7 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek

7 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek

Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. An added bonus is that climbers will encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. Descent is made via the Mweka route

The seven day Lemosho variation is preferred over the six day option because it breaks up day two into two days, providing better acclimatization and a more gradual ascent. On the seven day route, we walk from Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 on day two, a reasonable altitude gain of 2,000 feet. Then on day three, we continue from Shira Camp 2 to the little used Moir Hut, at 13,800 feet. Overall the exposure to this altitude will help prepare the body for higher altitudes coming on the following days.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania

Your driver will be waiting to meet at the airport and take you to your hotel to relax after your flight. Your  guide will meet you at the hotel for gear check and climb briefing.

Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

Depart for Londorossi Gate.Then drive to the Lemosho. Eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

DAY 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1

Continue on the trail from Forest Camp  leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. 

DAY 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut

A gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glacier peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity.

DAY 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

We continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo towards the Lava Tower. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight.

DAY 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

DAY 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. At Stella Point , you will stop for a short rest. From Stella Point it is 1-hour ascent to the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch.

DAY 7: Mweka Camp to Town

We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will drive you back to the hotel 

DAY 8:Departure 

Your trip in Tanzania is now over. Today we drive you to the airport for your departure