Lemosho route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west. The low traffic is experienced by the hikers till it merges with the Machame route. Then both the routes become the same while passing through the Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. The total days required for this route is 7, but 8 days is recommended as it will give more chance to acclimatize and achieve the summit.
Lemosho offers various scenic views all through its path starting from the rainforest, the spectacular Shira Plateau and the view points of the southern circuit. Lemosho has low crowds until it combines with Machame. Lemosho is highly recommended and it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season from Longido game controlled area.
Because the starting point is far from Moshi, it is more expensive to climb this route due to the added transportation cost of getting hikers to the gate. A vehicle is used to bring hikers to the gate, where the trail begins in the montane rainforest. Lemosho trekkers have a longer distance to shield in the tropical rain forest ecosystem than other routes, and as a result hikers do not exit the rainforest until the end of day two. This plan means Kili Step 2 Safaris the Lemosho route is a longer route, usually taking 7 to 8 days to complete.
Destination | Kilimanjaro National Park |
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Duration | 7 Days 6 Nights |
Tour Type | Climbing, Hiking, Trekking |
Accommodation Type | Camping |
Group Size | No size limit |
Tour Guides Language: | English |
Starting Point: | Airport / Moshi / Arusha |
Ending Point: | Airport / Moshi / Arusha |
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Lemosho Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
After early morning breakfast, you will begin your ascent out of the rainforest and into the heather moorland zone. At Shira 1 you will have break for hot lunch before heading to shira 2 camp You will cross many streams and walk over a plateau Kili Step 2 Safaris leads to Shira 2 Camp (3840m). At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the East.
Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.
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” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp.
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. 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.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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 you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit.
Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
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 will meet a driver at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
Included |
Private pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro international airport. Pre & Post Trek accommodation Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees 4 Season big sleeping mountain tents Double layered Sleeping Mats Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters Transportation to & from the mountain gate 3 meals daily while on the mountain Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO) Filtered water throughout the trek Government taxes VAT 18% on park entrance fees Salary for the Guides,porters,Cooks |
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Excluded |
Flights Personal expenses such as beverages (other than those included with meals, as listed in each itinerary) Tips to mountain crew Laundry Services Insurance Costs of visas |