Explore Lemosho route Climbing Kilimanjaro operators 2022/2023 for 8 days with Kenya Natural Tours. Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro climbing is considered the most rich in scenery and scenic trail on Kilimanjaro granting panoramic views on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes. Lemosho is best choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high probability of summit success, Africa Natural Tours specializes in guiding on the Lemosho route.
Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and they consistently report that they loved it. Thus Lemosho hiking route is highly recommended. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there the first two days are spent hiking through the rain forest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower. Then the route travers’s underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern ice field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu, descent is made via the Mweka route.
• Rise (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
• Stretch: 6 km
• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Climatic habitat: Rain Forest
Full board at Forest camp Know as Big tree Camp, hikers are driven by an Africa Natural Tours driver and depart from Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours where you will complete entry formalities and registration. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead hikers eat lunch and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site which is forest camp Know as Big tree Camp.
• Rise (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
• Stretch: 8 km
• Hiking time: 5-6 hours
• Climatic habitat: Moorland
Full Board at Shira one Camp hikers will 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 and refreshing.
• Rise (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
• Stretch: 14 km
• Hiking time: 5-7 hours
• Cliatic habitat: Moorland
Full Board at Shira 2 camp hikers and the team will explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we Stay at Shira 2 camp or continue to Moir camp a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateau on Earth.
• Rise (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
• Stretch: 7 km
• Hiking time: 4-6 hours
• Climatic habitat: Semi desert
Full Board at Shira 2 or Moir Hut camp From the Shira Plateau hikers will 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 will now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here hikers will 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.
• Rise (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
• Stretch: 5km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Climatic habitat: Alpine desert
Full Board at Karanga Camp, after breakfast hikers will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco wall to the Karanga valley campsite, this is a short day meant for acclimatization.
• Rise (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
• Stretch: 4 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Climatic habitat: Alpine desert
Full Board at Barafu Hut Camp, after breakfast hikers will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu camp, at this point you have completed the South circuit which offers elegant 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 can be seen from this position
• Rise (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft and down to 10,000ft
• Stretch: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
• Hiking time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
• Climatic Habitat: Arctic
Full Board at Mweka hut Camp. 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 piece 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 in a life time (weather permitting).
From Stella Point you may encounter snow all the 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 we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka camp site stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will need 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.
• Decend (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
• Stretch: 10 km
• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Climatic habitat: Rain Forest
Half board after breakfast hikers and the guide continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive hiker’s 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). Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.
During the climb you will be staying in special camps and huts!
During the climb you will be staying at campsites!