The Lemosho Route is one of the lesser-known and quieter routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This trail offers a unique approach, beginning on the western side of the mountain and traversing through diverse landscapes, providing ample time for acclimatization.
Embark on an extraordinary 9-day Lemosho route trek through the Northern Circuit, the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. This route combines the best elements of several other routes, offering stunning scenery, panoramic views, and a unique experience with minimal crowding.
The Lemosho Route is an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter and more remote trekking experience on Mount Kilimanjaro. The gradual ascent and diverse landscapes provide ample time for proper acclimatization, increasing the chances of a successful summit bid. However, the longer duration and remote nature of this route require thorough preparation and a higher level of physical fitness.
Highlights of the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route is an eight-day trek that starts from the Londorossi Gate, located in the western part of the mountain. This route offers a gradual ascent through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and glaciers, allowing climbers to enjoy the stunning scenery while properly acclimatizing to the high altitude.
- Duration: 8 days
- Distance: Approximately 70 km (43.5 miles)
- Scenery: Rainforests, alpine meadows, glaciers, and remote wilderness
Lemosho Route Itinerary
You will be greeted on arrival by our friendly JAMBO MAASAI TOURS TEAM who will transfer you to your hotel in either Moshi or Arusha. After meals or refreshments, mountain climbing briefing and climbing equipment inspection. Overnight at your Hotel on bed and breakfast basis.
You set out in vehicles to the starting point on the Lemosho route. At the gate, you meet the rest of the Crew and set off at a leisurely pace into Afromontane forest. Lunch is taken en-route and the camp is reached midafternoon. Overnight at Forest Camp.
From the forested slopes of Lemosho you descend through podocarpus and juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and Shira plateau. Lunch is taken on trail and you arrive in camp midafternoon. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
After a relatively long hike and significant altitude gain, this will be a short day and you arrive at Shira 2 Camp in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatization with the option of an afternoon walk with your Guides. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
The route to Lava Tower takes you out of the heath zone in to the alpine desert zone. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature which ranges and conditions that typify this zone. A half-day walk is taken where lunch is taken in Camp. In the afternoon, depending on the weather conditions, there is an option to scramble to the top of the nearby Lava Tower. Overnight at Lava Tower Camp.
The section to Karanga Camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatization and in the late afternoon, you arrive at the Camp. Sunset here is particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering 1,000 meters (over 3,000 feet) above you. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
You will have fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak from the camp after having completed a longer day of hiking which now requires you to adequately relax in preparation of the challenging summit hike early the following day. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting as a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight. Early dinner and early sleep ready for the summit. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Unlike other itineraries depending on the route used with a nighttime ascent, our hike selection will allow you a daytime ascent to Kibo Crater Camp. The hike is slow but with constant encouragement from your climb team to the rim of Kibo, proceeds descending a little way into the caldera to Kibo Crater Camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing and short walks can be taken with one of your Guides. Overnight at Kibo Crater Camp.
After a night at the Crater, you now have the shortest final Summit bid compared to other routes arriving at sunrise, which is quite spectacular. The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak amongst the freestanding mountains in the World. After taking some photographs and admiring the scenery, you then descend for a final night on the mountain to Millennium Camp passing through the heath zone. Endemic proteas, pollinated by malachite sunbirds are plentiful. Overnight at Millenium Camp (FULL BOARD).
After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and around mid-day, you arrive at Mwenka gate (depending on individual fitness) to collect certificates and meet the vehicle. After saying farewell to your Crew you will be taken for lunch at Moshi or for a day at leisure and evening transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
