9-Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Summit Journey
Overview: Embark on a thrilling 9-day adventure to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, one of the most scenic and less-crowded paths to the summit. Starting on the western side of Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route offers a gradual ascent, allowing better acclimatization to the altitude. This journey takes you through a range of ecosystems, from dense rainforests and moorlands to alpine deserts and glaciers, culminating in a triumphant climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This extended itinerary provides an immersive experience, giving you ample time to acclimatize and take in the incredible natural beauty of Kilimanjaro.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a Safari Seekers Expedition representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. There, you’ll meet your guide for a detailed pre-trek briefing and equipment check. Afterward, enjoy dinner and get some rest, preparing yourself for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp (2,650 m/8,692 ft)
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Lemosho Gate to start your trek. Once the formalities are complete, you’ll begin a 3-4 hour hike through the lush rainforest, teeming with wildlife, until you reach Big Tree Camp, where your tents will be set up. Dinner will be prepared by the camp chef, and you’ll spend your first night on the mountain.
Day 3: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,485 ft)
Following breakfast, you’ll continue through the rainforest, crossing valleys and ascending to the Shira Ridge. The terrain gradually transitions to open moorland, offering sweeping views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru. The 5-6 hour hike takes you through stunning high-altitude landscapes before you reach Shira 1 Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut Camp (3,840m/12,598ft)
After breakfast, you’ll leave the moorland behind and enter the alpine desert zone. This section of the trek is a steady incline, with a gradual gain in altitude. The hike takes approximately 4-5 hours, and the stunning, stark beauty of the alpine desert makes this leg of the journey memorable. You’ll reach Moir Hut Camp by late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Lava Tower (4,640m/15,223ft) and Barranco Camp (3,960m/12,992ft)
Today’s trek is crucial for acclimatization. After breakfast, you’ll ascend to Lava Tower, an imposing rock formation at 4,640m/15,223ft. After spending time acclimatizing at this high altitude, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp. The 2-3 hour descent allows you to enjoy magnificent views of southern glaciers and the Barranco Valley. You’ll camp at Barranco for the night, enjoying a hearty meal prepared by your team.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,900m/12,795ft)
The day starts with the exciting ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that presents both a challenge and a reward with its stunning views at the top. After successfully scaling the Barranco Wall, you’ll continue on to Karanga Camp. The trek takes 5-6 hours, and the spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and peaks make this leg of the journey unforgettable.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,680m/15,354ft)
After breakfast, you’ll set out on a 3-4 hour trek to Barafu Camp, the basecamp for your summit attempt. This short hike is essential for acclimatization, helping prepare your body for the high altitude of the upcoming summit push. Once you arrive at Barafu Camp, you’ll rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the final ascent.
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) and back to Barafu Camp
Summit day begins early, around 3 a.m.. After a light snack and hot drink, you’ll embark on the final push to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek will take 9-10 hours, depending on the weather and your physical fitness. As you reach Uhuru Peak, you’ll stand at the highest point in Africa, with panoramic views stretching across the continent. After celebrating your achievement and taking in the awe-inspiring views, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for the night.
Day 9: Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp (3,200m/20,170ft)
After breakfast, you’ll begin the descent to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain. The 4-5 hour trek takes you through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest and cloud forest, offering one last opportunity to enjoy the diverse landscapes. The day’s journey offers time to reflect on your incredible achievement of summiting the Roof of Africa.
FAQ
The Lemosho route is a relatively new route that offers stunning and varied landscapes, with fewer trekkers than other popular routes like the Machame or Marangu. It also has one of the highest success rates of reaching the summit.
The Lemosho route is approximately 70 km (44 miles) long and takes about nine days to complete.
The success rate for the Lemosho route is usually around 90-95%, depending on factors such as weather and fitness level.
The Lemosho route offers a varied terrain, from rainforest to heathland to alpine desert and arctic-like conditions near the summit. It is known for its picturesque views, and the trail is generally well-maintained, but there are some steep and rocky sections.
The Lemosho route requires trekkers to have excellent physical fitness and stamina. As the trail is challenging, we highly recommend undertaking a fitness training program before the trek.
Safari Seekers Expedition provide tents for trekkers and also have mess tents for meals and socializing.
We recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothing, a sturdy pair of hiking boots, trekking poles, a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, and a variety of other essentials like a camera, headlamp, and water bottle. A comprehensive list of gear will be provided by your tour operator.
Note:
The Lemosho Route is perfect for adventurers seeking a quieter, more scenic climb with excellent acclimatization opportunities. The route’s gradual ascent allows for better adaptation to the high altitude, giving trekkers the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak. It’s recommended that climbers be in good physical condition due to the route’s length and the altitude. Our experienced guides, porters, and chefs will ensure you’re well-prepared, well-fed, and well-supported throughout the journey, ensuring an unforgettable adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
