Kilimanjaro trekking on Lemosho route

Kilimanjaro climbing vacation on Lemosho route starts with a rough 4X4 drive through western Kilimanjaro to Londrossi gate for registration. Pass through village communities before leaving the vehicle to start hiking in the forest. Lemosho route is a remote and spectacular Kilimanjaro route with dramatic gorges and views of west Kilimanjaro.

The Lemosho route joins the south circuit trail (Machame) for the summit ascent, after a weather exposed hike on Shire Plateau. Taking a minimum of seven climbing days makes Lemosho a good route for acclimatizing for a successful summit. Descent is via Mweka route.

Lemosho route: 9 days / 8 nights (7 mountain days)

Tour Ref: CP 6

Day 1: Arrive in Kilimanjaro for overnight. Hotel, bed and breakfast

Day 2: The day begins with a long drive to Londrossi Park Gate (2100m) for registration. Pass through village communities to the trail head to start hiking on Lemossho route along a narrow forest path to reach Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, (2,750m. 3 to 4 hrs).

Day 3: An early start. Leaving the forest, the trail gets steeper as it enters the moorland zone towards Gane and Marshall One Valley. A gentle grade walk takes you across the high altitude Shira Caldera to Shira Cave (views of Arrow glacier) camp site (3,500m - 6 to 7 hours).

Day 4: Hiking eastwards Lemosho route crosses Shira Plateau and Shira Cathedral within the moorland meadow to reach Shira Hut 2 for dinner and overnight camping (3,840m).

Day 5: Continuing on a rocky and rugged eastward path you ascend to the base of the Lava Tower (4,630m - 5 to 6 hrs) for lunch. This is a short distance hike to help your acclimatization. From the Lava Tower there is a 680m descent to the Barranco camp site (3,950m - 2 to 3hrs). The camp is situated in a valley below the Western Breach and Great Barranco Wall.

Day 6: The route starts as a scramble up Baranco Wall (which is easier than it looks) to top out just below the Heim Glacier. The route then heads through the Karanga Valley to reach Barafu campsite (4,550m - 7 to 8 hrs).

Day 7: The final ascent is started around midnight while the scree (small stone) is still frozen. There is a steep climb to Stella Point. The route then flattens along the crater rim before ascending again to reach the ice capped summit. Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) can be reached 1 to 2 hrs. After a short rest and celebration photos on the peak you start the descent to return to Barafu for breakfast and a short rest before heading down the trail to Mweka campsite (3100m).

Day 8: After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 4 to 5 hour scenic hike, on a rocky path, back to Mweka national park gate to pick up your certificates before joining the waiting vehicle for the journey back to your hotel.

Day 9: Departure

Add an acclimatization day to your Kilimanjaro climbing vacation. On day 6, finish the hike at Karanga Valley camp. On the following day continue to Barafu camp to rest before the summit ascent

To book your Lemosho climb, complete the Enquiry Form and request Tour Ref: CP 6

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Page update 02/0/11