Itinerary in glance: Lemosho route 6 day
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
3: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
DAY 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
6: Mweka Camp to Moshi
Route description: Lemosho route 6 day
The six day Lemosho route variation is not recommended because it is difficult to cover
the distance and elevation in the allotted time.
Specifically, on day 2, the journey from Forest Camp to Shira 2, is rather long and has
an elevation gain of 3,000 feet. It would not be unusual for climbers to have symptoms
of altitude sickness while only on the second day of the climb due to the quick pace.
Secondly, day four combined with day five makes for a very tough schedule. Day four is
a full day of trekking from Barranco to Barafu. Then after dinner and a partial night’s Lemosho route 6 day
sleep, the very long and strenuous summit day begins around midnight. The 6 day
Lemosho route requires 19-24 hours of demanding walking, at extremely high elevation,
with only 4-6 hours of sleep.
Full Itinerary:
Arrival Day
Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha/Moshi town for your
overnight. (Airport transfer and accommodation will be on your own account Lemosho route 6 day
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
•Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
•Distance: 6 km
•Hiking Time:3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
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 camp site.
Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
•Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 12,500ft
•Distance: 18 km
•Hiking Time 8-10 hours
•Habitat: Moorland
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. From here,
it is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau to Shira 2 camp
on moorland meadows by a stream.
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
•Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
•Habitat: Semi Desert
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.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
•Distance: 9km
•Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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 they 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.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Moshi
•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
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).
From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at
Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi. Lemosho route 6 day
End of Tour *
Price:
US $1,945 per person traveling Minimum – 2 pax
Costing above Includes: Lemosho route 6 day
- Transport to and from mountain gates.
- All parks entry fees.
- All camping fees.
- Rescue fees.
- Guide and porters fees.
- Guide and porters salaries.
- All accommodations on the mountain based on three meals a day.
- Cook and all kitchen utensils.
Costing above Excludes:
- International and local flights
- Accommodation before climb and last day after climb book with us.
- Airport transfers book with us.
- Tips, drinks and all items of personal nature
- Hard and soft drinks and tips
- Sleeping bags but we can provide for hire on request.
- All Mountain Gears (we can arrange hire of these)