6-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho route Climbing, Trekking via Lemosho route variation is challenging because it is difficult to cover the distance and elevation in the allotted time. Specifically, on day 2, the journey from Forest Camp to Shira 2, is rather long and has an elevation gain of 3,000 feet. It would not be unusual for climbers to have symptoms of altitude sickness while only on the second day of the climb due to the quick pace.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
Elevation (ft): 7,800 ft to 9,500 ft, Distance: 6 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest. We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
Elevation (ft): 9,500 ft to 12,500 ft, Distance: 18 km, Hiking Time 8-10 hours, Habitat: Moorland. We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. From here, it is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Habitat: Semi Desert. From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.”
Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft, Distance: 9km, Hiking Time: 8-10 hoursHabitat: Alpine Desert. 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, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (ft): 15,300 ft to 19,345 ft (and down to 10,000 ft), Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent, Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent, Habitat: Arctic. 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.
This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit.
At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Moshi
Elevation (ft): 10,000 ft to 5,400 ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest. After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.
Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi at the hotel where you will overnight (BB).
Day of departure:Transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport.
6-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho route Climbing Includes
- Park fees,
- Camping fees
- Rescue fees
- Mattress
- 18% VAT on tour fees and services
- Transportation to and from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Pick up and drop off to Kilimanjaro Airport
- Accommodation before and after tour Kilimanjaro crane/ Key’s Lodge (BB)
6-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho route Climbing excludes
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Tips to mountain crew
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry Services
- A doctor for the group
- Alcoholic beverages
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra ($100 per toilet + toilet tent)