8 Day Lemosho Route

Overview

Renowned for its captivating scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, optimal acclimatization possibilities, and relatively low climber traffic, the Lemosho route stands out as one of the premier choices for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro. Furthermore, it happens to be our personal favorite for conquering the summit of Africa.

Your journey begins with a roughly 4-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, which marks the entry point on the western flank of Mt. Kilimanjaro. From here, the route unfolds, leading you to the iconic Shira Plateau, where your extraordinary adventure will encompass traversing diverse climate zones, ranging from alpine meadows to the realm of perpetual ice. The ascent follows a gradual and manageable incline, contributing to the Lemosho route's impressive track record of achieving the highest success rate among all Kilimanjaro routes.

Itinerary

Arrival Day

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by a representative from Kilimanjaro Guru Expeditions, and then transferred to the hotel, all as part of the package. Your hotel stay will encompass all the necessary amenities for a pleasant and convenient experience, including comfortable rooms, hot water, courteous staff, access to a swimming pool, and internet connectivity. Later in the evening, there will be an informative briefing conducted by our experienced managers, ensuring that you are well-prepared to commence your climbing adventure.

Day 1

Trekking From Londorossi Gate to MTI Mkubwa Camp

In the morning, a knowledgeable guide and the dedicated mountain support crew will gather at your hotel to meet with you and conduct a brief orientation. Following this, you will embark on a journey by vehicle, approximately 3-4 hours in duration, taking you to the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park known as Londorossi Gate (2,250 meters/7,381 feet). The process of acquiring climbing permits and registration with the search and rescue service will be expedited. Thereafter, your group will commence trekking towards the first camp on this route: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 meters/8,694 feet). Raincoats are essential for this day, as the trail passes through a rainforest. Upon reaching the camp, our highly skilled mountain crew will have meticulously organized all necessary preparations, including tent setup, and they will have already initiated lunch preparations.

Following lunch, the group will engage in an acclimatization hike towards Shira 1 Camp, encompassing a modest 300-meter (984-foot) gain in altitude. Subsequently, you will descend back to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where a satisfying hot dinner will be served.

It's vital to underscore the significance of these acclimatization hikes, as they are purposefully designed as easy treks with a minor elevation gain, strategically aimed at expediting the acclimatization process. Taking these hikes seriously significantly bolsters your chances of successfully conquering Kilimanjaro and mitigates the risk of altitude sickness.

Considering that this marks your first day at this higher altitude, it is strongly recommended that you adhere to the following guidelines moving forward:

1. Refrain from the consumption of alcohol and caffeine.

2. Consume over 4 liters of bottled water daily, in small and frequent increments.

3. Consider taking a Diamox pill to alleviate potential symptoms of altitude sickness. Many mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, prior to commencing their ascent, to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. It is advisable to consult with your doctor before the trip to discuss any potential allergies or concerns.

During the nighttime, you may encounter discomfort linked to acclimatization to the high altitude. Nighttime breathing patterns may result in reduced oxygen intake compared to daytime. Considering the altitude, this may lead to feelings of sickness and headaches. It is essential to be attuned to your body and promptly communicate any symptoms of altitude sickness to your guide.

Distance : 6 KM

Trekking Time: 3-5 Hours

Day 2

Trekking From Mkubwa Camp To Shira 1 Camp

On this day, your adventure begins with an early wake-up call, followed by a hearty breakfast to fuel your day. Subsequently, your group will embark on a trek, gradually ascending to an altitude of 3,500 meters (11,483 feet). At this point, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau and the majestic Kibo Volcano, offering a captivating vista for the first time.

The journey as a whole, from Mti Mkubwa Camp to the second high-altitude camp, Shira 1 Camp (3,610 meters/11,844 feet), is relatively straightforward and typically takes about 5-6 hours to complete. This approach allows you to initiate the acclimatization process at a measured pace, a fundamental aspect of a successful trek. Upon your arrival at the camp, our team of experienced specialists will prepare a nourishing lunch, and you will have the opportunity to relax in your tent or explore the nearby surroundings.

Distance - 5 KM

Trekking Time- 5-6 Hours

Day 3

Trekking from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

On this day, you will commence your journey from Shira 1 Camp (3,610 meters/11,843 feet) and proceed towards the second high-altitude camp, Shira 2 Camp (3,850 meters/12,631 feet). This trek is relatively manageable, offering you the opportunity to relish in the striking vistas of the African savannah, the distinctive flora of Kilimanjaro, and the surrounding terrain. Weather permitting, Shira 2 Camp serves as the prime location on your journey to catch sight of Mount Meru, which stands as the fifth-highest summit in Africa and the second-highest in Tanzania.

