Lemosho Route: Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro
Lemosho Route, On the mountain’s western slope, you’ll find the Lemosho Route to Mount Kilimanjaro, a relatively new addition to the Kilimanjaro Mountain Route. On the mountain’s western flanks stands Kilimanjaro Mountain. A number of climbers had griped about how the Shira route began at a considerably higher height, making climbing and trekking safaris more challenging. In response, the Lemosho route was born as a lower-altitude alternative. The Lemosho path is located in the Moshi area, around twelve kilometers away from the starting place. If your journey has been fortunate, you will be able to see elephants, antelopes, and buffalo while strung out on this magnificent point.
On the mountain’s western slope, you’ll find the Lemosho Route to Mount Kilimanjaro, a relatively new addition to the Kilimanjaro Mountain Route. On the mountain’s western flanks stands Kilimanjaro Mountain.
Recommended itinerary to hike Kilimanjaro through Lemosho Route
Flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is something that each hiker must arrange alone. We can set up a private transfer for you to your hotel from JRO. Your local All Tanzania Safaris agent will meet with you that night or first thing in the morning to give you a thorough pre-climb briefing.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
On the second day, you will be transferred by 4WD to the Lemosho Park Gate in order to register for the Mti Mkubwa Camp. We begin our climb to the campground at 2895 meters on the slopes of Mti Mkubwa, also known as Big Tree, after our porters have packed all of our gear. We intend to spend the night here.
- Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
- Ascent: 535 m
- Max. altitude: 2895 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Step 3: Travel from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
We continue eastward on the Shira Plateau, where we can see Shira Cathedral in all its glory. To reach Shira 1 sleep at 3500m, where we will sleep for the night and have dinner, we must traverse a moorland meadow. We should be able to make out the breathtaking Western Breach glaciers by now. Temperatures may drop below freezing this evening, which is colder than last night.
- Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
- Ascent: 605 m
- Max. altitude: 3500 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Journey from Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
As we emerge onto the moorland zone, the path becomes steeper, signaling our departure from the woodland. You can reach Moir Hut, which offers breathtaking views of the Arrow glacier, via a moderately graded hike that crosses the high-altitude Shira Caldera. At 4200 meters, we will set up camp for the night.
To Barranco Camp from Moir Hut via Lava Tower on Day 5.
We will acclimate and have lunch at the base of Lava Tower, which is 4,600 meters above sea level, today. You might experience the altitude for the first time on this, our most challenging day yet. The “walk high, sleep low” acclimatization principle will be put into practice after lunch as we will drop about 650 meters to Barranco Camp. During the two hours it takes us to descend to Barranco Camp, we will have plenty of chances to get stunning images of the Western Breach and the Breach Wall. Located in a valley beneath the Great Barranco Wall and the Breach, this is the site of the camp.
- Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
- Ascent: 400 m
- Descent: 650 m
- Max. altitude: 4600 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp on Day 6
A quick but enjoyable day that began with a race to the summit of the Great Barranco Wall. After that, we cross scree to reach the Karanga Valley (3930m), which is below the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glacier icefalls. Our overnight stay will be at the Karanga campsite.
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Ascent: 260 m
- Descent: 280 m
- Max. altitude: 4210 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We depart from the Karanga campsite to reach the intersection that connects with the Mweka descending trail. We proceed to Barafu Camp from this point. You have now finished the Southern Circuit, which provides perspectives of the summit from several angles. At the campsite, we can recuperate, savor dinner, and ready ourselves for the summit day. The two summits of Mawenzi and Kibo are distinctly visible from this location.
- Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
- Ascent: 670 m
- Max. altitude: 4600 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
From Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp, Day 8
Tea and biscuits will be brought to you when you wake up, approximately 23:30. From Stella Point on the crater rim, we begin our ascent to the summit between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, navigating over dense scree. Both physically and psychologically, this section of the hike is the hardest. Upon reaching Stella Point (5732m), we will take a little break and, fingers crossed, arrive just in time to see the breathtaking sunrise (weather permitting). Uhuru Peak (5895 m), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent, is now within an hour’s reach. We will have lunch at Barafu before descending from the peak to the Mweka camp site. The rocky scree leading down to Mweka Camp (3100m) requires trekking poles. Our final mountain meal and a good night’s sleep await us later in the evening.
- Hiking time: 13 – 16 hours
- Ascent: 1295 m
- Descent: 2795 m
- Max. altitude: 5895 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
From Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate on Day 9
On the last day of your climb, after breakfast we will descend another 1300 meters to the Mweka Park Gate. At the Park Headquarters, you can get your summit certificates. Get a ride to the hotel.
- Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
- Descent: 1300 m
- Max. altitude: 3100 m
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast
On Day 10, we set off.
Once you’ve had a decent night’s sleep, we’ll say our goodbyes. Our morning pickup service is available for those who have booked airport transfers, safaris, or Zanzibar excursions with us.
