Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro
Lemosho 8 Days Route
Overview
The 8 Days Lemosho Route offers an extended and highly scenic journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, providing one of the best acclimatization profiles on the mountain. On day 8, this route is divided into two to allow climbers to rest up before the summit day to give them better success to the peak. Similar as the 7 days Lemosho route, it is known for its breathtaking landscapes and lesser crowds, the Lemosho Route is perfect for trekkers seeking a more remote and immersive experience on Africa’s highest peak. Beginning on the western side of Kilimanjaro, the route takes you through dense rainforests, across the majestic Shira Plateau, and up to the dramatic Barranco Wall. The extended itinerary allows for a more gradual ascent, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak while enjoying diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas along the way. The extra time on the mountain also means better acclimatization, which is key to a successful summit attempt. This package is ideal for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro, with the added advantage of a more leisurely pace that enhances both the enjoyment and safety of the climb. With expert guides, well-trained porters, and comfortable camping arrangements, the 8 Days Lemosho Route promises an unforgettable adventure to the roof of Africa.
Map Route
Highlights
- Extended Acclimatization: Enjoy 1 day longer itinerary that allows for better acclimatization, increasing the chances of a successful summit.
- Scenic Diversity: Trek through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, the expansive Shira Plateau, and the dramatic Barranco Wall.
- Remote and Less Crowded: Experience a quieter and more isolated route, away from the busier trails, offering a more intimate connection with nature.
- Spectacular Views: Take in stunning panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the surrounding plains, and the distant peaks of Mount Meru.
- Varied Ecosystems: Journey through multiple climate zones, each with its unique flora and fauna, from verdant forests to alpine deserts.
- Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge and support of experienced guides who prioritize your safety and success on the mountain.
- Group Camaraderie: Build strong bonds with fellow climbers while sharing the challenges and rewards of this incredible journey.
- All-Inclusive Package: Enjoy a comprehensive package that includes all necessary permits, meals, camping gear, and porter support, ensuring a hassle-free adventure
Itinerary
Day 0
Arrive in Tanzania
- You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha town (40 km / 24.9 mi, 30 minutes).
- You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Day 1
Lemosho Gate (2100 m / 6890 ft) – Mti Mkubwa camp (2750 m / 9022 ft)
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Distance approximately: 6 km / 3.7 mi
After eating breakfast at your hotel, your guide will brief you on the day. You will drive two hours from Arusha (1400 m / 4593 ft) to Londorossi Park Gate (2100 m / 6890 ft). In the village near Londorossi Gate, you will receive a packed lunch and can buy mineral water for the hike. Then the final 45 minutes of the drive leading up to the gate will be on a bumpy forest track requiring 4WD vehicles. At the entrance gate, the guides and porters distribute the supplies and register with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). You are now ready to begin your 3-hour hike into the rain forest. Be on the look out for Colobus monkeys! Along the way, you will stop for an afternoon lunch break and arrive at Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Campsite in the early evening. The porters, who arrive at the campsite before the clients, will set up your tent and boil water for drinking and washing. The chef will prepare a snack then dinner for the clients. At nighttime, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750 m / 9022 ft) – Shira 1 Camp (3505 m / 11,500 ft)
- Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
- Distance
approximately: 8 km / 5 mi
After breakfast, you will begin your ascent through the trail leading out of the forest into a savannah of tall grasses, heather with scattered volcanic rocks decorated by beards of lichens. Further up, you will enjoy a series of lush undulating hills and beautiful streams in the giant heather zone, to Shira Ridge where you will have exhilarating views of Kibo before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp. At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the East. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.
Day 3
Shira Camp 1 (3505 m / 11,500ft) – Shira Camp 2 (4200 m / 13,800 ft)
- Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours
- Distance approximately: 14 km / 8.7 mi
Today you will have a gentle walk across the plateau leading to Shira Camp 2 on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the plateau making this an excellent day of acclimatization. This expansive plateau stretches out to about 13 km / 8.1 mi to the west of Kibo.
Day 4
Shira Camp 2 (4200 m / 13,800 ft) – Barranco Camp (3950 m / 12959 ft)
- Hiking time: 6-8 hours
- Distance aroximately: 10 km / 6.2 mi
From the Shira Plateau, you 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.” Shortly after the tower, you come to the second junction which brings you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4877 m / 16,000 ft. You now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3962 m / 13,000ft. Here you rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 5
Barranco Camp (3900 m / 12796 ft) – Karanga Camp (3995 m / 13107 ft)
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Distance aroximately: 5 km / 3.1 mi
After an early morning breakfast, it is now time to conquer the Great Barranco Wall! Although it may look intimating at first glance, hikers state that this Class 2 hike is usually much easier than they anticipated. At the top of the Wall, you will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley. This is an ideal hiking day for acclimatization.
Day 6
Karanga Camp (3995 m / 13107 ft) – Barafu Hut (4600m / 15092 ft)
- Hiking time: 2-3 hours
- Distance approximately: 4 km / 2.5 mi
Following breakfast, you will leave Karanga Camp. The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, which is the trail used to descend on the final two days. As you continue hiking for an hour, you will reach Barafu Hut. This is the last water stop for the porters because there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp. The word “barafu” in Swahili means “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
Day 7
Barafu camp (4600 m / 15092 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m / 19341 ft) – Mweka (3100 m / 10171 ft)
- Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka
- Distance approximately: 7 km / 4.3 mi ascent and 23 km /14.3 mi descent
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. In about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685 m / 18652 ft), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak. Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins.
The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours. At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut . The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka camp is located in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.
Day 8
Mweka camp (3100 m / 10171 ft) – Mweka Gate (1980 m / 6496 ft) - Transfer to hotel in Arusha
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Distance approximately: 15 km / 9.3 mi
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates. You will be served a hot lunch then you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
Day 9
Departure
- If your time in Africa ends today our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked with us a safari or a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb into your next Tanzanian adventure.
Price
2750 USD / Person
What you get
Included
- Mount Meru hotel or similar Accommodation - the first and the last day.
- Mountain Climbing Fees: All necessary permits and fees for climbing Kilimanjaro.
- Camping Fees: Fees for camping along the Lemosho Route.
- Rescue Fees: Coverage for any potential rescue operations during the climb.
- Meals: Three meals per day provided throughout the climb.
- Professional Mountain Guide: Expert guidance from experienced Kilimanjaro guides.
- Cook: A dedicated cook to prepare meals during the climb.
- Porters: More than the standard number of porters provided per client to carry gear and supplies.
- Mountain Tents: Comfortable two-room mountain tents for accommodation.
- Mattress and Sleeping Bag:Mattresses and sleeping bags included for each climber.
- Transport: Transportation from Arusha to Lemosho Gate and back to Arusha on the last day.
- Boiled Drinking Water: 3 to 4 liters of boiled drinking water per person per day during the climb.
Excluded
- Sleeping Bags and Climbing Gear: Personal gear such as sleeping bags, clothing, shoes, walking poles, headlamp, gloves, and other climbing essentials.
- Tips for the Crew: Gratuities for guides, porters, and other support staff.
- Gratuities for the Driver Guide and Hotel Staff: Additional tips for the driver guide and hotel staff.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses such as beverages, laundry, and other personal costs.
- Telephone, Faxes, and Telexes: Costs for communication services.
- Travel Insurance and Medical Evacuation:Coverage for travel insurance and medical evacuation is not included.
- International Flights: Flights to and from Tanzania are not included.
- Visas: Costs for visas or any other travel documentation.