9 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Lemosho Route

9 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Lemosho Route

The lesser-known Lemosho route begins on the western side of Mt Kilimanjaro. The first 2 days of the tour cross the thick rainforest belt which then changes into heath and moorland with many ferns and ericas along the way. The small trail sometimes has very steep passages and goes through diverse landscapes. On the third day, the trail joins the Machame route. Compared to the Marangu and the Rongai route, the Lemosho route is more challenging.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha

Stop At: Summit Safari Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to theGreen Hills of Africa in Usa River, close to Arusha. . The rest of the day will be at leisure and you may choose to relax at the hotel or perhaps explore the town of Arusha (taxi required). In the evening, you will attend a briefing in preparation of your upcoming trek.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Summit Safari Lodge

Day 2: Arusha – Starting point – Big Tree Camp (2,780 m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
In the morning, you will be picked up at the Green Hills of Africa and taken to the Londorossi Gate (2,250 m). Here you will be registered by the national park authorities. Then you will drive an approximate 15 km on a bumpy track that will take you into the dense rainforest to the drop-off point where your trek begins. You will follow a moderately steep track, which leads you through an amazing and unspoilt natural forest to the Big Tree Camp (2,780 m). This camp is about 2½ hours away and it’s your destination for today. As this region is also home to wild game, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger during the first 2 days of your trek.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight a Big Tree Camp

Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2,780 m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Today’s long trek starts on a small trail that passes through the rainforest. As one climbs, the forest gradually thins out and the landscape changes into heath and moorland where plants like ericas and lobelia start to dominate the landscape. You will cross the Shira Ridge and after 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you will reach the Shira Camp 1. Here you will stop for lunch, relax a bit and enjoy the fantastic views of Mt Meru and the Rift Valley. For the last part of the climb (approximately 3 hours), you will climb another 400 m in altitude
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Shira camp 2

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m) – Lava Tower (4,640 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Today you will climb approximately 740 m but you will spend the night at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatise, as a height of over 4,600 m will be reached before descending again. In doing so, you will be able to see how your body reacts to such an altitude. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower (4,640 m). The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to alpine desert. The climb passes through the wide Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours’ walking, you will arrive at the Barranco Camp – perhaps the most beautiful camp on Kilimanjaro
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Barraco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Karanga Camp (4,035 m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Today’s trekking leg has many ascents and descents and shortly after the start, you will tackle the steepest part of the entire route – the Barranco Wall. Every now and then, you may need your hands to hold on as there are no climbing “paths”. Safety is paramount and your guides will assist you whenever necessary. After reaching the top of Barranco Wall, you will walk along the mountain ridge. From here you will have fantastic views of the southern glacier of Kibo as well as of the Kibo summit. You will get to Karanga Camp around lunch time.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
After breakfast you will walk along a trail that passes through an alpine desert area until you reach the destination of today – the Barafu Camp. This camp is situated at an altitude of 4,640 m and will be reached in about 3 to 4 hours. In the afternoon you can relax and stretch your legs in preparation of the upcoming summit night. You will have dinner early in order to catch a few hours’ sleep, before you will be woken up at around midnight.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Barafu Camp

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,080 m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
After some hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at around midnight. By torchlight you will start walking on the lava ash that is still frozen. After 5 to 7 hours you will arrive at Stella Point, the crater rim of Mt Kilimanjaro. Another 1 to 2 hours climb along the crater ridge will lead you to the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). From “Africa’s Roof”, you will be able to see the surrounding landscape being lit up by the rising sun – a truly liberating experience. After a short break and taking photos, you will return to Barafu Camp just before midday where the rest of the crew will be waiting for you. You will have a warm lunch and rest for about 1 to 2 hours before you make our way down to the Mweka Camp (3,080 m) about 3 hours away.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Arusha

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the Ngurudoto Mountain Lodge where you can enjoy a warm shower. The rest of the day is free to rest or to celebrate your
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Summit Safari Lodge

Day 9: Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport

Stop At: Summit Safari Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.