A number of climbers had griped about how the Shira route began at a considerably higher height, making climbing and trekking safaris more challenging. In response, the Lemosho route was born as a lower-altitude alternative. The Lemosho path is located in the Moshi area, around twelve kilometers away from the starting place. If your journey has been fortunate, you will be able to see elephants, antelopes, and buffalo while strung out onMachame Route this magnificent point.
The Lemosho Route is often considered the most attractive of the many trekking routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. Although it shares some territory with the Machame route—and is thus one of the mountain’s more modern routes—this alternative has some benefits that make it an attractive option, particularly for individuals who have more time to spare. From its western sides, near the Londorossi Gate, the Lemosho Route winds its way up into one of the mountain’s more isolated parts. As they make their way down the trail through the beautiful jungle, hikers may get the chance to witness wildlife. Woodlands are a good place to see blue monkeys, little lizards, and many birds, as well as black and white colobus monkeys. From there, the trail winds its way onto the Shira Plateau, which it then traverses from west to east on very level, walkable terrain.
Due to its lower traffic volume compared to the Machame and Marangu routes, the Lemosho Route provides a great deal of solitude in the mornings. By creating the illusion that you sometimes have the mountain all to yourself, this elevates an already breathtaking trekking experience. However, traffic increases as the Lemosho road and the Machame route merge. However, this is a great substitute if you’re looking for some peace and quiet at the start of the climb. Since the Lemosho Route parallels the Machame Route for much of the ascent, you can find much of the same scenery, including the Lava Tower and Barranco Wall, on both routes.
Natural rain forests will be accessible to climbers and hikers as they ascend to the Shira Plateau, where, once above tree line, spectacular views await. Due to its increased distance from civilization and longer road, Lemosho requires a few more days to traverse. The success percentage is greatly increased because the typical hiker takes seven or eight days to complete this trek. When compared to the Machame and Marangu routes, this is clearly one of the better options for those who wish to maximize their chances of reaching the peak of the mountain. Although it is more difficult to walk the Lemosho way, the success rate is higher compared to the “Whiskey” and “Coca-Cola” routes.
On the third day, you will join the Machame path. Similar to the Machame Route, Lemosho hikers are required to traverse the Barranco Wall before reaching the summit from Barafu Camp.
Using the Lemosho route, you’ll climb uphill, and you’ll note that some sections are steeper and more challenging than others. You’ll also spend more time or nights ascending, especially once you reach this amazing safari, which is amazing. The sleeping paths, which include tents where you can spend the night whenever feasible, are incredibly fascinating and remarkable. This is why the majority of tourists have grown to adore the fantastic safari experience, which is both fascinating and magical. When climbing Kilimanjaro, it is possible to summit Lemosho in about seven or eight days. Combining days five and six, the seven-day option skips Karanga and goes straight from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp.
Difficulty in climbing Mt Kilimanjaro Through Le
Because it takes more time to acclimate, the Lemosho route is thought regarded as one of the less strenuous ways to climb Kilimanjaro. Still, on summit night, hikers must climb steeply up the Barranco Wall.
Instead of attempting to squeeze the Lemosho climb into seven days, the 8-day version delivers one of the best success percentages. You can get to base camp by lunchtime, refuel with food, and get some sleep in your tent because the pre-summit day is shorter thanks to the extra day. Then, at midnight, you’ll begin the challenging summit ascent. A decent degree of fitness is suggested, but not necessary, for the ascent. Would you like some training tips or a training schedule to follow before this journey? We highly suggest Kate Sielmann and her mountaineering and trekking-focused coaching programs. Additional information can be found at this location.
Food And Drinks
Maintaining a healthy diet is critical while climbing, but it becomes much more important when you’re in conditions that make it hard to eat or drink enough. Our head chef has created specific menu plans that are delicious, nutritious, and packed with all the energy you need to reach the peak, as many climbers experience a loss of appetite at high altitude. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a staple in our daily meals. We will restock the group at Karanga Camp on the southern routes when it is feasible, and you will have fresh meat for the first half of the walk. Upon your return to Base Camp from your summit ascent, we will have a “All Day English Breakfast” waiting for you as a special treat; simply inform our cook of your preferred egg cooking method. On top of that, you get to try some traditional Tanzanian dishes like Machalari and Njegere before you even leave the mountain.
Where to Stay
Your complete day-by-day itinerary details what is covered in terms of hotel accommodations and food plans. All of our pre- and post-climb accommodations are located in Moshi. If you are going on safari before your climb, we will have booked you into a hotel in Arusha upon arrival to save you time. Where your accommodation is a bed and breakfast, you can normally buy snacks or meals at the hotel, which can be paid for in Tanzanian Shillings or, more commonly, US Dollars. When you arrive at the hotel, take a time to familiarize yourself with the layout and fire safety procedures, particularly your escape routes and exits.
