Mount Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is the longest of the standard routes with a high summit success rate. 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 trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east before going through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. Descent is made via the Mweka route. Lemosho is considered the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of of the mountain. Trip Duration: 8 Days 7 Nights Grade: Challenging Starts in: Panama Garden Resort in Moshi Ends in: Panama Garden Resort in Moshi Accommodation: Hotel and Camp Transportation: Flight and private vehicle Maximum Distance Per Day: 12km
Your Itinerary
Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will be met by your representative, to then be transferred to the Panama Garden Resort in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. The hotel will provide all essentials for a comfortable stay. In the evening you will meet with the guides for a briefing on your trek. Dinner and an overnight stay will be spent at the resort. After a 90 minute drive from Moshi, you will check in at the Londorossi Gate. Day 1 is fairly easy with a 3/4 hour climb to Miti Mkubwa Camp.
Hike to Shira One Camp (3,609m)
Hike to Shira One Camp (3,609m) - approx. 5/6 hours. A few hours walk will see the end of the forest and the beginning of a climb to the edge of the Shira Caldera. Destination is the scenic Shira One Camp.
Hike to Shira Two Camp (3,849m)
Hike to Shira Two Camp (3,849m) - approx. 5/6 hours. Today is spent on a gentle hike across the Shira Plateau before getting to Shira Two Camp.
Climb to Lava Camp and Barranco Camp (3,948m)
Climb to Lava Camp and Barranco Camp (3,948m) - approx. 5 hours. There will be a slow climb to Lava Camp followed by a descent to the beautiful Barranco Camp. This is the Climb-High-Sleep-Low principal of altitude adjustment.
Climb of the Great Barranco Wall (3,900m)
Climb of the Great Barranco Wall (3,900m) and trek to the next location, Karanga Camp (3,963m) - approx. 3.5 hours. After a climb of the Great Barranco Wall we continue around the southern circuit until we reach another scenic location of Karanga Camp.
Trail to Barafu (5,896m)
Trail to Barafu (5,896m) - approx. 3.5 hours. The trail from Karanga to Barafu reaches the bleak high desert of Kilimanjaro.
Midnight Alpine Summit
Midnight Alpine Summit: Trek to The Summit (5,896m) and then to Mweka Camp (3,100m) - approx. 7 hours. This is a midnight ‘Alpine Summit’ to make sure we reach the summit by dawn, in time to return to Mweka Camp.
Trek to Mweka Gate (1,828m)
Trek to Mweka Gate (1,828m) - approx. 4 hours After a well-deserved breakfast, it is a short and 3-hour descent to Mweka gate where you will receive your medal and summit certificate. From the Mweka Gate you will be driven back to Moshi to enjoy a hot shower and comfortable night in a hotel. Lastly, dinner and overnight will be spent at Panama Garden Resort in Moshi.
What's Included
- Private transport from the hotel to the Parks gate (starting point for the climb), and transport back to the hotel after the climb
- 2 Nights in a Hotel the night before and after the climb, with breakfast
- Qualified medical guides
- Salaries for Guides, cook and porters.
- Pickup and drop off to the airport
- All National Park entry fees
- All camping fees
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
- Adventures for Animals Medal
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
- Ground based evacuation services are included - however it is recommended that all participants arrange comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 metres
- Friendly and competent Trained Mountain Guides, assistant guides, porters and professional cook.
- Hot water for washing on the mountain
- Quality spacious tents, sleeping mattress, camping tables camping chairs and dining tent
- Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit
- Pulse oxy-meter carried by all chief guides
- 3-4 litres of mineral/treated water (per Climber) provided daily during the climb
- Private mobile toilet on mountain
- Lunch and one bottle of Kilimanjaro beer / soda after summit at the gate.
Not Included
- Flights
- Visa
- Insurance
- Tips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is US$ 300 per hiker)
- Personal Hiking/Trekking gear (Some are available for Rent)
- Snacks
- Personal medicine
- Drinks and dinner at the hotel
- Optional tours (Safari and Zanzibar package available after the climb)
- Helicopter evacuation not included - it is recommended that all participants arrange comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 metres