8 Days Lemosho Trek
Trek Overview
The 8-day Lemosho Route is a picturesque and less crowded way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a blend of diverse landscapes and a gradual ascent that enhances acclimatization. Starting from the mountain’s western side, the route presents lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and stunning views of the summit and crater. With a duration of 8 days, it provides ample time for climbers to adjust to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. While the route is considered moderate to challenging, it is less steep than some alternatives, making it suitable for those with good fitness and endurance.
Detailed Itinerary
On your arrival day, you will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and taken to your hotel in Moshi. Depending on your time of arrival, you can rest and relax or have a briefing about Kilimanjaro and gears check with your mountain guide. This will give you a chance to make final preparations before beginning your adventure the next day.
Highlight of Day: Drive from Moshi to Lemosho Gate, then hike through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp.
After breakfast, we will drive from Moshi to the park gates and then trek through the lush rainforest, home to diverse flora and fauna. The trek covers 7 kilometers, with an elevation gain from 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) to 2,650 meters (8,694 feet), and takes about 4 to 5 hours. In the late afternoon, we will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp for an overnight stay.
Highlight of Day: Climb through the forest and then enter the moorland zone.
Today, we will continue the trek from 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) to 3,610 meters (11,844 feet) over a distance of 7 kilometers, which will take approximately 4 to 5 hours. We will pass through the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zones. Our route will take us across the Shira Plateau, leading us to Shira 1 Camp. At this camp, you will have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the Shira Cathedral and the surrounding landscape. We will camp at Shira 1 for the night.
Highlight of Day: A day of gradual ascent across the Shira Plateau, with stunning views of the summit.
Today, we will ascend from 3,610 meters (11,844 feet) to 3,850 meters (12,631 feet) over a distance of 10 kilometers, taking about 4 to 5 hours. We will cross the Shira Plateau and pass by the Shira Cathedral, with an optional hike to Cathedral Peak for those who wish to explore further. We will camp at Shira 2, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Highlight of Day: Hike up to the Lava Tower for acclimatization and then descend to Barranco Camp.
Today, we will traverse the Shira Plateau, climbing from 3,850 meters (12,631 feet) to 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) and then descending to 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) over a distance of 10 kilometers. The trek, which takes about 5 to 6 hours, will take us through the moorland zone and past the Lava Tower to aid acclimatization at high altitude. We will camp in the Barranco Valley, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Barranco Wall.
A day of climbing and descending.
Today is all about the Barranco Wall! We’ll start by conquering this challenging but rewarding section, ascending from 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) to 3,995 meters (13,107 feet) over a distance of 6 kilometers. The trek, which takes about 4 to 5 hours, continues with a traverse through the Karanga Valley, providing further acclimatization. We’ll end the day by setting up camp at Karanga, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
A short, steep hike to the base camp for the summit attempt.
Today, we’ll ascend from 3,995 meters (13,107 feet) to 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) over a distance of 4 kilometers. The trek, which takes about 4 to 5 hours, will lead us through the stark alpine desert to Barafu Camp, the base for our summit push. After reaching camp, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. The landscape at Barafu is rugged and barren, reflecting the harsh beauty of the alpine desert
Today, the journey begins around midnight as we start the ascent from 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). After reaching Stella Point and continuing to Uhuru Peak at sunrise, you’ll experience the breathtaking summit of Kilimanjaro in the Arctic Zone. After celebrating at the top, we will descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) for the night. The entire trek covers 19 kilometers and takes about 15 to 16 hours.
Completing the trek and transferring back to Moshi.
Today, we will descend from 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) to 1,640 meters (5,380 feet) over a 10-kilometer trek that takes about 3 to 4 hours. We’ll pass through the beautiful rainforest and reach Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive certificates and a medal for completing the climb. After celebrating your achievement, we’ll take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest or more celebrations, as you’ve just conquered the highest freestanding mountain in the world!
Pricing
Your experience is unique. Let’s discuss a pricing plan that perfectly suits your needs
Price Includes
- Professional mountain guides
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Transport to and from the park gate
- Salaries for guides, cooks, and porters
- Portable oxygen tanks
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Kilimanjaro trekking certificate for successful summit
Price Excludes
- Flights to and from Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Personal gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing)
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
- Additional accommodation before and after the trek
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Lemosho Route overview
The Lemosho Route is known for its stunning scenery and offers a more gradual ascent, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a less crowded trek. It’s one of the longer routes, providing great acclimatization and a higher success rate.
