The 8 day variant of the Lemosho route is considered the choice, for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It allows for time to acclimatize, resulting in a success rate of reaching the summit. On this route the climb from Barranco to Barafu is divided into two days, which includes a rest day before attempting the ascent. This rest day is crucial as summit day begins in the hours of midnight and climbers often face sleep deprivation on this day. By having a day before the climb climbers can be better rested. Although there is a 7 day Lemosho route option we highly recommend choosing the 8 day trip as it provides a day, for acclimatization and increases your chances of successfully reaching the summit.
Elevation (m): 2360m to 2895m, Distance: 6 km, Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.
On the day of our Lemosho Route adventure we will embark on a journey, from either Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Park Gate. After enjoying a breakfast in the morning we will commence our trek through the picturesque Montane forest. Our destination, for today is the Mti Mkubwa campsite, nestled at an elevation of 2895m. The diligent porters have already taken care of preparing and transporting our supplies and provisions. We will spend a night at this campsite before continuing our expedition.
Elevation (m): 2895m to 3500m, Distance: 8 km, Time: 5-6 hours, Habitat: Moorland.
We will continue our journey, towards the east making our way through the Shira Plateau and Shira Cathedral. Along the way we will pass through a meadow in the moorland until we reach our destination for today which’s Shira 1 camp located at an altitude of 3810 meters. There we will have a dinner. Spend the night camping. From this side we will have a view of the Western Breach and its stunning glaciers. Its going to be quite chilly tonight just like it was night when temperatures dropped below freezing. For dinner we will prepare our meal using the burners available, to us.
Elevation (m): 3500m to 4200m, Distance: 14 km, Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Moorland.
As we move away, from the forest and enter the moorland area the path starts to get steeper. We will reach Shira Cave, which offers vistas of the Arrow Glacier by taking a challenging hike, across the high altitude Shira Caldera. Once we reach an elevation of 4200 meters we will establish our camp for the night.
Elevation (m): 4200m to 4600m to 3950m, Distance: 12 km, Time: 6-7 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert.
After reaching the base of the Lava Tower at 4600m for lunch and to adapt to the altitude our itinerary continues along an uneven trail, towards the east. This will be our day so far and you might start feeling the effects of the high altitude. Following lunch we will descend than 650 meters to reach the Barranco camp. The acclimatization process will be supported by spending time at the altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower before descending for rest. It will take 2 hours to descend to Barranco camp offering opportunities for capturing photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. While you wait for your meal you’ll find that the camp is situated in a valley, below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall allowing you to witness a sunset.
Elevation (m): 3950m to 3930m, Distance: 7 km, Hiking Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Today starts off with an fast ascent to reach the summit of the Great Barranco Wall. Afterwards we make our way through challenging terrain passing by the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. We then continue our journey, on slopes until we reach the beautiful Karanga Valley at an elevation of 3930m. Our overnight stay will be, at the Karanga Campground.
Elevation (m): 3930m to 4600m, Distance: 6kms, Hiking Time: 3 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.
We depart from the Karanga campsite. Make our way, to the junction of the Mweka descending trail. From there we continue onwards to reach the Barafu Hut. By completing the Southern Circuit we are rewarded with a range of views from the summit. Once, at camp we can unwind, enjoy dinner and prepare ourselves for summit day. From this spot we can admire the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in all their glory.
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m), Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent, Time: 6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent, Habitat: Stone screed and ice-capped summit.
You will be awakened at 23;30 with a comforting cup of tea and some delicious snacks. Our climb, to the top begins between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers taking a north route towards Stella Point on the crater rim ascending through scree. This portion of the journey is both mentally and physically challenging. We will pause briefly at Stella Point (5732m) to take in one of the breathtaking sunrises you will ever witness, weather permitting. We will have successfully reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) Mount Kilimanjaros point and Africas well. At altitudes nights can become extremely chilly. By the end of each days trekking it will become pleasantly warm.
We descend from the peak towards Mweka Hut campsite via Barafu for lunch. The rough gravel on our way to Mweka Camp will require us to use trekking poles (3100m). Later in the evening we enjoy our meal, on the mountain before getting some well deserved rest.
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1800m, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Forest.
Once we finish our breakfast we will make our way, to the Mweka Park Gate. This is where you’ll receive your summit certificates. It’s possible that the lower levels could be muddy and damp so it’s an idea to wear gaiters and use trekking poles, for assistance. You can wear t shirts and shorts. Make sure to keep rain gear and warmer clothing accessible. This is the point where our 8 day Lemosho Route tour comes to an end.
