Lemosho Route, Mount Kilimanjaro
8 Days
$3,500
The Lemosho Route is an excellent choice for an 8-day trek along the western slopes of Kilimanjaro. It offers breathtaking views of Mt. Meru and Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. The trek starts with a day through the rainforest, followed by a chance to enhance acclimatization and increase summit chances by joining the Machame Route on the third day—accommodations provided in comfortable tents.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our dedicated driver will be waiting to greet you. You’ll then be transported to Meru View Lodge in the Usa River near Arusha. Take the rest of the day to relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure. If you wish, you can explore the town of Arusha, but you’ll need to hire a taxi. Later in the afternoon, our Kilimanjaro team will meet you at the lodge to brief you on your trek and check your equipment.
You’ll be transferred to Lemosho Gate in the morning (2,385m). Complete registration with the national park authorities and start your journey through the rainforest. Enjoy lunch before setting out on the forest trail. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys. Spend the night at Big Tree Camp.
Trek through a narrow forest trail and notice vegetation thinning, leading to a moorland adorned with lobelia and erica plants. Arrive at Shira Camp 1 in 3-4 hours—Marvel at the Shira Plateau and Kibo summit from the campsite. Conclude the day with dinner and stargazing.
As you hike the forest trail, the vegetation thins out, leading to a moorland with lobelia and erica plants. After about 3-4 hours, you’ll reach Shira Camp 1. From here, you can enjoy the view of the Shira Plateau with the snow-capped Kibo summit in the background. The day ends with a meal and stargazing.
After breakfast, you will begin your ascent to Lava Tower, passing through boulder-strewn terrain. After reaching Lava Tower, you’ll rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude before descending to Barranco Camp. This strategy aids acclimatization and provides valuable insights into your body’s response to altitude changes. After 6 to 7 hours, you’ll reach Barranco Camp, offering splendid views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Settle in for the night after dinner.
Climb Barranco Wall after breakfast, which is the steepest section of the route. Your guide will assist you after navigating Kissing Rock and journey through Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp, the last water source, before reaching there. Enjoy a meal and a restful night.
Today, you’ll make your way to Barafu Camp. The landscape becomes dry, and the ground cracks beneath your boots. Trekking through the afro-alpine desert to the rocky Barafu Camp, excitement builds as the final stretch nears. Barafu Camp offers a remarkable view of Mawenzi Peak and the summit path ahead. After an early dinner and last-minute preparations for the following day, retire for the night.
At midnight, you’ll be served hot tea and biscuits before ascending northwesterly through scree to Stella Point (5,730m). After 5 to 7 hours, rest before continuing the 1 to 2-hour stretch to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest summit. Capture the breathtaking panorama in photos before descending to Barafu Camp and then to Mweka Camp, about a 3-hour trek. Enjoy a delightful dinner and a peaceful sleep.
Following a hearty breakfast and a traditional farewell ceremony with your mountain crew, commence your final descent to Mweka Gate. A leisurely 2 to 3-hour walk leads you through the lush rainforest, home to the endemic Impatiens Kilimanjaro flower. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll be greeted by our transfer driver, who will escort you back to Meru View Lodge. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure – take a long shower, swim, or relax at the bar: dinner and an overnight stay at Meru View Lodge.
After breakfast, you’ll be transported to Kilimanjaro Airport, or you can extend your holiday with an exciting safari or a beach stay.