In this Lemosho route, We offer a seven-day and an eight-day climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro using the Lemosho route.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route is a challenging and rewarding experience. This route is considered one of the most scenic and least crowded options for reaching the summit of Africa’s highest mountain.
The Lemosho route starts on the western side of the mountain and takes about 7-10 days to complete, depending on the pace of the group. The first few days involve a gradual ascent through the lush rainforest and alpine moorland, where hikers can spot various wildlife and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
As the trail progresses, the vegetation becomes sparser and the air thinner, making the climb increasingly difficult. However, the breathtaking panoramic views of the summit and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top make it all worth it. Overall, the Lemosho route offers a unique blend of natural beauty and physical challenge, making it a popular choice for those looking to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro.
Arrive in to Kilimanjaro or if travelling overland arrive into Moshi. This is the start date for the Kilimanjaro climb advertised above. Relax and overnight stay in hotel
We leave the Hotel and drive to the Londorossi Gate (2385m), which can take 3 hrs and if there has been a lot of rain the last section is on foot due to poor roads. Meet the team of porters, guides etc and upward to Big Tree Camp (2700m), 3 hours through forest.
We make our way further through the forest then out on to open heath land reaching camp at Shira Plateau 1.
Relatively short day from Shira Plateau 1 to Shira Plateau 2 but a good day in terms of rest if you have any fitness concerns, or are new to mountaineering.
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp traversing the mountain over two valleys and skirting the base of the summit massif. High desert environment with amazing rock formations, quite exposed to the weather, dropping into the Barranco Valley right beneath the Western Breach. This day ascends a maximum of 700 metres but the net gain is only about 100 metres.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley, starting with a scramble over the Barranco Wall and over a further two valleys to get to this open campsite with great views of the Heim Glacier. Another up and down day but no net gain in height, which is all good for acclimatisation.
Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp, now heading more directly upwards towards the open rock and colder temperatures. This is the average freezing level on the mountain and Barafu means ‘ice’. Camping in amongst the rocks and an early night.
Night-time ascent on rock and scree, occasional snow, to the crater rim and the summit. Cold temperatures with windchill. Final slope to the crater rim is steeper and has loose scree. Descend in sunlight to Barafu for early lunch, and then walk to Millennium Camp, normally arriving mid-afternoon.
Meet Drive at the gate for transport back to the hotel, arriving normally at about 2pm. The gate is where tips are handed out and you say goodbye to the mountain staff. A hot shower and an afternoon relaxing before an overnight in the hotel
Please note:
All accommodation is on sharing basis (i.e. you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room in the hotel and a tent during the hike. If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer).
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