Mount Kilimanjaro

7 Days Lemosho Route

Itinerary overview

  • Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
  • Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1
  • Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
  • Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
  • Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
  • Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
  • Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka hut to Mweka Gate

As we head west of Kilimanjaro with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for a climb, with its low traffic, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate.The first two days are spent trekking through the lush rainforest to Shira Plateau.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
.Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
.Distance: 6 km
.Hiking Time:3-4 hours
.Habitat: Rain Forest.
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1
.Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
.Distance: 8 km
.Hiking Time 5-6 hours
.Habitat: Moorland
We 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.

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
.Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
.Distance: 14 km
.Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
.Habitat: Moorland
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo glacier peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, 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 plateaus on earth.

Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
.Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
.Distance: 7 km
.Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
.Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we 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 Sharks 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 now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we 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.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
.Distance: 5km
.Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
.Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we 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.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
.Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
.Distance: 4 km
.Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
.Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers 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 are to be seen from this position.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate to Moshi town
.Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
.Distance: 10 km
.Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
.Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your 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). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.

Included
⦁ Park fees (For non-residents)
⦁ All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
⦁ All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
⦁ A professional driver/guide
⦁ All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
⦁ All Taxes/VAT
⦁ Roundtrip airport transfer
⦁ Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Exclusion
⦁ International flights (From/to home)
⦁ Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
⦁ Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
⦁ Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
⦁ Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
⦁ Drinks 

Address

P.O. Box 1027,
Moshi -
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.


Contacts

Email: info@landsavannahandtrekking.com
Phone: +255 685 827 115