes

Both Local and International Flights
Visa cost which is 50$ except for Canadian and USA passport holders which are 100$
Items of a personal nature
Medical insurance
Laundry Services
A doctor for the group
Tips and gratitude for the mountain crew
A portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Kilimanjaro?
The mountain is in Tanzania, East Africa, about 350km from the equator. The nearest towns are Moshi and Arusha.
- How high is it?
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.
- What kind of experience do I need?
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
- What gear do I need?
You don’t need mountain climbing gear. You can rent most of the clothing and equipment you need in Tanzania, but bringing your own clothes, well worn-in boots and a good sleeping bag is best. You will need a small day pack with enough space for wind and rain clothes, some first aid, 3 liters of water and snacks. Warm clothes (fleece, wind and waterproof layers), good polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and a head lamp should be included in your packing list. You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented from your trekking operator. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from us. If think you do not have the correct clothing and gear, please contact us for advice.
- Can I shower?
There are no bathrooms on Kili. Warm water will be supplied in a bowl and you will be able to wash your face and hands. For the rest you will use wipes. Toilets are simple, hole-in-the-ground types. Portable showers and toilets can be rented at some cost.
- How long is the hike?
There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (can be done in five).
- How much will it cost?
Getting to Tanzania and hiking up Kili is not cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. Luxuries such as portable toilets and glassware will cost more. Land costs should include transport to and from Kili, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.
- What will I eat - I am a vegetarian?
You will eat normal food: potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheese and fruit. When you book a trek, let your tour operator know about food allergies or medical conditions that require special diets. Non-vegetarians will be served sausages, chicken and meat. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available as well.
- Where does the water come from?
From the mountain. Porters collect water from the streams and it is boiled before use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You don’t need to use purification tablets, but it is recommended. Some operators offer bottled water – at extra cost as porters have to carry this up the mountain.
- Do we sleep in hotels?
No. There are no hotels on the mountain and no cable cars to the top. You will most probably sleep in tents, or in basic huts if you take the Marangu route. Tents and sleeping mats are carried and set up by the porters. You do need to bring a very warm sleeping bag or rent it from us.
- What dangers are there on the mountain?
You might experience symptoms of altitude sickness – headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and dizziness. Apart from obvious injuries that can occur when walking in uneven terrain and in very cold conditions, you will not be in danger of mugging, attack by animals or malarial mosquitoes.
- Do we tip the hiking crew?
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the amount of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.
- How old should I be to make it to the top?
No person younger than 10 years is allowed according to Kilimanjaro National Park authorities’ rules. If 10 or older, they may only proceed as high as Horombo Huts (3700m) or Shira Camp (3900m) if they are accompanied by one of their parents. We prefers our climbers to be 14 years and older when they attempt the summit. Climbers older than 70 years are required to show a medical certificate.
- Will I make it to the top of Uhuru peak?
A good level of fitness and a positive, determined attitude will ensure success. Also, you will need good support and the right gear. You have a 50% chance – to make it or not. Of the 40 000 visitors Kili attracts each year, between 50 and 75% turn back before reaching the summit according a report by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. The main reason for this is cold, dehydration and altitude sickness. You will increase your chances by choosing the right route, allow an extra day for acclimatizing to the height, good protection against cold and good guides to help you acclimatize and pace yourself.

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from $2,650.00

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7 Days Lemosho Route

Overview

Itinerary

Day 1

Londorossi Gate (2250 m) – Big Tree Camp (2780 m)

Day 2

Big Tree Camp (2780 m) – Shira Camp 2 (3900 m)

Day 3

Shira Camp 2 (3900 m) – Lava Tower (4640 m) – Barranco Camp (3960 m)

Day 4

Barranco Camp (3960 m) – Karanga Camp (4035 m)

Day 5

Karanga Camp (4035 m) – Barafu Camp (4640 m)

Day 6

Barafu Camp (4640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3080 m)

Day 7

Mweka Camp (3080 m) – Mweka Gate (1630 m) – Arusha

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