Why Lemosho route?
Accommodation in Lemosho
Accommodation on the Lemosho Route consists of camping in designated sites along the trail. Tents are set up for you, offering basic but comfortable shelter under the stars as you make your way to the summit.
Best time for Lemosho route
Seasonal Advice:
The ideal time to trek the Lemosho Route is during the dry seasons, which run from late June to October and from December to February. These months provide the best weather conditions, featuring clearer skies and minimal rainfall, ensuring a more pleasant climbing experience.
Lemosho Route Expert Advice
The Lemosho Route is perfect for trekkers seeking a scenic and diverse climb with excellent acclimatization opportunities. To enhance your chances of reaching the summit, pace yourself and stay well-hydrated. Opt for the 7-day trek instead of the 6-day option to give your body more time to acclimatize to the altitude. Trekking poles can be beneficial for navigating steep sections, particularly during descents. Lastly, be prepared for varying weather conditions by packing layers for comfort.
Popular Lemosho Route FAQS
The Lemosho Route is considered moderately difficult, with a more gradual ascent than other routes. It’s suitable for beginners with good fitness and offers a well-paced climb that helps with acclimatization.
The best time to climb the Lemosho Route is during the dry seasons, from June to October and from January to February. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and optimal trekking conditions.
You’ll need a high-quality sleeping bag, waterproof layers, warm clothing for colder nights, sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, a headlamp, and a daypack. Your trekking company typically provides tents and camping gear, but personal items are your responsibility.
The Lemosho Route is approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) long and usually takes 7 to 8 days to complete. This includes six to seven days of trekking and one day for the summit attempt.
Accommodations on the Lemosho Route consist of camping in tents at designated sites. Your trekking company will set up the tents, and the campsites are equipped with basic but essential facilities.
The Lemosho Route is one of the less crowded routes on Kilimanjaro. Its remote start and longer duration mean fewer trekkers, allowing for a more peaceful and secluded experience, even during the peak season.
Trivia About Lemosho Route
- Oprah Winfrey: The renowned media mogul and philanthropist climbed Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route in 2010, raising awareness for clean water initiatives.
- Megan McGlover: An accomplished adventurer and author who documented her journey on the Lemosho Route.
- Bear Grylls: The famous British adventurer and television presenter has shared experiences from his climb via the Lemosho Route.
- Miley Cyrus: The pop star and actress climbed Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route as part of a charity trek to support wildlife conservation.
Oldest Woman to Summit:
In 2019, Anne Lorimor, at the age of 89, became the oldest woman to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route. Her climb was part of a fundraising effort to support underprivileged children.Fastest Ascent by a Blind Climber:
In 2017, Dan Berlin, a visually impaired athlete, set the record for the fastest ascent by a blind climber on the Lemosho Route, completing the trek in just four days. His climb was a part of an effort to inspire others with disabilities.Youngest Girl to Summit:
Cooper Rosen, an 8-year-old girl from the United States, became one of the youngest girls to successfully summit Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route in 2019. Her climb was widely covered in the media and inspired many young adventurers.Record for the Most Ascents:
Guide Simon Mtuy holds the record for the most ascents via the Lemosho Route. He is known for his exceptional guiding skills and has summited Kilimanjaro over 300 times, with many of these climbs on the Lemosho Route.
Â
Shira Route:
The Lemosho Route joins the Shira Route on the Shira Plateau after the first few days of trekking. Both routes then continue along the same path toward the summit.Machame Route:
After crossing the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho Route merges with the Machame Route near the Lava Tower. From there, they share the same trail through the Barranco Valley and up to the summit via the Barafu Camp.Western Breach Route:
For trekkers choosing the Western Breach option, the Lemosho Route provides access to this more challenging and direct ascent to the summit. The Western Breach is known for its steep and rugged terrain.Mweka Route (Descent):
Most trekkers on the Lemosho Route descend via the Mweka Route after reaching the summit. This route is commonly used for descending, providing a shorter and more direct path down the mountain.
Kilimanjaro Packing Essentials
- Warm gear
- Waterproof gear
- Hiking attire
- Personal items
- Documents