8 Days Lemosho Route
Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Information
Route Distance:
The Lemosho route is 70 kilometers (42 miles).
Location: Access to the trail begins with an extended drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate and may take three to four hours. Londorossi Gate is found within 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 meters (19,341 feet).
Trail conditions:
The main segment of the trail meanders through lush rainforests initially. Subsequently, it reaches the Shira Plateau. Eventually, it navigates through icy fields and elevated alpine deserts.
The Lemosho route is understood together of the foremost beautiful route, offering sweeping vistas from the mountain. Traveling in a similar direction because of 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 an excellent choice for your climb.
Traversing the western face of Kilimanjaro may present an opportunity to spot wildlife. You could be lucky enough to see Antelope and Buffalo. You might even encounter a few elephants in some instances.
The 8 days Lemosho route is often completed in as little as 6 days on the mountain. However, it’s ideally tackled over 8 days as this offers a far better altitude acclimatization schedule. The initial two days are dedicated to a trek through the rainforest toward Shira Ridge. This journey subsequently transitions into a relatively flat hike. The direction of this part of the journey is from west to east.
From now, you’re unlikely to encounter many other hikers. Crowds will be few and between until the route joins the Machame route near the Lava Tower. The route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s icefields on a path referred to as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu.
To complete the journey, the descent is formed via the Mweka route. Previous trekking experience is recommended because the days will feature 6-8 hours of hiking with daily ascents of 900m to 1,000m, perhaps with the odd day ascending around 1,100m to 1,200m. Depending on the route, you’ll be trekking at an altitude of over 3,500m. you would like complete confidence in your ability to trek for several days over difficult terrain.
Extremes of altitude and weather may be encountered, as may the use of ice axes and crampons. A degree of physical and mental stamina will be essential to complete the hike, as the days will be tiring.
Route Success Rate
The Lemosho route features an excellent success rate with a high chance of reaching the summit once you take some time. With 8 days on the mountain, your chances of reaching the highest are as high as 90%. it’s still very probable you’ll reach the highest with the 7-day hike, with a hit rate of 85%. However, with the 6-day hike, the success rate drops to approximately 65%.
8 Days Lemosho Route FAQs
Q: HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE 8 days LEMOSHO ROUTE?
A: Any physical activity you’ll participate in beforehand will help make your ascent more enjoyable. As for a way hard you train, this may depend upon whether you’re aiming for the Uhuru Peak or embarking on a shorter journey, and this may vary for everybody.
Q: WHEN SHOULD I CLIMB THE LEMOSHO ROUTE?
A: The Lemosho route is accessible for climbing throughout the year. However, due to the prevailing cold and wet conditions, it’s recommended that you have suitable waterproof gear. Consider climbing between January–March and June–October. Note that April, May, and November are the wettest months.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I PACK, AND WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
A: While trekking tour operators could provide a number of the gear you’ll need, there are a couple of non-negotiables you’ll need that have waterproof gear, a headlamp, sunglasses, appropriate hiking boots, personal medication, a non-disposable bottle, and a cap or a beanie for instance.
Q: HOW TO GET TO THE LEMOSHO ROUTE?
A: Before you begin your hiking escapade to the summit of Kilimanjaro, you’ll get to establish the way to get there and, therefore, the best mode of transport to fit your itinerary or tour. Travelers flying from the united kingdom, the US, Australia or Canada, and other parts of the planet have a couple of options to explore. Each option should be carefully considered, supported by your budget and time spent exploring Tanzania before or after your trek. most significantly, don’t be tricked into booking the most cost-effective flight without considering if there could be a catch, including long layover times, additional visas, or transport arrangements.
Mount Kilimanjaro from Kilimanjaro Airport The best option would be to fly directly into Kilimanjaro airport, located approximately 45 kilometers from the towns of Moshi, Marangu, or Arusha, as this is often where most climbs will start or where your small group tour will meet. Airlines that fly into Kilimanjaro airport.
Q: WHAT ARE THE CLIMBING REQUIREMENTS
A: Mount Kilimanjaro welcomes hikers of all fitness and skill levels, but if you’re reaching the summit, careful planning and vigorous training are significant. Consider adding overtime to your itinerary to avoid hypoxia and to enjoy some time climbing Kilimanjaro.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I PACK, AND WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
A: While trekking tour operators could provide a number of the gear you’ll need, there are a couple of non-negotiables you’ll need that have waterproof gear, a headlamp, sunglasses, appropriate hiking boots, personal medication, a non-disposable bottle, and a cap or a beanie.
Q: WHAT PERMITS DO I NEED?
A: Each visitor will be required to pay a fee per person per day for the conservation fee to assist in managing the park. However, most tours will cover the permits and entry fees are included in the price.
