7 Days Lemosho Route

TOUR OVERVIEW

One of the freshest routes to traverse Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho route is loved for its stunning vistas and its crowd free paths. Many hikers will take the alternative path leaving Lemosho wide open. Despite its youthful vitality, Lemosho is not an easy path, but cutting across the majestic Shira Plateau and witnessing the snow swirled summit glowering against a pink tinged sky makes every step well worth it.

We offer a 7 or 8-day adventure along Lemosho via Stella Point. After crossing the wild and untamed heart of the Shira Plateau you will meet with the Machame Route and have the option of an overnight in the pretty Karanga Valley or pushing on. There is also the option to take the Western Breach after crossing the Shira Plateau.

Whilst the Western Breach can be hazardous you will have the chance to camp beneath Arrow Glacier – a place seemingly frozen in time and more reminiscent of the Antarctic than the dry heat of Africa. You also have the chance to overnight at the puckered crater, another memorable stop on this epic journey. As you can see the Lemosho route boasts plenty of variation and is considered one of the most scenic ways to reach the summit.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Wildlife can be seen at the start of the trek in the tropical rain forest zone

The route joins the Machame trail at Shira 2 thus sharing certain of the features of that route

Attached with the Barafu option to the summit, this route is the lengthiest summit bound trail on the mountain

Devoted guides, porters and cooks – a great team to help you on your way

A more relaxed pace than other routes, but longer in time and distance. But very challenging!

Stunning views as you ascend, with arguably the best photo opportunities, possible wildlife experiences on Day One

Discover Shira Plateau and Barranco

Climb the Lava Tower!

TOUR SUMMARY

You will got to Tanzania

This tour start and end in Arusha or Moshi (Tanzania)

You will visit Mt Kilimanjaro

A transfer from and back to the airport (or hotel) included

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for extra cost

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport To Arusha

Touch down at the Kilimanjaro International Airport where your own personal driver will be waiting to greet you. Let your driver whisk you away to your chosen hotel in the bright and bustling city of Arusha – gateway to Tanzania.

Arusha is the beating heart of the wild – the last port of civilization before heading out into dense jungles and rich savannah plains. The markets of Arusha burst with color, and throng with locals picking up their weekly wares. The numerous cafes sell dark and deliriously good coffee from the plantations, and close by the infamous National Park lures visitors in to explore her evocative Maasai culture and exotic flora and fauna.

In the evening you will enjoy a quick briefing which will be conducted by professional Let's view Tanzania Mountain Guide about your trekking, and to ensure if you are ready for climbing.

DAY 2: High-Altitude Drop off Destination and Trekking to Shira 1 Camp

Pick up at the lodge and transfer to Lemosho gate to start your trek. Leave in the morning from Moshi to Londorossi village were gate is located. The start of trail 2100m trek winds up through the lush forest zone on to the lower slopes of the northern side, going to Shira Plateau. Overnight at MtiMkubwa 2650m, 4 to 5hrs

This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you to read the following instructions from this point on: Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently) Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Trekking from Lemosho Glades to Shira 1 Camp: Change in Elevation: Lemosho Glades (3,500 m) — Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) Hiking distance: 5 km Hiking time: 1–2 hours

DAY 3: Trekking from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today is your full day exploration of the Shira plateau by trekking from Shira 1 Camp (3505) towards the second high altitude camp Shira 2 (3900 m) as is the best place to see Mount Meru depending on the weather. The trek is not that much difficult and you will be able to see view of Africa and the unique flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro and surrounding area. You will arrive for lunch and after 2 hours rest you will complete acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 200 meter gain in altitude.

Note:The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Trekking from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp: Change in Elevation: Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) — Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) Hiking distance: 7 km Hiking time: 3–4 hours Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) — Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,110 m) Hiking distance: 2 km Hiking time: 1–2 hours

DAY 4: Trekking from Shira 2 Camp to the Lava Tower and Descent to Barranco Camp

A long trek from Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m)to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). This route have a lot of ascents and descents at over 4600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be. Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness!

Note: If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters, getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters.

