8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

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Experience the ultimate adventure to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route with MJ Tours and Safaris. Nestled on the western side of the majestic peak, the Lemosho Route offers a newer and highly recommended trekking experience, renowned for its scenic beauty and excellent acclimatization opportunities.The Lemosho Route stands out for its breathtaking landscapes, showcasing the diverse beauty of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes. From lush rainforests to alpine meadows and rugged terrain, trekkers are treated to unparalleled views throughout their journey. This scenic backdrop not only adds to the adventure but also enhances the overall experience of climbing Africa’s highest peak.One of the key advantages of choosing the Lemosho Route is its optimal acclimatization strategy. With a longer duration compared to other routes, such as the Marangu or Machame, climbers have more time to adjust to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude-related illnesses and increasing the likelihood of reaching the summit, Uhuru Peak. Additionally, the gradual ascent of the Lemosho Route allows for a more comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience.For adventurers seeking an extra challenge, the Lemosho Route offers the option to include an overnight stay in Kibo Crater. This unique opportunity provides an unforgettable camping experience near the summit, adding an extra layer of excitement to the journey.At MJ Tours and Safaris, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional Kilimanjaro expeditions tailored to our clients’ needs. Our experienced guides are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to lead successful treks along the Lemosho Route, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our climbers throughout their journey.With customizable itineraries, comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals prepared by our experienced chefs, MJ Tours and Safaris provides everything you need for a memorable Kilimanjaro adventure. Experience the Lemosho Route and stand on the rooftop of Africa with MJ Tours and Safaris by your side.

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ITINERARY

Moshi Arrival
To make your trip as easy as possible, we can offer accommodation in Moshi before and after the Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Or if you’d prefer, you can stay at a hostel/hotel of your choice. We can also offer airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro Airport if required.A pre- Mount Kilimanjaro climb briefing will be arranged with one of our mountain guides to ensure that you have all the correct mountain climbing gear We’ll also talk you through what will be expected during the climb and share all our best secrets for conquering the highest point of Africa "Uhuru Peak"
Day 1: Lemosho Trailhead (2,000m/6,600ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp – 2,800m/9,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 800 metres / 2,500 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hostel/hotel and driven to Londrosi Gate (which is approximately 3 hours from Moshi). After registration, you will then drive a further 12km on a forest track that leads to the Lemosho Route starting point. From here you will enter the beautiful and undisturbed rainforest to begin your ascent up the mountain. This is by no means a difficult trek, but it will give you plenty of time to adjust and witness some of Tanzania’s wildlife. Sightings of Black and White Colobus monkeys and small antelopes are quite common, and you may even be lucky enough to spot buffalos and elephants too. After 3 to 4 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp because of the large conifer trees that provide shade over the campsite.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,800m/9,100ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,500ft)
Elevation Gain: 700 metres / 2,400 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
On the second day, you’ll rise early for breakfast and begin climbing a slightly steeper gradient through the moorland vegetation zone. Here you will start to get fantastic views of Kibo, the summit cone of Mount Kilimanjaro, while continuing along a rocky ridge to Shira Plateau. Shira is actually a collapsed volcanic crater and was the first of Mount Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones to expire. Once on the plateau, the trail becomes a little easier as you make your way to Shira Camp. If it’s a clear day, you’ll also get to enjoy superb panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,500ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)
Elevation Gain: 340 metres / 1,100 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, you will then continue to hike across the rocky ridge onto Shira Plateau, where you will be able to see the easterly side and the western breach with its dramatic glaciers. You are now on the west of Kibo Peak and it will take another short walk before reaching the Shira 2 Campsite. Tea/coffee and some nuts will be served to help warm up your body before the main dish of the evening and retiring to sleep. Shira 2 Camp is very exposed and will be much colder with temperatures dropping below freezing point.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) via Lava Tower (4,550m/14,900ft)
Elevation Gain: 710 metres / 2,300 feet
Elevation Loss: 700 metres / 2,250 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
The route now takes you into semi-desert and rocky landscapes surrounding Lava Tower, a 300ft high volcanic rock formation. You’ll then ascend the rocky scree path to Lava Tower for great panoramic views, before a steep descent into the Barranco Valley. You may find this trek a little tougher than the previous days as some hikers usually start to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Although you will finish today’s climb at almost the same elevation as you started, this is very good practice for acclimatisation and will help prepare your body for Uhuru peak summit day. Barranco Camp lies below the imposing Barranco Wall in a beautiful, sheltered valley.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) to Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft)
Elevation Gain: 145 meters / 456 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
This will be a shorter day of hiking to allow for acclimatization. After breakfast, you will begin to ascend the Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys – but don’t worry, it is easier than it looks! From the top of the wall, you will then cross a series of hills and valleys before descending into Karanga Valley. After one more steep climb, you’ll reach Karanga Camp where you will relax for the afternoon before dinner and an overnight rest.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (3,995m /13,106ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m /15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 605 metres / 1,994 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects to the famous Mweka Trail. You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s therefore worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,300ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 metres / 4,200 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,785 metres / 9,100 feet
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours to Uhuru Peak; 7 to 8 hours to Mweka Camp
Habitat: Arctic conditions
This is where the going gets really tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,756m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route, and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide. After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent within good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m) where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,980m)
Elevation Loss: 1,280 metres / 4,220 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer!

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