9 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Via Lemosho Route.
Duration
9 Days
Location
Mt.Kilimanjaro
Pickup Location
Kilimanjaro Int. Airport (KIA)
Group Size
Unlimited
Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro
There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes except Marangu descend via Mweka.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Lemosho Route
As a newer route, it is more remote and arguably more beautiful, but a bit longer and slightly more expensive. It starts on the Western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate which is a further drive from town, and was introduced as an alternative to the Shira route.
After beautiful forests and moorlands it crosses the Shira Plateau on day 3 to connect with the Machame Route at Lava Tower and down towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit. You may be lucky enough to see buffalo, elephants and other game. Because this route can be done over a longer period of time for acclimatization, it has a higher success rate of summit.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Scenery: Excellent
- Traffic: Medium.
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Full Tour Itinerary
Participating guests will be picked up by the staff of Mtallo Tours and Safaris from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). They will be driven to their accommodation in Arusha. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Kits and the necessary equipment will be checked as well.
Upon booking confirmation, Mtallo Tours and Safaris will provide a more detailed guideline regarding climate, clothing, footwear, baggage, and equipment among others so that participants can fully prepare prior to this activity.
After breakfast, we will depart for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 2 hours. Here you would have to fill out entry formalities. Afterwards, we will drive to the Lemosho trail-head (approximately one hour). Upon arrival at the trail-head, we will have our lunch and commence our walk through undisturbed forest which winds all the way to the first camp site.
- Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft.
- Distance: 6 km.
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.
- Habitat: Rain Forest.
- Main destination: Londorossi Gate.
We will continue walking through the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks 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. From here, you will witness an exhilarating view of Kibo from across the plateau.
- Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft.
- Distance: 8 km.
- Hiking Time 5-6 hours.
- Habitat: Moorland.
- Main destination: Foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro.
We will explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east towards Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
- Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft.
- Distance: 14 km.
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.
- Habitat: Moorland.
- Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro.
From the Shira Plateau, we will continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we will come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
- Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft.
- Distance: 7 km.
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.
- Habitat: Semi Desert.
- Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro.
After breakfast, we will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall all the way to the Karanga Valley campsite. This will be a short day of walking intended for acclimatization.
- Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft.
- Distance: 5km.
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.
- Habitat: Alpine Desert.
- Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro.
After breakfast, we will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail and then continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you would have completed the South Circuit, which offers stunning views of the summit from various angles. This is also where we will camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
- Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft.
- Distance: 4 km.
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.
- Habitat: Alpine Desert.
- Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro.
At around 2 am, we will continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We will head northwest and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point, we stop for a short rest and take in the magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. You may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you would have reached the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the whole continent of Africa.
From the summit, we descend straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site and stop at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we will have our last dinner claim our well-deserved sleep.
- Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft).
- Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent.
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent.
- Habitat: Arctic.
- Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro.
After breakfast, we will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy but gaiters and trekking poles will help. It is also best to keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. From the gate, you will continue for another hour to Mweka Village.
From there, a vehicle will meet you at mweka to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha where dinner and accommodation awaits. Now is the best time to celebrate!
CERTIFIED ETHICAL CLIMBING
We believe the tourism industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world’s natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and communities.
We actively promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
As a Partner for Responsible Travel, we are proud members and active supporters of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, (KPAP) an initiative of the International Mountain Explorers Connection, (IMEC).
KPAP raises public awareness regarding the proper treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro and assists climbing companies with implementing procedures that ensure fair and ethical treatment of their porters.
Every climb is audited to ensure crewmembers are provided proper salaries, tips, food, equipment and sleeping conditions.
Includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary.
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide.
- Proper Ratio of Mountain crew (Guide, Cook & Porters).
- Accommodation Before and After Kilimanjaro Trek (2 nights Bed and Breakfast B&B)
- Airport Transfers.
- Meals according to the itinerary.
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals during your trek.
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT.
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages.
- Gate Transfers.
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder.
- Wine on the last day of the trek.
- Kilimanjaro certificate.
Excludes
- Flights.
- Visa fees.
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation.
- Gamow Bag.
- Medication.
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended).
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain.
Tour Route Map
