9 Days Lemosho
Route Map, Itinerary, Altitude, Distance & Time
At the beginning of this route we can choose whether we take a Shira route or we take a regular Lemosho route, because the two routes start parallel and get connected before Shira 2. From shira 2 they go all the way to Lava Tower where they separate.
This Kilimanjaro trekking route is quite new and so exciting in providing a higher acclimatization rate to the climbers. It gives one of the very useful strategies of acclimatization which is climb high and sleep low.
At the beginning of this route we can choose whether we take a Shira route or we take a regular Lemosho route, because the two routes start parallel and get connected before Shira 2. From shira 2 they go all the way to Lava Tower where they separate.
The Lemosho route start at Londorosi gate which is lying at 2,359M (7740feet) and hike to Mti Mkubwa for Camping which is 2,895 (9498Feet).
We suggest that we take the regular Lemosho route at the beginning and take our way at lava tower before heading to Moir Hut.
The Shira route start at Shira gate which is lying at 3,600M (11800feet) and overnight at Simba camp which is the same altitude as the starting point. At this case the climbers starting at Shira are about 1,240M higher than the Londorosi gate.
Day 1
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
| From Londorosi Gate 1 | To Mti Mkubwa Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation: 2359m = 7,742ft |
2895m = 9,498ft |
|
Distance Covered |
6Km = 4miles |
|
Hiking Time |
3 – 4 Hours |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
Day 2
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.
| From Mti Mkubwa Camp | To Shira 1 Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 2,895m = 9,498ft |
3,505m = 11,500ft |
|
Distance Covered |
8 Km = 5miles |
|
Hiking Time |
5 – 6 Hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Day 3
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
| From Shira 1 Camp | To Moir Hut |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,505m = 11,500ft |
4,139m = 13,580 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
11 km = 7 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
5 – 7 Hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Day 4
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.
| From Moir Hut | To Lava Tower | To Barranco Camp |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation 4,139m = 13,580 ft |
3,847m = 12,621ft |
3976m = 13,044 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
7 Km = 4miles |
3 km = 2 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4– 5 Hours |
2-3 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Alpine Desert |
Day 5
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 more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
| From Barranco Camp | To Buffalo Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,976m = 13,044ft |
3,995m = 13,106 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
5 km = 3 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4-5 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 6
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.
| From Karanga Camp | To Barafu Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,995m = 13,106ft |
4,672m = 15,331ft |
|
Distance Covered |
4 km = 2 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4 – 5 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 7
During normal morning hours, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend for several hours at a slow but steady pace while taking frequent, but short, breaks. The trail turns into heavy scree as we make the steep climb to the crater rim. At Stella Point (18,900 ft), we see the summit sign in the distance. We continue the around the crater rim until finally we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
We then descend a short distance to Crater Camp, where the rest of the staff will join us to set up camp. There is an option to hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit, or simply explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. Sleeping at this high altitude can be dangerous. Serious AMS can develop if adequate altitude acclimatization has not been achieved so the guides will monitor you very closely.
| From Barafu Camp | To Uhuru Peak | To Crater Camp |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation 4,673m = 15,331 ft |
5,895 = 19,341 ft |
5,750m = 18,865 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
5 Km = 3 miles |
1 km – 0.6 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
7-8 hours |
0.5 – 1 hours |
|
Habitat |
Arctic |
Arctic |
Day 8
From Crater Camp, 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.
| From Crater Camp | To Mweka Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 5,750m = 18,865ft |
3,068m = 10,065ft |
|
Distance Covered |
12 km = 7 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4-6 hours |
|
Habitat |
Arctic |
Day 9
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
| From Mweka Camp | To Mweka Gate |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,068m = 10,065ft |
1,640m = 5,380 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
10 km = 6 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
3 – 4 hours |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
NOTE:
The price includes:
- All park entry fees, tour charges and respective taxes as per itinerary,
- Camping Equipment (i.e. tents, chairs, mattresses),
- Food – 3 meals a day and refreshments,
- Trained Personal Cook,
- Trained and licensed English Speaking Mountain Guide,
- Mountain Porters,
- Transportation to/from the mountain,
- Airport transfers,
- Two nights bed and breakfast hotel accommodation in Moshi before and after climbing,
- Air and ground ambulance cover for medical evacuation services,
However, the price excludes:
- Crews tip,
- Climbing gears – e.g. sleeping bag, walking poles, rainy and warm stuff, etc,
- Personal expenses, such as visa fee, airport taxes, insurance policy, etc.