THE LEMOSHO ROUTE: is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and they consistently report that they loved it. 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 traverses 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. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended.

Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha:

Welcome to Tanzania. On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you’ll meet your company arranged driver who will transfer you to Arusha city to Green Mountain Hotel for dinner and overnight. Our driver will display your name on Mupana Tours signboard. These procedures ensure that you are picked up by the correct driver, rather than by some of the airport taxi drivers who are looking for business. You’ll get a chance for Mountain trekking briefing/introduction before your dinner.

• Meals: Dinner and Overnight
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 01: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

After tasty breakfast (07.00) in your hotel, you leave from Arusha town to Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead in time to have your picnic lunch, and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site. Elevation (ft) 7,800ft to 95,00ft (3-4 hours walking on 6km). Dinner and overnight will be at Mti Mkubwa camp.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide

DAY 02: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

After early breakfast, you’ll depart from forest camp to shira 1 camp. Keep moving 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. Elevation 9,500ft to 11,500ft while we have (5-6 walking hours in 8km). Dinner and overnight served at Shira 1 Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide

DAY 03: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

After your breakfast, you’ll begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. You’ll descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide

DAY 04: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After early breakfast today you’ll begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then you’ll start to climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall you’ll cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization. Rest in your camp for Dinner and Overnight.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide

DAY 05: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast you’ll leave Karanga where you’ll hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Then you’ll continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. Dinner and Overnight at Barafu Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide

DAY 06: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

Today early in the morning (around 01.00 Midnight), you’ll began begin to summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. You’ll ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you’ll be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, you arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point as our target peak on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

DESCENT.

From the summit at Uhuru Peak, you’ll now start descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, you’ll enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well rest in the camp.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide

DAY 07: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

After breakfast, complete the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. You’ll continue another hour to Mweka Village, watch your step during the descent as the trail can be slippery.

Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Arusha City to your hotel for hot shower. It is time for celebration!

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide

Departure Day:

After breakfast from your hotel, the company driver will transfer you to the airport – Kilimanjaro International Airport where you’ll board your flight heading back to your lovely country.