Lemosho route is one of the less used routes up the Kilimanjaro Hiking Expedition. This makes it to have a beautiful unspoilt way, up-to the Shira Plateau while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also one of the difficult but yet scenic routes with different habitats and stunning views.
Kilimanjaro Hiking Expedition Highlights
- Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp
- Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Moir Hut
- Day 4: Moir Hut – Barranco Camp
- Day 5: Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp
- Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
- Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa
Our company representative will pick you from your hotel after breakfast and you depart Arusha / Moshi for Londorossi Gate from where you will register and complete all the necessary formalities. Thereafter, drive to the Lemosho route trailhead and start your ascent to Kilimanjaro’s roof walking through the beautiful lush green forest leading you to the first camp, Mti Mkumbwa Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, you will continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a moorland zone. The trees become grass as you approach this zone. As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, the trail begins to gradually steepen as you ascend the Shira Ridge to the top of the beautiful Shira Plateau. You will have short breaks to rest and enjoy the scenic views that grace the Lemosho route. Once you reach the edge of the plateau, you will be able to see the stunning views of Kibo. From here, it is only a short descent to Shira 1 camp where you will have your dinner and spend the night.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Moir Hut
Early morning breakfast and then you explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a less frequented camp on Kilimanjaro situated at the base of Lent Hills, used by hikers on the Lemosho route. Walks to Lent Hills will offer you excellent opportunities for body acclimatization. Settle in, dinner and overnight stay at Moir Hut.
Day 4: Moir Hut – Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you will continue your ascent East wards up a ridge and then South East towards the Lava Tower where you will take a break, have your lunch and continue your hike around the South Western side of the mountain. Enjoy the views of different vegetation patterns / plants along the trails. After a long day of hiking, you will finally descend to picturesque Baranco camp blessed with the view of the great Barranco wall that you will hike first thing the next morning. Dinner and overnight stay at Barranco camp.
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp
Early wake up and morning breakfast then walk up to the base of the Barranco wall. Quit intimidating to the eye but needs no technical skill to hike up the wall. Reaching the top, you will have a very short break to enjoy the view and then cross a series of hills and valleys until you descend sharply into Karanga Valley where you will have a break and enjoy your lunch meal.
You will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail and continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut completing the Southern Circuit. Enjoy the stunning views of the summit from this point, weather permitting. Have an early dinner and go to bed early to get enough rest, as you will attempt your final summit ascent tonight. Expect a very cold night at this camp. Dinner and overnight at Barafu “ice” Camp.
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Wake up call at 23:30 hrs or mid-night, and you will begin your final ascent to the summit after having a hot cup of tea. This is the most physically challenging portion of the trek. The coldness at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. You will ascend slowly but steadily with short breaks to arrive at Stella Point at dawn for a breathtaking sunrise weather permitting.
After a short break here, we continue the hike and finally arrive at Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Time spent at the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Take pictures and have a short rest before we start our descent. Begin your rocky descent to Mweka Camp via Barafu Camp for some rest and lunch. You will arrive late in the afternoon, relax, and have your dinner and a much deserved rest.
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
Early morning breakfast and descent to Mweka gate through the lush green forest. Expect some wildlife sightings, some rain and muddy paths. Reach the gate and receive your certificates of this great once in a lifetime accomplishment. Even those who make it only up-to Stella point, also get certificates. After, your driver will transfer you to Mweka village for lunch and thereafter drop you at your hotel in Arusha / Moshi for more celebrations, dinner and overnight stay.
