8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route
Tour Overview
The Kilimanjaro Lemosho route is considered to be the most scenic of all routes. It is less traveled but arguably more picturesque, and at the same time somewhat lengthier and more costly. The Lemosho Gate, which requires further driving from Moshi town, sits on the western mountainside. It was created as an alternative to the Shira route. The initial three days of this route match with the eight-day Lemosho route and is customizable for people looking to ascend through the Western Breach and spend a night at Crater Camp. This area has an increased level of risk. Guests are required to sign a disclaimer before starting the trek. Day 0 - ARRIVALS When you get to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), I will meet you right after that and we can drive for an hour to the hotel located in Moshi Town where you will have an orientation on your trek. The rest of the day can be spent either at the Hotel or exploring Moshi town. You have all the detailes of the trek and I will look at your trekking gears and if something is amiss, I will assist you with how to rent those missing gears from the rental shops.
Highlights
- Highest Peak in Africa
- One of the Seven Summits
- Location Tanzania
- Non-Technical Climb
- Stunning Sunrise at the Summit
- Camping - Accommodation
- Unique Landscapes and Wildlife
- A Bucket-List Achievement
Day to Day Trip
Day 1: Moshito Lemosho gate To (Mti Mkubwa) BigTree Camp
You will be picked up at your hotel at around08:00 am and transferred to the Lemosho gatelocated on the western side of Kilimanjarowhich takes about 3 hours. After the registrationprocess, you will still start our climbsteadilythrough the forests of the Lemosho glades toreach Big Tree camp where you will bespending the night. Elevation: Lemosho gate 2100m to Mti Mkubwa camp 2700m Driving Distance: 94km/58 miles (3 hours) Walking Distance From Gate To Camp: 7km Walking Time: 3 to 4 Hrs Habitat : Montane Forest Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
As of today, you'll be crossing a plateau made of grassy moors intermixed with volcanic rock formations, our destination today is Shira 1 camp which usually shows views of Kibo peak resting over the clouds. Today, we gain a reasonable altitude and some section of the route are quite steep. Elevation: Mti Mkubwa Camp 2,700m to Shira 1 camp 3,610m Walking Distance: 5km/3miles Walking Time: 4 to 5 Hrs Habitat: Moorland / Heather Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp 1to Moir Camp
We spend the entire day in the Shira plateau. It is an easy walk toward the East around Kibo’s glaciered peak, where the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp (3900m / 12795ft) on moorland zone! After you reach to camp, lunch can be enjoyed, and then you can proceed to Moir Hut (4160m / 13698ft), which is a seldom used site at the base of Lent Hills. There are a variety of walks that can be done on Lent Hills which makes this area ideal for excellent acclimatization. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Elevation: Shira Camp 1 3610m to Moir Camp 4160. Elevation: Shira Camp 1 3610m to Moir Camp 4160 Walking Distance: 13 km /7.2mi Walking Time: 6-7 Hours Habitat: Moorland & Semi Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Moir Camp To Lava tower Camp
From Shira Plateau, we move to the east along a ridge and pass the junction leading to the Kibo peak. Now, we continue like this until we turn towards Lava Tower, which is called the "Shark's Tooth." After the tower, we reach the second junction which leads us up to the Lava Tower Camp. Elevation: Moir Camp 4160m to Lava Tower Camp 4600m Walking Distance: 5 km /3.1mi Walking Time: 3-4 Hours Habitat: Moorland & Semi Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Lava tower Camp to Arrow Glacier Camp
From this campsite rests the difficult path leading to the upper steep crater. The Western Breach headwall, which you perceieve glowing red while resting in camp preparing for the toughest day ahead, has a warm red tone due to the sun coloring the massive headwall in the breach during afternoon time. A 1.5 - 2 hour trek leads you up a steep, boulder-filled path to Arrow Glacier Camp which sits at 4830m (15846ft). Elevation: Lava Tower Camp 4600m to Arrow Glacier camp 4900m Walking Distance: 1.5km /0.8mi Walking Time: 1 to 2 Hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Arrow Glacier Camp to Crater Camp
With a full breakfast done, we start ascending the Western Breach, barely lifting off at 5 am, and completely taking off at 5-6 hours. At the crater rim, we will have a breathtaking view of the Northern Icefields, the Furtwangler Glacier, and after that we will take another 1.5 – 2 hours through the crater floor (while opting to hike to the Ash Pit and Reusch Crater). We will be spending our night at the Crater Camp which is 5700 meters, sitting at a majestic altitude of 18800 feet. Elevation: Arrow Glacier 4,900m to Crater Camp 5700m Walking Distance: 6 km Walking Time: 6- 7 Hours Habitat : Alpine Desert , Stone scree and Ice-capped summit Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Crater Camp – Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp:
You will be starting your day around 04:00 A.M. after some tea and biscuits, you shuffle into the dark morning. From the crater floor, you will probably come across snow along your two-hour climb to Uhuru Peak (5895m / 19340ft). Weather permitting, time spent at the summit will be determined by the weather. Take in the breathtaking sights and congratulate yourself - this is a memorable moment that will be sealed in your mind for eternity. You will begin your descent to Barafu Camp which should take you around 3 hours. Here, you will take a well-earned but short breather, before making your way to Mweka Camp (3000m / 10105ft). The camp is situated in the upper forest and might experience mist or rain come late afternoon. The route is slow, but simple, taking you through rock and scree to moorland and finally, forest. Elevation: Crater Camp 5700m to UHURU PEAK 5895m/19,340ft Down to Mweka camp 3000m Distance: 1.4km/0.9mi up / 13km/8mi down Hiking Time: 1.5 -2 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Ice-capped, Stone scree, Heather and moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Mosh
After Uhuru Peak is a magnificent sight in the distance, you will head back with full since there’s a special meal waiting for you. It is worth noting that the roads can be treacherous, so be careful. You can enjoy misty cloud forest which contains beautiful scenery and possibly see a Colobusmonkey. You will receive your commendation certificates at the Mweka gate, remember to give a small treasure of value to the guides, cooks, and porters. This is a time to enjoy and have fun. Elevation: 3000m to 1680m Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: MontaneForest Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
INCLUDED
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 4 Season mountain tents with sleeping mats
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Purified and filtered water throughout the trek
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation in Moshi town
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the
- 2-way airport transfers – 1 on arrival and 1 on departure
- Supplemental Oxygen & Pulse Oximeter
- Hot Water For Wash on all days in mountain
EXCLUDED
- Flights, Visa and Travel Insurance
- Gratitude/Tips to crew members (highly recommended)
- Personal Climbing Gears
- Laundry Services
- items of a personal nature