LEMOSHO

The Lemosho Route is the longest and arguably most scenic route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Tour operators offer a range of package options, but most commonly the Lemosho Route takes 7-8 days to complete. The Lemosho Route starts with a long drive to the Londorossi Gate and then heads west across the Shira Plateau. From here, the route joins up with the Machame Route and climbers descend via the Mweka Route.
 

Major Considerations

When selecting the Lemosho Route, there are several key factors to consider. One of the most important is the itinerary. Remember, the longer the climb, the higher your chances of success as your body acclimatizes more effectively with a gradual altitude gain. Another vital consideration is the number of days on the mountain. Although the Lemosho Route is longer, it is less steep than the other routes, allowing for easier acclimatization to the altitude.

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Tradeoffs and Challenges

One of the most significant advantages of the Lemosho Route is that it has fewer climbers than other routes, providing a more peaceful and relaxed climb with fewer crowds. As a result, it allows for more time to appreciate the beautiful scenery, relax, and soak up the landscape. However, one of the challenges of climbing the Lemosho Route is its cost. The longer route and fewer climbers lead to higher costs. Additional costs such as park fees and tips for the guides and porters should also be expected. Finally, the Lemosho Route is a demanding climb requiring good physical fitness, endurance, and strength. Climbers need to be prepared to walk through several challenging terrains, including steep inclines, rocky paths, and higher altitudes.

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Impact

When making decisions about climbing the Lemosho Route, it is imperative to consider the impact on the environment. The Lemosho Route is an ecologically sensitive area, and climbers need to be careful not to litter, disturb the natural environment or contribute to its degradation in any way. Ensure that you choose an operator that adheres to sustainable trekking standards, such as proper waste management, and follows the leave-no-trace principles.

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ITIRENARY

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Day 1 - Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp

 

The Lemosho Route begins at Londorossi Gate, you'll complete entry formalities and drive to the beginning of the Lemosho trailhead.  From here, you'll embark on a relatively gentle hike through pristine rainforest until you reach Big Tree Camp (also known as Mti Mkubwa).

 

This is one of the shorter days on the climb and is designed to help your body acclimatize to the altitude. You'll cover approximately 7km during this stage of the climb and gain around 700m in elevation.

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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

Hiking Time:  3-4 hours

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Habitat: Rain Forest

 

Day 2 - Big Tree Camp to Shira Camp 1

On day two, you'll continue your ascent through lush forest landscapes before emerging into moorland areas with stunning views over Shira Plateau. This is a more challenging day, with a steep climb up to Shira Ridge and then a descent to your camp for the night, Shira Camp 1.

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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft

Hiking Time:  5-6 hours

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Habitat: Health

 

Day 3 - Shira Camp 1 to Moir Hut

On day three, you'll walk through Shira Plateau exploring the beauty of the moorland meadows and towards Shira 2 Camp.  We will devert from the mail route and head towards Moir Hut which is located at the base of Lent Hills.  This site is less used and you'll have some opportunities to take walks on Lent Hills and Shira Plateau for acclimatization.

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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft

Hiking Time:  5-7 hours

Distance: 11 km/7 miles

Habitat: Health

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Day 4 –  Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Today you will be hiking up to Lava Tower, and then down to Barranco Camp.  Once you reach Lava Tower, you will then descend through  the beautiful Senecio Forest to Barranco Camp. Even though this hike begins and ends at the same elevation, it still provides many benefits for acclimatization. This hike also allows you to take in some of the amazing scenery that Kilimanjaro has to offer. 

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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft

Hiking Time:  4-5 hours and descent 2-3 hours

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Habitat: Alpine Desert

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Day 5 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

You'll be hiking through an alpine desert environment and a variety of terrain, beginning with a descent into a ravine and then a climb up the non-technical but steep Barranco Wall.

You'll continue on your hike by crossing a series of hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. From here, the final climb up to Karanga Camp begins. This day is typically shorter than others on the route and is meant for acclimatization. At Karanga Camp, you will have lunch and settle in for the night.

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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Hiking Time:  4 to 5 hours

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Habitat: Alpine Desert

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Day 6 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Hut, where you will spend the night and make your final summit attempt. You will be surrounded by lava towers, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are visible from here. The views will certainly motivate you to keep going and remind you of the incredible benefits of having undertaken such a journey. Once you reach Barafu Hut, take the rest of the day to relax and take in the surroundings before your summit attempt in the morning.  

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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

Hiking Time:  4 to 5 hours

Distance: 4 km/2 miles

Habitat: Alpine Desert

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Day 7 –  Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

The summit attempt is the most challenging part of the Shira Route. Starting around midnight, hikers will ascend more than 5,000 feet over a distance of 5 miles to reach Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft). Along the way, hikers will witness one of the most magnificent sunrises at Stella Point (18,900 ft). As you continue up the steepest section of the climb, trekking poles can be incredibly helpful as the trail is very rocky. Once you reach the peak, take some photos of your accomplishment and shortly, you will begin the descent straight down to Barafu for lunch. From there, you will make your way to Mweka Camp where dinner and sleep will be enjoyed at the end of the day. Keep in mind that Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

Hiking Time:  7-8 hours ascent and 4-6 hours descent

Distance: 17 km/10 miles

Habitat: Arctic and Rain Forest

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Day 8 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On the final day of the Kilimanjaro trek, you'll begin your descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. This section usually takes about 3-4 hours, as the trail is mostly downhill and well-maintained. At Mweka Gate, you will receive your Kilimanjaro certificate for completing the Shira Route. This is a great moment to pause and reflect on your accomplishment! From here, you'll board a vehicle for your ride back to  the hotel in Moshi.

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Accommodation: Camping (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Hiking Time:  -4 hours

Distance: 10 km/6 miles 

Habitat: Rain Forest

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