The Lemosho Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and rewarding trails, known for its high summit success rate, great acclimatization, and fewer crowds. Starting from the western side of the mountain, it offers a peaceful approach through lush rainforest, alpine deserts, and diverse landscapes. Available in 7 or 8 days (with 8 days being ideal for acclimatization), this route includes highlights like the Cathedral Peak acclimatization hike and the unique Dendrosenecio kilimanjari plant found only on Kilimanjaro. With incredible scenery and a gradual ascent, Lemosho is a top choice for a memorable climb.
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
After breakfast and the briefing, we will drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a three-hour drive). From here, a forest road requiring a 4WD vehicle will lead us to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
After breakfast, we will continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed, we will continue over the Shira Ridge, then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East toward Lava Tower, also called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
After breakfast, we will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we will continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, we will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit, we will begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We will arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
After breakfast, we will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).
Group adventures are priced per person depending on the size of the group. However, we also offer flexible private and custom-made options tailored to suit you, your family, or your friends.
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