Trip
Route Overview
Length: Approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles)
Duration: 7-8 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Scenery: Highly scenic with varied landscapes
Crowds: Less crowded compared to other routes
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)
Elevation: 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) to 2,650 meters (8,694 feet)
Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Time: 3-4 hours
Description: After registration at Londorossi Gate, a drive takes you to the trailhead. The hike begins in the lush montane forest, leading to Big Tree Camp.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) to 3,610 meters (11,841 feet)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Time: 5-6 hours
Description: The trail continues through the forest before opening up to the heather and moorland zones, ending at Shira 1 Camp on the Shira Plateau.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,610 meters (11,841 feet) to 3,850 meters (12,631 feet)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Time: 5-6 hours
Description: A relatively gentle hike across the Shira Plateau with expansive views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Elevation: 3,850 meters (12,631 feet) to 3,900 meters (12,795 feet)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Time: 6-8 hours
Description: Climb to the Lava Tower at 4,600 meters (15,091 feet) for acclimatization before descending to the Barranco Valley, where you'll camp at Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) to 4,035 meters (13,235 feet)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Time: 4-5 hours
Description: Navigate the Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding scramble, followed by a series of ups and downs through glacial valleys to Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035 meters (13,235 feet) to 4,640 meters (15,223 feet)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Time: 3-4 hours
Description: A shorter day, but steep ascent to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit push.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then descent to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640 meters (15,223 feet) to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), then down to 3,110 meters (10,204 feet)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles) ascent, 12 km (7.5 miles) descent
Time: 10-14 hours
Description: Midnight departure for the summit attempt. After reaching Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp for rest.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,110 meters (10,204 feet) to 1,640 meters (5,381 feet)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Time: 3-4 hours
Description: A final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive certificates and transfer back to Moshi.
Best Time to Climb
January to March: Cooler temperatures, fewer climbers.
June to October: Warmer, clearer weather but more crowded.
Highlights of the Lemosho Route
Scenic Beauty: Offers some of the most beautiful and varied scenery on Kilimanjaro.
Wildlife: Potential to see wildlife in the lower elevations.
Less Crowded: Quieter compared to the more popular Machame and Marangu routes.
Good Acclimatization: Longer route allows for better acclimatization, increasing summit success rates.
Preparation and Gear
Fitness: Adequate physical preparation is crucial.
Gear: High-quality hiking boots, layered clothing, sleeping bags, and trekking poles are essential.
Health Precautions: Be prepared for altitude sickness and have necessary medications..