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania and transfer to Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania – Today, you’ll be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to the Arusha Hotel. The drive from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha is approx one hour. Meals
– Dinner at Mvuli hotel in Arusha https://www.mvulihotels.co.tz/
Day 2: Arusha (1400m) – Londorossi Gate (2100m) – Forest camp (2750m)
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will brief you on the day. You will drive two hours from Arusha (1400m) to Londorossi Park Gate (2100m). In the village near Londorossi, where you will complete entry formalities, Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at the trailhead, we eat lunch and then commence through an undisturbed forest, which winds to the first campsite.
Day 3: Forest Camp (2750m) – Shira 1 Camp (3540m)
Hiking time: 5.5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Distance: 8 km
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
Day 4: Shira 1 (3540m) – Shira 2 (3840m)- Moir Hut (4114m)
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: moorland
This spectacular camp we will be going to today is located beneath the Northern Ice Fields of Kilimanjaro. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciated 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. Various Lent Hills offer various walks, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
Day 5: Moir Hut ( 4114)- Lava Tower ( 4600)-Barranco Camp (3950m)
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 kilometers
Habitat: Semi Desert
From Moir hut, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 6: Barranco Camp (3950m) – Karanga Camp (4235m)
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert
This is a short hiking day meant for acclimatization. After an early morning breakfast, it is time to conquer the Great Barranco Wall! Although it may look intimidating, hikers say this Class 2 hike is usually much easier than anticipated. At the top of the Wall, you will have a Heim Glacier view above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley. You will spend the night at Karanga Camp (3950m) and enjoy dinner and washing at the site.
Day 7: Karanga Camp (4235m) – Barafu Hut (4600)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 4 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you will begin your ascent. The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, the trail used to descend on the final two days. As you continue hiking for an hour, you will reach Barafu Hut. This is the last water stop for the porters because there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4550m). The word “barafu” in Swahili means “ice,” this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks, so hikers must familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
Day 8: Summit attempt Barafu Camp (4600m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)
Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka
Distance: Approximately 7 kilometers ascent and 23 kilometers descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest, and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. In about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m) on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You can spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours.
At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the screen and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rainforest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is in the upper rainforest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Forest
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. On the mountain, you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reach Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates, and hikers who reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). You will be served a hot lunch. Then you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
Day 10: Depart Tanzania
The day is free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times, you could go and explore Arusha town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
* Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania
Meals: Breakfast Included
| No. of Pax in one group | 7 Pax | 6 Pax | 5 Pax | 4 Pax | 3 Pax | 2 Pax | 1 Pax |
| Price/Person | $1808 | $1810 | $1830 | $1978 | $2155 | $2250 | $2390 |
The climb cost includes the following:
Transfers:
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
- Transfer to the trailhead – entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
- Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
Entry fees:
All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fees, rescue fees, and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
Accommodation:
One night at 3* hotel (lindrin lodge) before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay – caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a swimming pool);
Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season mountain hardware tents )
Please note:
All accommodation is on sharing basis (i.e., you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room in the hotel and a tent during the hike. If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer).
Meals:
Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
All meals on the hike. Our high-altitude cooks are professionals who prepare energy-rich and highly nutritious meals for our Kilimanjaro diet. This diet typically consists of diverse soups, garnishes, and multiple types of meat and fish. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also included. Furthermore, vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal options are available without additional cost.
The climb cost excludes:
- Airline tickets;
- Visa fee;
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the ascent);
- Personal gear rentals;
- Tips for the mountain crew (200–250 USD per person);
- Mountaineering insurance.
Reviews
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Amazing 5-Day Kilimanjaro Summit
July 2023. Couples
It’s hard to put into words how amazing this hike was and how amazing the crew at Africa Joy is. Bryson was an amazing lead guide and everything was organized flawlessly. His guidance and expertise on the mountain cannot be matched. Apson was such a great assistant guide and was so knowledgeable about all of the flora and fauna. Emanuel was awesome on our way to the summit and everything in between and was fun to talk to about everything we were going to be doing on our Safari and in Zanzibar after our climb. Our waiter/porter, David, was so friendly and always had inspirational words for us to keep us in a positive mindset. It was clear they truly cared about our wellbeing and happiness. They went above and beyond in every possible way to make us successful ok our trek. I cannot recommend Africa Joy enough! Kevin C
They treated us like family.
Jun 2023 • Friends
This was the most unreal experience and the biggest achievement of my life. The whole crew was incredibly hospitable and welcoming. They motivated us every step of the way. Especially Emmauel, without whose positive energy I don’t believe I would have made it especially on summit night which is the most physically draining and mentally challenging day yet the most fulfilling one. They treated us like family and the food was to die for. I really need the recipe to those soups. The porters were the sweetest people I have met and they went out of their way to take care of us.
Overall, I cannot recommend them enough. Ojasvit
