8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing – Lemosho Route

Lemosho route is one of the best routes for acclimatization. The route is less used and a beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau.

The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephant and other wildlife.

The minimum duration for the Lemosho route is 6 days, however we strongly recommend hiking the route in 8 days. The additional 8th day will give your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the effects of altitude sickness and give you more time to rest before attempting the summit.

Day 1: Arusha to Londorosi Gate (2200m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2780m)
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorosi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp(2780m) to Shira 1 Camp(3505m)
You can begin your day early, with a satiating breakfast and a gradual climb upwards to 3500 meters. For the first time in your Kilimanjaro climb on the Lemosho route, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano.

The path between Mti Mkubwa Camp and Shira Camp is easier in comparison. In about 5-6 hours you can complete the trek, which takes you to a high altitude camp lying at nearly 3505 m.

On reaching the camp, you begin your acclimatization processes, which is a prerequisite for the successful completion of the trek. A tasty hot lunch would soon follows these processes, so you can rest and explore the neighbouring lands for the rest of the day.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp(3505m) to Shira 2 Camp(3900m)
The 8-day program of hiking Kilimanjaro up the Lemosho Route promises something new every day. On the third day, you depart from Shira 1 Camp (3505 m) towards the Shira 2 Camp (3900m). This short-distance trek is smooth and comprises mild trekking experiences, with the effervescent flora of the Kilimanjaro moorland accompanying you throughout.

If you’ve been yearning to have a clearer view of Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth summit, the Shira 2 Camp is where you can fulfil your dream. However, the weather should be good enough to help you enjoy the spectacular views at ease.

On reaching the camp, you can enjoy a hot lunch. You’re left with nearly two hours for rest, after which you can end your acclimatization hike towards the Lava Tower Camp. Here, you can gain 300 meters in altitude!

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp(3900m) – Lava Tower(4630m) – Barranco Camp(3960m)

You can leave the Shira 2 Camp (3900 м) after having breakfast. The next part of your journey shall entail the key point of the Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route. This topsy turvy route encompasses several ascents and descents, which reach the camp at an elevation of 4600 meters.

There may be challenges in reaching the spot owing to the twisted nature of the route. It is however, imperative to take up these challenges and head towards the camp where you can successfully acclimatize yourself for the rest of the 8-day climb. You can have your lunch and spend the next few hours there.

The next leg of the trek takes you towards the Barranco Camp (3690 m) from where you can see the famous Barranco Wall. This is a beautiful aspect of the trek, renowned for its steep height and huge size. The next day’s path will feature climbing this wall, but you needn’t worry as you will enjoy a simpler hike.

Day 5: Barranco Camp(3960m) to Karanga Camp (4035m)
The challenges of the next Lemosho Route distance are also quite invigorating. You can look forward to a great start of the day by waking up to an early breakfast. The ascent to the Barranco Wall is not hard, and you should be able to end it within an hour. You’ll be near the Kibo Volcano, where you can take pictures and rest for some time.

The challenging hike to Karanga Camp begins here, where you can come across the numerous twists and turns in this route. Don’t worry about the level of difficulty however, since our guides are adept at choosing the most simplified route options for you.

You can enjoy a freshly cooked, warm lunch on reaching the camp, after which you can go ahead with an acclimatization hike. This hike will be in the direction of Barafu Camp, where you get a 200-meter gain in altitude. You can then get downslope to the camp and rest your fatigued muscles.

Day 6: Karanga Camp(4035m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
After a challenging day of hiking, the 6th day of your Kilimanjaro Climb up the Lemosho Route will entail ascending towards the Barafu Summit Camp. This is the starting point for conquering the Uhuru Peak. Once you reach this spot, you can at once relax in the tents, replete with sleeping bags and essentials. Our team makes it a point to set up everything for you beforehand, so you can maximize the excitement, without having to lose any time.

You can rest for a short while, before heading towards the lying amidst Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) and back for acclimatization. It is best to spend the rest of your time resting and preparing yourself for the night summiting.

Day 7: Barafu Camp(4640m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Barafu Camp(4640m) to Millennium Camp(3820m)

At night, you will be departing for the Barafu Camp (4640m) where you can start climbing Uhuru Peak. Though the climb is simple, the high altitude makes things a little more challenging. Our personal guides will accompany every pair of climbers for the remaining ascension. These guides will ensure your physical and mental conditions.

This is nearly the last leg of the program, from where you can begin your descent. It is a good time to look back at your wearisome travails in the past few days and relive the lovely memories of a successful summit.

You can go downslope to the nearest glacier from this point, from where you can go back to the Barafu Camp and return towards the Millennium Camp, at 3820 m.

Day 8: Millennium Camp(3820m) to Mweka Gate (1650m) to Hotel
The Millennium Camp lies in the tropical rainforest, which will be a good spot to enjoy the last bit of your Kilimanjaro trek through the Lemosho Route. Here, you can savour a quick, warm breakfast and head towards the exit of the park – Mweka Gate (1650m).

Upon completion of your descent, you will receive an overwhelming amount of congratulatory wishes from your group. This is a good chance to share your opinions about the Lemosho Route 8 day climb in your guest book. We will also provide you with certificates to commemorate your successful Kilimanjaro climb.

Avocet Tanzania Safaris vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha, where you will take a hot shower and relaxation. End of services

ATS PRICE LIST: 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS MT KILIMANJARO – LEMOSHO ROUTE

Mountain Clothing:
* Warm, windproof jacket with hood.
* Waterproof jacket and over trousers.
* Walking trouser, long sleeve, shirts and pullovers.
* Warm underwear, Good comfortable walking boots.
* Training shoes {for evening}. *Gaiters.
* Sun hat, * Warm hat or balaclava, *Scarf.

Mountain Equipment
* Good warm sleeping bag a must
* Water bottle {1 to 2 liters}
* Water purification tablets/solution {and filter}
* Wash kit, towel and toilet papers.
* First aid kit {including blister plaster, headache tablets, sun cream, lip
salve, personal medication.
* Torch, Sun glasses, walking poles.

Click here for our tipping guidelines.