Trekking from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower: Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) — Lava Tower (4,630 m) — Barranco Camp (3,960 m) Hiking distance: 12 km Hiking time: 6–8 hours

DAY 5: Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The day commences with a simple trek up the astonishing Barranco (200m high). For a short period, you will need to use your hands and feet to scramble up the wall and upon reaching the surface you will have an opportunity to marvel at the scenic splendor of the vistas of Kibo. The trail traverses up and down with various shallow streams leading to the flickering, glittery streams of the Karanga River. An appetizing lunch will be served at the Karanga campsite (3,930m). The short trekking will assist your acclimatization.

Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp: Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) — Karanga Camp (4,035 m) Hiking distance: 5 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) — Destination point en route to Barafu Camp (4,270 m) Hiking distance:2.5 km Hiking time: 1–2 hours

DAY 6: Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

The rocky zone provides an uphill path that features landscapes battered in the crystal glow of the Southern Glaciers. Intersecting with the Mweka route allows us to witness the splendid vistas. A sixty-minute climb up a steep, rock strewn Lava Ridge is your ticket to the Barafu Camp (4681m). Reaching the camp signifies that you have dominated the Southern Circuit of the mountain and the enchanting, sky-piercing view of the summit is submerged in an ocean of clouds. The terrain at the campsite resembles an unfinished painting. The landscape is blanketed in a thin layer of snow with sparse vegetation. A substantial, warm meal will be served and we suggest that you jump into your sleeping bag as soon possible. We will embark on our journey to the summit at midnight.

Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp: Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) — Barafu Camp (4,640 m) Hiking distance: 6 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation:Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Kosovo Camp (4,800 m) Hiking distance: 2 km Hiking time: 1–2 hours

DAY 7: Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

At midnight the trek begins from Barafu camp (4640) and start summiting Kilimanjaro up to the final steep of Uhuru Peak (5895 m). The challenge is high altitude, but climbing is relatively simple technically. Each pair of you will have a personal guide with whom will monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).

Note: Don’t forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

Trekking from Barafu Camp to Millennium Camp: Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — Millennium Camp (3,820 m) Hiking distance: 15 km Hiking time: 8–12 hours

DAY 8: Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

This morning you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the pleasure of reaching the summit. After breakfast, you will head to Mweka Gate for the park’s exit (1,650 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.

Trekking from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate:

Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) — Mweka Gate (1,650 m) Hiking distance: 12 km Hiking time:4–5 hours

DAY 9: Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 am, an in case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

TOUR PRICE TABLE

7 – Days Climbing 2 Days in hotel	1 Pax	2 Pax	3 Pax	4 Pax	5 Pax	6 Pax
LEMOSHO ROUTE

Classic is the right balance between the appropriate price for majority of travelers and high level services, comfortable hotel accommodation and qualified mountain support crew of guides and porters, who carry all your luggage, set tents, cook meals and settle all the issues that occur during the hike. Assorted nourishment consists of first course, second course with several kinds of meat and fish, great variety of drinks and starters, together with fresh vegetables and fruits. The hike will become a pleasant journey to the highest point of Africa-the summit of Kilimanjaro.

The climb cost includes:

Meeting at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to the hotel in Arusha

Accommodation before and after the climb (including breakfast and sharing a twin room);

Transfer to the trail head;

Professional mountain crew. All guides have “Wilderness First Responder” and “Wilderness First Aid” certificates, along with over 7 years of experience in climbing. Each participant will be provided with a porter (who can carry up to 15 kg of personal baggage)

Kilimanjaro National Park permits and rescue fees;

Camping/hut fees;

3 square meals daily. The menu includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian options are available upon request;

Modern mountain hardware EV-3 tents;

Oxygen systems and pulse oximeters;

First aid kit;

Warm and comfortable sleeping pads (2 inches thick);

Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);

Meeting the group at the National Park exit and transfer to the hotel;

International certificates for a successful ascent;

Return transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.

Basic tour package price includes sharing a twin room. If you need a single bed accommodation only, you should contact a manager a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the start of the tour.

** During the climb you will share a tent with 1-2 other climbers, depending on the number of participants. If you need an individual tent, please, contact our manager. Single accommodation at sleeping huts on Marangu is impossible.