A favourite of ours, this route starts out in West Kilimanjaro. Enjoy fantastic panoramas as you trek across the Shira Plateau before joining up with the Machame route for a steady approach to the summit.
We always recommend you have at least 1 day in town before starting your trek. This gives you time to rest, relax and prepare. On this day we make sure you meet your guide(s) so that they are able to check all your gear, we can rent anything else that you require and you have the opportunity to ask them any questions you may have!
This route, favoured by those preferring a quieter ascent, takes you through beautiful landscapes that change each day, with some of the best views found on Kilimanjaro. Along with the views, Lemosho can boast some of the best wildlife, especially birdlife, of all the routes. At approx. 46km, it is one of the longest routes on Kilimanjaro… but don’t let that put you off- you start out at higher elevation and take it pole pole (slowly slowly), giving you the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak! This route can also be done over 8 days with the extra day giving you a better chance to acclimatise.
Day 1: Start: Lemosho Starting Point (2385m) Finish: Big Tree Camp (2708m)
The starting point of the Lemosho climb is located some distance from Moshi town (approximately 2 hours’ drive). We’ll get you straight into African life with a preliminary African massage (a term of endearment we have for the not-so-great road) on the way out to your start point. You will have fantastic views out of the window driving through rural Tanzanian scenery. Upon arrival at the Londorossi gate we will pay your park fees, and drive slightly further to the starting point at 2385m where you will don your day pack and start walking. Today is by no means a strenuous hike hours but gives you time to adjust into your walking pace… and plenty of opportunities to look up hoping to spot some black and white colobus monkeys in the forest. A lucky few may even spot buffalo or even elephant! Today you will overnight at MtiMkubwa (literal translation= big tree) camp, so called because of the large conifer trees, providing shade over the camp, one of the most picturesque on the mountain.
Day 2: Start: Big Tree (2708) Finish: Shira 2 Camp (3840m)
Your longest day of walking is always among the favourites from our trekkers as you leave the forested glades to emerge out into moorland with fantastic views to the Shira plateau, but more importantly the magnificent peak of Kibo. Your guide will make sure you are going at a slow pace, to ward off any altitude sickness. The day starts with lots of small ups and downs, before climbing to the top of a ridge. You will head eastwards along this ridge with views over to Ngare Nairobi River and the emergency 4 x 4 track. Following your lunch stop you will be able to see your trekking path laid out ahead across the Shira plateau. Descend down to your camp at Shira 2, located by a moorland stream where your chef will be cooking up a storm to reward your hard efforts.
Day 3: Start: Shira 2 Camp (3840m) to Barranco Camp (3950m) via Lava Tower (4600m)
Your final morning on the quieter Lemosho route before joining up with the Machame trekkers later on. You will emerge from the valleys peppered with lobelia and heather covering the ground to find yourself in the alpine desert ecosystem, with lichen covering every rock. The first few hours are steady uphill walking. This is best taken slowly as today is often the first day some may feel the symptoms of altitude sickness. Although after joining up with Machame route there is a shorter route to camp (which you will see porters and chefs running along) we take you on a diversion to Lava Tower Rock (alt. 4600m) to give you extra acclimatisation. From Lava Tower it’s all downhill to Barranco camp- feeling the chill where that cup of warm soup to start your dinner will be all the more welcome.
Day 4: Start: Barranco Camp (3980m) to Karanga Camp (4035m)
A shorter day, giving you a good chance to adjust but still a little challenge just when you leave the camp as you climb up what has been nicknamed the ‘breakfast rock’. It’s all worth it though as at the top of this rock you can have a great view to Kibo peak and its magnificent glaciers, whilst at the same time in the other direction you’ll be able to see Mt Meru. This day also includes a lot of ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ until you reach the valley which marks the last point for water passing on the Machame route. Head back up the valley to Karanga camp where you can relax for the afternoon before dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Start: Karanga Camp (4035m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
During your trekking this day you will find the trail to get steadily steeper all the way to Barafu camp. On the way you will pass over the volcanic rocks from previous explosions of this volcano and you will be able to view the entire landscape of the mountain. You will arrive at Barafu camp around 1pm for a hot lunch and then rest up and get some sleep in preparation for your summit night! Although during the day time it can be a little hot at this time, the Barafu or ‘ice’ camp really lives up to its name once the sun goes down.
Summit Night: Your friendly guide will give you a warm wakeup call at approximately 11pm (depending how well you have fared so far you may get up earlier or later!). From here you will start your ascent to the summit. This is the final push to the top and so your guide will take you at a much slower pace compared to your trekking the previous days, to make sure you have the best chance of getting to the peak, giving your body time to cope with the high altitude. Once you reach Stella Point at 5735m you really have almost made it- only another 45 minutes until you will find yourself at Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Enjoy your time here, take in what will surely be your most memorable sunrise and celebrate with your guide.
Day 6: Start: Summit (5895m) to Mweka Camp (3080m)
From the summit you will descend back down to Barafu Camp where you will be welcomed by the rest of the crew and enjoy a short break and breakfast. Here you can have a nap for a couple of hours if you wish and depending on the time you arrive. From Barafu Camp you will make your way down to Mweka Camp, passing from desert to moorland terrain. You will reach Mweka Camp at approximately 5pm. There’s always a great atmosphere at camp this night – the hard work is over and now you can pat yourself on the back! Celebrations won’t go on for too long as you will no doubt want to head into the tent early.
Day 7: Start: Mweka Camp (3080m) to Mweka Gate (1800m)
Passing through the montane forest, similar to your first day trekking, you will make your way down to Mweka Gate, stopping to watch the monkeys and spot turaco birds or hornbills. Upon reaching the gate you will sign out and exit Kilimanjaro National Park. From here you will be picked up by our company transport and transferred back to our office in town where you will be presented with you certificate before returning to your hotel for a well-deserved rest!
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