Upon reaching the camp, you will partake in a satisfying lunch, followed by a two-hour period of rest. Subsequently, the entire group will embark on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp, which involves a moderate gain in altitude of 300 meters (984 feet).

Distance - 7 KM

Trekking Time : 3-4 hours

Day 4

Trekking From Shira Camp2 to Lava Tower and Descent to Barranco Camp

Following a satisfying breakfast, your journey continues as you bid farewell to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 meters/12,631 feet) and embark on the path leading to a significant point on the route: Lava Tower (4,600 meters/15,091 feet). This particular section of the route features numerous ascents and descents, ultimately concluding at a camp situated at an altitude exceeding 4,600 meters (15,090 feet). While certain segments of this trek may pose challenges and discomfort is not uncommon, spending a minimum of 1-2 hours at this location is essential for effective acclimatization. As such, this is where you will pause to savor your lunch.

Subsequently, your descent will take you to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters/12,795 feet). At this location, you will be treated to a firsthand view of the renowned Barranco Wall, notable for its massive dimensions and steep incline. The following day, you'll conquer this wall, but rest assured, it boasts a straightforward hiking trail and is far from intimidating.

It's essential to note that in the event that one or more participants experience illness, the group may opt to bypass Lava Tower and adjust the route, following the path designated for porters instead. In such circumstances, you will not ascend beyond an altitude of 4,400 meters (14,435 feet), with a maximum elevation of 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) remaining unattained.

Distance - 12 km

Trekking Time- 6-8Hours

Day 5

Trekking Barranco to Karangu Camp

Your day begins with an early start, preceded by a hearty breakfast, setting the stage for your ascent of the Barranco Wall. We strongly recommend departing from the camp as early as feasible to avoid potential congestion caused by other groups, which might impede your progress. The hike up the gorge wall itself is not particularly challenging and typically requires only about an hour to conquer. Upon reaching the summit of the wall, you will have the opportunity to rest and capture memorable photographs with the striking backdrop of Kibo volcano.

Following this, you will initiate a more demanding hike towards Karanga Camp, characterized by numerous ascents and descents along the route. However, rest assured that our experienced guides possess the expertise to maintain an optimal pace for the entire group. Upon your arrival at the camp, a warm lunch will be served. After a few hours of respite, you will engage in an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp, involving a modest gain in altitude of 200 meters (656 feet), followed by a descent back to your camp.

Distance- 5 km

Trekking Time - 4-5 hours

Day 6

Trekking From Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

In the morning, following a hearty breakfast, your journey continues with the commencement of your hike to Barafu Summit Camp (4,673 meters/15,331 feet), serving as the starting point for the night summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,340 feet). Our dedicated team will have meticulously arranged your camp setup in advance, which includes tents and sleeping bags, allowing you to relax immediately upon your arrival. Following your arrival and a period of rest to rejuvenate, you will embark on an essential acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870 meters/15,978 feet). Subsequently, you will return to Barafu Camp, where a nourishing hot dinner awaits.

It is advisable to allocate the remainder of the day for rest and sleep, in preparation for the night's summit attempt.

Distance 6 km

Trekking Time- 4-5 Hours

Day 7

Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

Your team will embark on the final summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,340 feet) from Barafu Camp during the night. In terms of technical difficulty, the climb itself is relatively straightforward. However, the primary challenge lies in the high altitude, which can make even routine physical activities feel demanding. To ensure your safety and well-being, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a dedicated guide throughout the entire ascent, who will closely monitor both their physical and mental condition.

Upon successfully reaching Uhuru Peak, you will have the option to descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Subsequently, you will return to Barafu Camp, where you can savor a well-deserved 2-hour rest before resuming your descent to Millennium Camp.

A crucial reminder: Please keep in mind that a significant portion of accidents, including most cases of broken limbs, occurs during the descent. It's imperative to pay careful attention to your feet, as there is a notable risk of toenail damage during this phase of the journey.

Distance -15 km

Trekking Time - 8-12 Hours

Day 8

Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

You can look forward to a restful night's sleep at the lower altitude, relishing in the sense of accomplishment from your summit achievement. The morning will begin with a hearty breakfast, and shortly thereafter, you'll commence your descent, leading you down to an elevation of 1,640 meters (5,380 feet), ultimately reaching Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, a brief celebration with the entire climbing team will take place, and you will be presented with your well-earned climb certificates. Subsequently, arrangements will be made to transport you back to your hotel.

Distance - 12 km

Trekking Time - 4-5 hours

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Price

Group Price Per Person

1 Person. - $3152

2 People. - $2819

3 People - $2727

4 People. - $2623

5 People. - $2650

6 People - $2634

7 People. - $2625

8 People. - $2607

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