8 Days Lemosho Route

Lemosho starts in lush, fertile rainforest. It is the first ecological zone you encounter on Kilimanjaro (we will trek through four). The route heads up and across the Shira Plateau, which used to be Kilimanjaro’s third peak before it collapsed. Then, we make our way north to Moir Hut, which serves as a great acclimatization day due to short hikes than can be done in the nearby Lent Hills.

Next, we climb high up and over Lava Tower before dropping into Barranco Valley, one of the prettiest areas on the entire trail. We climb the intimidating Barranco Wall and then circle along the southern circuit to Karanga and Kosovo camp.

The summit attempt is made from Barafu in the early morning hours, often during the full moon. This is the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. But once the sun comes up, so can most of your extra layers. After the summit, the descent follows the Mweka trail.

Day 1:Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa 2100m

A three-hour drive from Moshi brings you to the Lemosho Park Gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After registration,  we shall start our trek through the rain forest. In some sections, the vegetation is so untouched that it grows right across the narrow dusty track. The flora and fauna are richer here, than on the other more popular routes. Our trek today will be along a little used track known as Chamber’s Route. In about 3-4 hours we will reach our camp in the rain forest at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree).

Day 2: Mti Mkumbwa to Shira one Camp

After breakfast with lunch box, we shall start the climb cross the remaining belt of the rain forest towards the giant moorland zone. A great lunch stop is at the beautiful valley just outside the Shira Crater . After lunch you will cross into the Shira Caldera, a high altitude desert plateau which is rarely visited. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones, and is filled with lava flow from Kibo Peak. The crater rim has been decimated by the weather and volcanic action. Today we shall get our first close views of Kibo – the dramatic summit of Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: Shira one Camp to Shira two Camp 3850m

After breakfast continue hiking eastwards across the Shira Plateau past the Shira Cathedral towards Shira Two camp. We will gain 700 feet in elevation which allows us to acclimatize slowly to the altitude. The views of the plateau from the camp, especially at sunset, are nothing less than spectacular.

Day 4: Shira two Camp to Baranco Hut 3900m

Today’s the last of the “easy days”.

After breakfast, we will start this superb hike. We will  pass the Lava Tower for lunch (4600m), around the southern flank of Kibo, and slowly descend to Barranco camp, our most spectacular campsite, at the foot of Kibo Peak, looming high above. The sun set gives you a picturesque experience in a clear day.

Day 5: Baranco Hut to Karanga Valley 4000m

After a late breakfast, we shall climb the famous “breakfast wall” before descending down to Karanga river. We will finally climb the steep ridge to karanga camp for lunch. The rest of the day is spent at leisure.

Day 6: Karanga – Kosovo 4890m

After a late breakfast, we will hike through the alpine desert to Barafu camp 4645m. After a short rest, we will continue to the higher camp of Kosovo for an early lunch.

We will spend the rest of the day acclimatizing and preparing for the summit.

Day 7: Kosovo – Uhuru Peak – Millennium camp

The final assault of our goal starts just before midnight!

After dressing warmly, we will have some tea /oats / snacks before starting the steepest and most demanding part of the mountain. Hiking under the full moon / stars gives us an enhanced natural visibility and a surreal silvery landscape. We will reach Stella Point by sunrise. At day-break, from the Crater rim, rugged Mawenzi peak is a thrilling sight, with the Kibo saddle still in darkness beneath us, and the crater’s ice-walls calling us.

We shall reach Stella Point by sunrise and then proceed to Uhuru Peak. This is the highest point in Africa (Roof of Africa), and the world’s highest solitary peak (5895m). This is the toughest day that most trekkers have ever experienced.

We will descend back to Kosovo camp for blunch and a short recovery break. Later, we shall descend further down to Millennium for the night (3900m).

Day 8: Millennium Camp – Mweka gate – Moshi

After our last breakfast, we shall walk down to Mweka Gate.

We will collect our certificate of achievement and bid farewell to the supporting crew. We shall drive to Moshi base hotel for the much awaited hot shower and celebrations!