Lemosho route 7 days climbing itinerary on Mount Kilimanjaro climb is considered to be one of the best ascent route choices. It has less traffic, beautiful and scenic.
7 DAY LEMOSHO ROUTE ITINERARY
Below is the day-by-day itinerary for the seven-day Lemosho route on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The seven-day Lemosho route variation is preferred over the six-day option because it breaks up day two into two days, providing better acclimatization and a more gradual ascent. On the seven-day route, we walk from Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 on day two, a reasonable altitude gain of 2,000 feet.
Then on day three, we continue from Shira Camp 2 to the little-used Moir Hut, at 13,800 feet. Overall the exposure to this altitude will help prepare the body for higher altitudes coming on the following days.
However, the trek from Barranco to Barafu, followed by the summit day is unchanged from the six-day Lemosho variation. This schedule is still very tough, though the extra day on the mountain on the seven-day route will help climbers deal with the exhausting itinerary better than those who opted for the six-day route.
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 campsite.
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.
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered 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.
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 “Shark’s 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.
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, 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.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
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).
At the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.
| Price Per person | Nº of persons Traveling together |
|---|---|
| $2660 | 1 |
| $2140 | 2 |
| $1960 | 3 |
| $1890 | 4 |
| $1820 | 5 |
| $1780 | 6 |
| $1750 | 7+ |
Transport from the arrival point to Moshi
Transport from Moshi to the Departure point
Accommodation before climb
Accommodation after climb
All accommodations in tents on the mountain
Park fees on Kilimanjaro
Rescue fees on the mountain (by car)
3 meals daily on the mountain
Sleeping tents and dining tents (all camping gear)
Guide and porters
Cooks and waiters
First aid kit
Service of an English-speaking mountain guide
Transportation to the mountain
Transportation from the mountain
All government taxes
Oximeter on the mountain