8 Days Lemosho Route hike :The Lemosho hiking route is the newest and notably the most diverse path in terms of ecological systems and landscapes. The trail approaches Mount Kilimanjaro on the western side starting from Londrossi gate passing through the Shira plateau and joining the Machame route.
The Lemosho route is the most preferred route by trekkers and tour operators due to its unparalleled beauty, remoteness, and high success rate to the summit compared to other routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The Lemosho route also offers an isolated hiking experience due to the few crowds. The route can be trekked in 7 days; however, an 8-day climb is more recommended for better acclimatization results.
Along the trek, there is a chance to encounter some interesting wild animal species such as blue monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys.
Highlights
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree)
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga camp to Barafu Camp
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
Elevation: 2360 m to 2895 m
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 6 km
Habitat: Rainforest
Early morning after breakfast, we set off from Moshi to Londorossi gate for a briefing and registration by the park officials. You will start the trek through the dense rainforest and to Mti Mkubwa camp for about 3 to 4 hours. Dinner and overnight at Mt
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2895 m to 3505 m
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 8 km
Habitat: Heath
You will leave Mti Mkubwa Camp for Shira 1 Campsite at an altitude of 3505 m this hike will take you 5 to 6 hours of hiking through rainforest and moorland, rolling hills, and streams and you will proceed to Shira One Camp where you will spend the evening and have your dinner and a night stay.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3505 m to 4200 m
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
Distance: 11 km
Habitat: Heath
After a tasty cup of tea/coffee, you will embark on a hike from Shira 1 camp to Shira 2 across the Shira Ridge while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Rift Valley. Enjoy the ever-changing landscape which comes with breathtaking terrain where you will acclimatize.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 4200 m to 4630 m to 3976 m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours (Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower), 2 to 3 hours (Lava Tower to Barranco Camp)
Distance: 7 km (Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower), 3km (Lava Tower to Barranco camp)
Habitat: Alpine desert
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and later, begin trekking from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp at 3976m. You will navigate via the Lava Tower on a long ascent above the Shira Plateau and proceed to Barranco Valley while you explore its huge scenecias and smaller lobelia plants. You will enjoy dinner and spend the night at Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3976 m to 3995 m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Embark on a memorable trek to the popular Barranco Wall which is one of the steepest sections of the Lemosho route with mesmerizing views and you will continue to Karanga Camp for a relaxed dinner and night stay.
Day 6: Karanga camp to Barafu camp
Elevation: 3995 m to 4673 m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 4 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After having breakfast, you will leave Karanga Camp for Barafu Camp at 4673 m and hike for about 4 to 5 hours on this day. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery characterized by alpine desserts and views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks while at the Barafu camp where you will have your dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4673 m to 5895 m to 3068 m
Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours (Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak), 4 to 6 hours (Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp)
Distance: 5 km (Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak), 12 km (Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp)
Habitat: Arctic and Rainforest
Start your day very early in the morning at around midnight and hike for about 7 to 8 hours from Barafu camp to Uhuru Peak with a stopover at Stella Point. Here you have an opportunity to watch the sunrise over Mawenzi Peak as you continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m) which is the summit.
After spending time at Uhuru Peak, you will start descending to Barafu Camp where you will have lunch, and later hike to Mweka Camp where you will have your dinner and spend the night.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3068 m to 1640 m
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Rainforest
Your breakfast will be served at Mweka Camp ahead of the hike to Mweka Gate. For about 3 to 4 hours you will hike through the rainforest and then proceed to the park gate where you will receive your certificates before being transferred to your drop-off location.
End of hike
Note: In case you are interested in this trip, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@wildlife-encounters.com for more information.