The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on the mountain, and a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low traffic, beautiful scenery and 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 in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. An added bonus is that climbers will encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. Descent is made via the Mweka route. The minimum number of days required for dis route is six days, although eight days is best. Lemosho is considered the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro, and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended.
9 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route
Day 1: Nairobi – Arusha
Travel to Arusha aboard morning shuttle bus –via Namanga border for immigratiom into Arusha for overnight at hotel booked d on bed and breakfast.
Day 2: Londorossi Gate/Lemosho trail head – Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa) (2650 m/8695 ft.)
Walking distance: 6 km/3.7 miles
Walking time: 2-3 hours
Altitude gain: 550 m/1795 ft.
Day 3: Big Tree Camp – Shira I (3480 m/11420 ft.)
Walking distance: 8 km/5 miles
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Altitude gain: 830 m/2725 ft.
Day 4: Shira I – Shira Huts (3850 m/12630 ft.) via Shira Cathedral
Walking distance: 11 km/6.8 miles
Walking time: 6-8 hours
Altitude gain: 370 m/1210 ft.
Day 5: Shira Huts – via Lava Tower (4640 m/15220 ft.) – Barranco Huts (3985 m/13070 ft.)
Walking distance: 9 km/5.6 miles
Walking time: 6-8 hours
Altitude gain: 135 m/440 ft. (790 m/2590 ft. to Lava Tower)
Day 6: Barranco Huts – Karanga Camp (4040 m/13255 ft.)
Walking distance: 5.5 km/3.5 miles
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Altitude gain: 55 m/185 ft.
Day 7: Karanga Camp – Barafu Huts (4680 m/15360 ft.)
Walking distance: 3.5 km/ 2.2 miles
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Altitude gain: 640 m/2105 ft.
Day 8: Summit attempt via Stella Point (5752 m/18871 ft.) to Uhuru Peak (5895 m/19340 ft.) and descent to Millenium Camp (3820 m/12530 ft.) (or to Mweka Hut)
Walking distance: 5 km/3 miles ascent + 10 km/6.2 miles descent
Walking time: 5-6 hrs. + 1-2 hours up, 5-6 hours down (the overall walking time may vary from 10 – 16 hours)
Altitude gain: 1072 m/ 3511 ft. (Stella Point) or 1215 m/3980 ft. (Uhuru Peak)
Descent: 2075 m/6810 ft.
Day 9: Millenium Camp – Lemosho Gate – Arusha
Walking distance: 20 km/12.5 miles
Walking time: 5 hours
Descent: 1990 m/6530 ft.
INCLUDES & EXCLUDES
Included in the Safari Cost
2 night’s hotel accommodation in Moshi or Arusha (before & after climb)
Breakfast at hotel
Group transport to and from Moshi or Arusha to the mountain trail head
Kilimanjaro National Park fees
Guides/porters
Tents, double occupancy
All meals on the mountain
Not included in price:
Airfare
Lunch or dinner at hotel
Personal gear and equipment
Tips
Costs of additional services:
Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro Airport, per way $20
Single supplement, for single tent/room, per trip $120
Private parties of two persons or less, add $300 per trip
Extra porter, per day $15
Extra hotel night, per room $75
Bottled oxygen, only for rescue/emergency use $120
Gamow bag, per trip $150
Private toilet, per trip $120
Mount Meru climb (4 days/3 nights), per person $905
Sleeping bag rental, per trip $40
Trekking poles rental, per trip $12
Excluded in the Safari Cost
Airfare
Lunch or dinner at hotel
Personal gear and equipment
Tips
Costs of additional services:
Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro Airport, per way $20
Single supplement, for single tent/room, per trip $120
Private parties of two persons or less, add $300 per trip
Extra porter, per day $15
Extra hotel night, per room $75
Bottled oxygen, only for rescue/emergency use $120
Gamow bag, per trip $150
Private toilet, per trip $120
Mount Meru climb (4 days/3 nights), per person $905
Sleeping bag rental, per trip $40
Trekking poles rental, per trip $12
End – Arusha /Moshi/Nairobi
