The Lemosho route approaches the mountain from the west and is used by very few trekkers making it one of the secluded routes on Kilimanjaro. The first couple of days through the rain forest gives the climbers an extremely exciting experience with possibilities of seeing wildlife. Lemosho is a difficult route, but the added days on the lower slopes of the mountain make this an ideal route for altitude acclimatization.
Lemosho is probably the most varied and most beautiful scenically as it ascends through the rainforest, crosses the spectacular Shira Plateau, and also visits the great Barranco wal and Lava Toweron the Machame route. Trekkers confident of their fitness and enjoy camping out for long periods without fatigue, this route offers the greatest adventure variation thus the ideal choice for them. It is also recommended for those who value proper altitude acclimatization and looking for a lesser travelled route.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Moshi
Upon arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Meet your climbing guide for briefing and final gear check. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Moshi – Mti Mkubwa camp (9,020ft/2750m)
Drive to Londorossi Park Gate then on to the Lemosho glades to the trailhead at 6,890 ft/2100m. Walk through the forest to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa - Shira plateau camp (11,480ft/3500m)
Trek across several streams in the heather zone of the mountain and cross the Shira Ridge on to the Shira Plateau where we camp for the night.
Day 4: Shira plateau - Shira hut (12,470ft/3800m)
This day’s trek is a gentle one across the plateau to Shira Hut camp on moorland meadows zone. The afternoon can be used for walks on the plateau which helps climbers to acclimatize.
Day 5: Shira hut - Barranco campsite (12,960ft/3950m)
Head eastward to a junction where we continue to Lava Tower Campsite (14,760ft/4500m), then descend to Barranco camp thus allowing your body to adjust to altitude change. Take the day’s rest here.
Day 6: Barranco camp - Barafu camp (15,090ft/4600m)
Across the Karanga Valley and ascend to Barafu campsite. Have dinner and take the day’s rest ready for the hike to the summit. Note: An extra day for acclimatization can be added by staying overnight at Karanga camp then proceed to Barafu camp the next day.
Day 7: Barafu camp-Summit(19,340ft/5895m)-Mweka
Start at mid-night for the Summit (Uhuru peak) arriving at sunrise. Descend back to Barafu for breakfast then further down to Mweka Hut. Have lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing.
Day 8: Mweka hut - Moshi
After Breakfast, descend to the park gate where a vehicle awaits for onward travel or catch flight back home.