Lemosho Route is known to be the longest route and popular due to the fact that it is a beautiful route to ascend this mountain. You will see some of the most extraordinary scenery with well-preserved forests, sweeping moorland, heather forests and high desert. Lemosho Route allows for easy walking and provides plenty of opportunity for altitude adjustment. The route approaches the summit from the west via the Londorossi Gate and one of the most remote quarters of the region
Trekking Time: 3 hours | Distance: 7 km | Altitude Gain: 450m
After finishing eating an appetizing meal at the hotel, you will embark on a bumpy
three-hour drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate. We will travel amid the attractive town
of Boma N'gombe and the native people of Sanya Juu. Registration will be completed at the
gate and then we will drive to the starting point of your trek at 2,350m. The trail journeys
through the thick, untamed rain-forest for the duration of the day. Adorable Bush Babies and
curious Black and White Colobus Monkeys may peer down from the high trees. Mti Mkubwa Camp
is our final destination for the day and the hike is fairly short.
Walking Time: 6-7 hours Distance: 10 km Altitude Gain: 800m
The route heads towards Shira Camp 1 and there is a change in scenery to the heather and
moorland zone at an arid landscape sprinkled with contrasting silver fauna and flora as well
as the enormous lobelias. Spectacular views of Mount Meru consuming the fiery sunset are
present in the west and the shining Kibo Peak makes its existence known. The light clouds
will begin to float around you as you cross several calming streams to get to the Shira
Ridge (3,600m). We will proceed to Shira Camp 1 where a delicious meal awaits.
Walking Time: 3-4hours Distance: 8km Altitude Gain: 290m
The moorland landscape remains with its dusty, rocky ground and low grasses and shrubs. The
bright everlastings erupt from the ground and the concentric rings of leaves on the
celestial lobelias are astonishing. The scenic views of the towering mountain are best
observed from this area and the path is generally flat.
A hot lunch will be served at Shira Camp and after the short excursions for acclimatization are complete, you will rest for the remainder of the day. In the evening the stars twinkle from the infinite arch of darkness. In areas they are sapphire balls and beautiful, shimmering in their heavenly finery. The ones on the outermost boundary, virtually outside the span of human comprehension, are like glinting pinpricks in a shroud of blackness.
Walking Time: 6-7 hours Distance: 11km Altitude Gain: 110m
Today route connects with the Machame route before approaching Lava Tower. The landscapes
are superb and the trail begins with a gentle incline towards the beautiful sights Kibo
Peak. The first milestone is a jagged ridge named the Shark's Tooth (4,400m) and after
crossing the mysterious shadow valleys we will come across the protruding Lava Tower
(4,600m). Thousands of years ago enormous volcano erupted and splattered the remains of the
once molten rocks. The gradual descent to the Barranco Camp features incredible views of the
bleached Western Breach and the striking Barranco or (Breakfast Wall). This day follows the
mountaineering principles of walking high and sleeping low, making it an ideal acclimation
day.
Walking Time: 6 - 7 hours Distance: 9km Altitude Gain: 750m
The day begins with a moderate trek up the Barranco Wall, it is steep but the climbing only
requires your hands and feet for a short period of time (200m). Feelings of satisfaction
will begin to emerge once you witness the gorgeous landscape that includes the smoothed
edges of Kibo peak and a vantage point of the frosted scenery. The trail begins to fluctuate
as we cross various small streams and the Karanga River that excitedly hops over the rocks.
We will stop at the Karanga Campsite for lunch (3,930m).
An hours climb up a steep, granite lava ridge will lead us to the Barafu Camp. This signifies that you have conquered the South Circuit of the mountain and the views of the summit will shift. The infertile grounds at the Barafu Campsite tend to freeze over and the temperatures shift dramatically. A warm, hearty meal will be prepared and we suggest that you rest early as the midnight climb to the summit (1188m) is only a few hours away.
Walking Time: 14 - 16 hours Distance: 19km Altitude Gain: 1195m Altitude Loss:
2795m
You will be awoken at 11:00 pm to ensure that you have a light snack and a hot beverage
before you embark on your 5km trek to the summit. Sixteen hours are needed to complete the
trek, it goes without saying, and this is the most difficult day on the route.
The temperatures will dip to lows of up to -10C. The trail along the stunning valley on the edge of scree fields will gradually increase. Stella’s Point (5,672m) is the first milestone and you will pass the glowing Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Illuminating rays of orange, red and purple begin to burst from the sky as you reach the southern rim of Kibo (Marks an hour until the summit).
Upon reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) you will attain an intangible reward, the heaven touching apex of the mountain drenched in a shroud of clouds and splotches of gleaming snow impale the lush floor. Across the horizon, you will see the glaciers protruding like a row of thorns. Swaddled around them are necklaces of powdery snow, frosty ice fields, and Mawenzi Peak.
We will begin descending towards the Barafu Camp where we will have a short break before proceeding to the Mweka Camp (3,100m). The 9km trails feature stunning views of the magnificent Kilimanjaro plains. The incline traverses down a rocky scree path through barren moorland and then you will enter the magnificent forest (4-5 hour hike). An enticing meal will be served at the campsite and you will be able to cuddle in your sleeping bag.
Trekking Time: 4 - 5 hours Distance: 10 km Altitude Loss: 1300m
You will enjoy delicious breakfast before you descent to the Mweka Gate (1,300m). The
leisurely stroll provides you with beautiful sceneries. A Gold Summit Certificate will be
awarded upon reaching the gate, a token to symbolize successfully tackling the 7 days
Lemosho Route. From the tranquil Mweka Village, you will be driven back to your hotel in
Moshi.
Tip on Mountain Kilimanjaro is recommended for group sharing as follows;