Please keep in mind that Tanzania is still a third-world nation, and water and electricity outages occur on a regular basis; therefore, we cannot promise that the hotel will have hot showers during your stay. The hotel will help as much as they can, but these disruptions are beyond their control.
We utilize only the best high altitude mountain tents, the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3, to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable during your Kilimanjaro climb. Please keep in mind that these are true mountain tents made to withstand extreme weather, so don’t expect to be able to stand up and move around inside! Kilimanjaro’s dry, dusty environment can cause zips to jam. Our guides are loaded with WD-40, so simply ask them for help rather than attempting to force the zip.
Your meals will be served in a separate mess tent where you will be able to sit comfortably while relaxing, chatting with your teammates, and enjoying the nutritious food that our cook has freshly prepared for you. Inside, you’ll discover a table (of course) and a decent, comfortable arm chair. With a full 2 meters of headroom, even the tallest climbers will be able to stretch out and walk around without hunching. They are completely waterproof and can resist the harshest conditions Kilimanjaro has to give. A toilet tent is supplied, along with toilet paper.
Transportation
We insist on employing high-quality vehicles and drivers for all of our transports. In Tanzania, seatbelts are not required in the back of vehicles, and while we strive to employ vehicles with rear seatbelts, this is not always possible. If you are dissatisfied with any part of the car or the standard of driving, please contact the driver or our local office immediately. Please keep in mind that it is usual in Tanzania for police to stop vehicles to verify the driver’s documentation, which might be threatening if you don’t understand what is being said. If your car is stopped, it does not represent the condition of your vehicle or the performance of your driver.
How to get to Mt Kilimanjaro
For climbers from the United Kingdom or the United States, the best option is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. KLM offers flights to JRO from all of the major UK airports, as well as many of the bigger US international airports. UK flights often depart early in the morning, transfer at Luchthaven Schiphol, Amsterdam’s principal airport, and arrive at JRO late that evening.
All of our journeys begin in Moshi, a town regarded as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Moshi is located low on the mountain’s south slope, nearly 1000 metres above sea level. Moshi is only 25 miles from Kilimanjaro International Airport by automobile, and we will organize transportation from the airport to your hotel as part of the hike. Transport is often accessible at any time, including late evenings and early mornings, and takes around three quarters of an hour.
Moshi is a wonderful choice for hotel accommodations during your trip, but it fills up rapidly during peak season, so make your reservation with us as soon as feasible. It is better to plan a rest day after such a long flight to recover and prepare yourself and your equipment for the climb rather than going up the mountain the next morning.
Some UK climbers prefer to travel into Nairobi on Kenyan Airways or British Airways. These flights are only available from Heathrow in London. Climbers arriving in Nairobi typically schedule a transfer flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport with Precision Air, Air Kenya, Air Tanzania, or Ethiopian Airways.
We do not recommend flying through Nairobi because the airport is typically uncomfortable, and transfer times can be lengthy. It is also known for poor baggage handling and delays in moving luggage between aircraft.
Turkish Airlines, Air Emirates, and Qatar now fly into JRO, but these flights often have severe delays and depart late at night for UK passengers. However, climbers traveling from the United States frequently report superior service and experiences when flying with Turkish Airlines, Air Emirates, and Qatar, therefore we recommend these flights from North America.
Vayama offers fantastic flights to East Africa from JRO, including Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Zanzibar, and is a good option if you want to tour more of this lovely region before coming home. Many travelers plan a beach vacation in exotic Zanzibar to relax after their ascent. We believe that the ideal method to plan transportation is to book your return trip from Dar Es Salaam, then to Zanzibar on an internal flight, and then back to Dar Es Salaam for your flight home.
Tips
We collaborate closely with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), who have advised the following tipping practice. To give you an idea, KPAP recommends tips for porters ranging from $6 to $10 per day. For other positions, we propose $20/day for guides, $12-15/day for assistant guides, and $12-15/day for cooks. These numbers are per group, not per climber. You will receive a copy of the tip recommendations as well as an estimate of your group’s crew numbers. The number of your crew may only be determined on the first day of the climb, when all of the bags and equipment have been weighed at the park gate. At the first camp, you will be informed of the crew’s final number and location on the ascent.
During your summit attempt, some porters may accompany the party to provide additional support. This is an additional task that they complete to ensure that you have the best chance of reaching the peak. Please express your gratitude for any assistance you get by tipping these porters personally. We would recommend an extra $20 tip.
The tipping announcement will take place on the final night on the mountain, when the entire team will come together to celebrate with you. One representative from your group should express gratitude, which the lead guide will interpret into kiSwahili.
Due to recent thefts on Kilimanjaro, we no longer suggest our clients to bring cash with them on the climb; instead, the genuine tip money will be handed when you return to your hotel. To help with tip distribution, your group will be given two envelopes: one for the porters and another for your lead guide, assistant guides, and cook. Three porter representatives will visit the hotel to take the tip envelope on behalf of all the porters and distribute the funds individually.