7 Day Mt Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

7 Day Mount Kilimanjaro climb Lemosho Route is regarded as one of the prettiest route on Kilimanjaro. We begin trekking in the thick, fertile rainforest until we reach the wildflowers and shrubs of the heath ecosystem. Approaching from the west, we cross one of most beautiful areas on Kilimanjaro, the vast Shira Plateau, before traversing the mountain along the southern circuit. The Lemosho route is for those with previous backpacking experience

THE BEST MONTHS TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO.

Normally March, April and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided.
November is usually short rains but it is not often rains all the days so Climbing is possible.
The best Months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are January, February and also August and September.
July can be colder and November to December can be wet.
January to February is the warmest months, almost clear of clouds each evening and morning.
The success rates with our guides are outstanding compared to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top.

KILIMANJARO LEMOSHO ROUTE INFORMATION

Lemosho route distance

Distance: The Lemosho route is 70 kilometres (42 miles).

Location: Access to the trail begins with a long drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate, and can take three to four hours. Londorossi Gate is located in the western base of the mountain.

Height: The Lemosho route reaches the summit of Kilimanjaro at the Uhuru peak, reaching a height of 5,895 metres (19,341 feet).

Trail conditions: The first part of the trail makes its way through the verdant rainforest to reach the Shira Plateau, and later travels through icefields and high alpine deserts.

The Lemosho route is known as one of the most beautiful routes, offering sweeping vistas from the mountain. Travelling in a similar direction as the Shira route from the western base, climbers are likely to encounter lower traffic until the route meets with the Machame Route, and it’s one of the newer routes on the mountain, which makes Lemosho a great choice for your climb.

As you travel along the western side of Kilimanjaro, you might be fortunate enough to spot antelope, buffalo, and maybe even a few elephants.

How to get there

• This tour starts and ends in Arusha/Moshi
• Africa Joy Tours as an operator can help select your international flights, but you’ll have to book them yourself
• Fly to/from Kilimanjaro Airport near Arusha/Moshi
• A transfer from and back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation: 2389m – 2785m
Distance: 5km
Hours:3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain forest.

In the morning, you will be picked up from the hotel by our driver who will drive you to the Londorossi gate. Once at the gate, you will be registered and you will need to sign some papers. After registration, you will be driven up to a bumpy track that will take you into the dense rainforest to the drop-off point where your trek begins. You will follow a moderately steep track, which leads you through an amazing and unspoiled natural forest to Mkubwa Camp. As this region is also home to wild game, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger during the first 2 days of your trek.

Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 2

Elevation: 2785m – 3895m
Distance: 17km
Hours: 7 hours
Habitat: Moorland.

On this day, the trek will start on a small trail that passes through the rainforest. As you climb, the forest gradually thins out and the landscape changes into heath and moorland where plants like Erica and lobelia start to dominate the landscape. You will cross the Shira Ridge and reach Shira Camp 1. Here you will stop for lunch, relax a bit and enjoy the fantastic views of Mt Meru and the Rift Valley. For the last part of the climb, you will climb another 400m in altitude. The landscape will change again at Shira Camp 2. Shira camp 2 is the final destination for this day and you will spend your evening and night there.

Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation:3895m – 3986m
Distance:10km
Hours: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

This day you will climb approximately 740m but you will spend the night at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to cope with the climatic change, the trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower. The climb passes through the wide Barranco Valley which has lobelia and giant Senecio plants.

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3986m – 4034m
Distance: 5km
Hours: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

After breakfast, you will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. In the afternoon, you can relax and stretch your legs in preparation for the upcoming summit night.

Accommodation: Karanga camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation:4034m – 4662m
Distance: 5km
Hours:4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

On this day, you will continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here you will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Elevation:4662m – 5895m (going up) 3090m (going down)
Distance: 5km going up – 11km going down
Hours:5\7 hours (going up) – 5\6 hours (going down)
Habitat: Arctic.

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), you will continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a north-westerly 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, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (if the weather permits). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3106m – 1633m
Distance: 8km
Hours:3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain forest.

After breakfast, you will continue the descent down to Mweka Park gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear. After you have arrived at the gate you will be picked up by our driver and brought back to your hotel.

Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)

Included

• Porterage
• Rescue fee
• Park fees(For non-residents)
• All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
• All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
• All Taxes/VAT
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
• Drinking water

Excluded

• Climbing gear
• International flights(From/to home)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
• Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees