Duration: Half-Day or Full Day | Departure: From Moshi
Overview
Considered to be the most scenic of all the Kilimanjaro routes, Lemosho is a newer and less-travelled route. It’s perfect for somebody looking to get off the beaten track!
The six-day route is for those who don’t have time to waste but who want to avoid the crowds you would find on Machame or Marangu.
Itinerary
You’ll be picked up from your Moshi accommodations and make the drive towards the Londorossi Gate.
Stopping along the way in a local village for lunch and to buy last minute supplies, you’ll then liaise with your guides and begin your ascent through the verdant rainforest that clothes the lower reaches of Kilimanjaro.
You’ll have a short three-hour hike through the forest today, but keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as Colobus monkeys as you make your way to Mti Mkubwa Camp to set down for the evening.
You’ll bid farewell to the Kilimanjaro rainforest after breakfast, as your climb takes you gradually into scrubby moorland criss-crossed with quietly bubbling mountain streams.
You’ll cross over a vast plateau on your way to Shira 2 Camp, where you’ll have spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Setting up camp here for the evening, you’ll find your path has now crossed with those on the Machame Route.
Your first goal today will be the intimidating form of the Lava Tower (4,640m) and you’ll set off for this distinctive landmark immediately after breakfast.
After ascending 700m to the Lava Tower, you’ll descend gradually towards Barranco Camp at 4,500m.
Your trek again takes you through different vegetation zones and you’ll set up camp at the scenic Barranco Camp in the shadows of the imposing Barranco Wall. Considered the most beautiful of all of the camps on Kilimanjaro, Barranco will be your base for the evening.
You’ll get your first real taste of mountain climbing today, as you’ll tackle Barranco Wall for a bit of old-fashioned rock climbing. After this initial trial, you’ll continue towards the Karanga Valley, where you’ll stop for lunch. After your meal, you’ll continue on for another 2-3 hours until you reach Barafu Camp. As you’ll be summitting tomorrow, it’s important that you eat a full meal and drink plenty of fluids before turning in for the evening.
You’re starting your day early today – just after midnight, in fact! Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead. You’ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, there’s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak. Standing at 5,985m, you’ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. You’ve done it! After snapping your photos and soaking it all in, you’ll begin the descent back down towards Barafu Camp, where you’ll stop for lunch and some celebration. After a bit of rest, you’ll continue down to Mweka Camp to overnight.
It’s a day of celebration today, as you’ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion. Your driver will then whisk you away to your Moshi or Arusha hotel to get some well-earned rest.
