The 8-day Kilimanjaro Trek: Lemosho Route
The 8-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Lemosho route offers adventurers a scenic and less-crowded journey to the summit of Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Renowned for its stunning vistas, diverse ecosystems, and gradual acclimatization profile, the Lemosho route provides trekkers with ample time to adjust to the altitude and maximize their chances of reaching the summit.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance Covered: 6 km | 4 miles Vegetation Type: Rain Forest
We depart Arusha/Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance Covered: 8 km | 5 miles Vegetation Type: Health
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain 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. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance Covered: 7 km | 4 miles Vegetation Type: Alpine Desert Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance Covered: 3 km | 2 miles Vegetation Type: Alpine Desert
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance Covered: 5 km | 3 miles Vegetation Type: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance Covered: 4 km | 2 miles Vegetation Type: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Distance: 12 km | 7 miles Vegetation Type: Rain Forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance Covered: 10 km | 6 miles Vegetation: Rain Forest
Still thrilled by your achievement, breakfast is taken at 07.00hrs and at 08.00hrs you can take the chance to reward your trekking team at the ‘Tipping Celebration.’
Although you still have 9km to walk, departure is at a leisurely 09.00hrs and you descend down to the Mweka Gate which sits at an altitude of 1640 metres. There, you will be served a cooked lunch at midday and be presented with your hard-earned certificate.
Your vehicle transport will be waiting to return you back to your Hotel in Arusha, where you can choose to relax – or, if you have any energy left, to celebrate!
End of trek!