The Lemosho route is a newer( not so old), longer route, which allows climbers to easily acclimatize to the altitude. In addition to low traffic, beautiful scenery and 90% summit success rate, Lemosho does NOT require a midnight summit ascent. So climbers avoid crowds at the top and ascent during the day. Lemosho begins in the lush, fertile rainforest at the western base of the mountain (Londorossi Gate) and approaches Mt. Kilimanjaro from the west. Rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, it circles the southern circuit halfway around the mountain and summits from the east, exposing climbers to great views from all angles. It descends on the Mweka trail. Lemosho can be done in a minimum of 6 days but we preferbly 8 days for the better altitude acclimatization schedule and because it's such an enjoyable route.
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Meet your guide and review your equipment in the evening in preparation for the trek the following day.
DAY 2 : LONDROSSI GATE – MTO MKUBWA CAMP: 6k /4mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 23770m/7800ft to 2895m/9500ft
Departing from Moshi a 1hr and 30mins to 2hrs drive will take as to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate where we will wait for our permit to be issued and our climbing crew to sort all the things we will need during our trekking. While enjoying the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails our local professional guides will be explaining about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife.
DAY 3: MTI MKUBWA CAMP - SHIRA I CAMP: 8km/5mi | 4-6hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 2895m/9500ft to 3505m/11,500ft
After a good night’s sleep and a nice breakfast we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascending through lush, rolling hills and crossing several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp with an amazing view of Kibo from across the plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 4: SHIRA I CAMP –SHIRA HUT: 14km/9mi | 5-7hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 3505m/11,500ft to 4200m/13,800ft
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
DAY 5: SHIRA HUT - LAVA TOWER - BARRANCO CAMP: 7km/6mi | 4-6hrs | Semi Desert
Elevation: 4200m/13,800ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
DAY 6: BARRANCO CAMP - KARANGA CAMP: 5km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and hike the non-technical but challenging Barranco Wall, a 500ft lava flow. It's extremely beautiful on top, with fantastic views of the crags, crevasses and jagged peaks of Kibo on your left. Lastly we descend into the Karanga Valley and head to camp.
HIKE KARANGA CAMP - BARAFU CAMP: 4km /2 mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Hike 3.5km from Karanga camp to Barafu camp, with a view of Mawenzi and Kibo peak once reached you have now completed the South Circuit Expect to arrive to Barafu by afternoon, allowing much more time to enjoy dinner, prepare your summit gear and rest.
DAY 7: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 5km /3mi up | 5-7hrs | - MWEKA CAMP: 13km /8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Descent to 3090m/10,150ft
You'll head in a northwesterly direction, ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers, the 6-hour walk to Stella point is mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5739m) you'll stop for a short rest and be rewarded with a most magnificent sunrise (weather permitting). From Stella Point it's a 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, often with snow. The time spent on the summit will depend on weather. Enjoy your accomplishment!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
DAY 8: MWEKA CAMP - MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 10km|3-4hrs Rainforest
Elevation:3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. Weather maybe warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep, Gaiters and trekking poles will be recommended.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you and drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. It’s about 35 minutes’ drive.
Day 9
After breakfast, transfer to Arusha town for safari or Kilimanjaro airport as per your requirement.
Airfare to Tanzania
Tips for guides and porters
Sleeping bags and other personal gear
Rental gear
Visa
Travel Insurance
Drinks and/or snacks
Lunch and dinner at hotel