9 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE – KILIMANJARO TREKKING ADVENTURE

Overview

The 9-day Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the western side of the mountain, this route offers breathtaking landscapes, fewer crowds, and a higher success rate due to its gradual ascent. You'll journey through lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and volcanic craters before reaching the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Highlights include the spectacular Lava Tower, the challenging Barranco Wall, and a breathtaking sunrise from the highest point in Africa.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included:

• Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle (with vehicle change at the border)
• Professional, English-speaking guide (with guide change at the border)
• 9 nights’ accommodation in lodges and tented camps
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Drinking water
• Activities and transfers as per itinerary
• All national park fees

Excluded:

• International and domestic flights
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Optional activities
• Tips
• Personal expenses, visa fees, and travel insurance

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

• Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or from Arusha city, you will be transferred to a hotel in Moshi.
• Briefing with your guide and final preparations for the trek.
• Overnight stay at a base hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Day 2: Trek from Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
• Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate for registration and trek briefing.
• Trek through dense rainforests on winding trails before reaching Machame Camp for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Trek from Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
• Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Heath
• Ascend through rocky ridges and open moorland to reach the Shira Plateau.
• Cross a large river gorge and arrive at Shira 2 Camp for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Trek from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)

• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
• Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft (Lava Tower), then descend to 13,044 ft
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Trek towards Lava Tower, a massive volcanic rock formation at 15,190 ft.
• Descend through the Senecio Forest to Barranco Camp, allowing for acclimatization.

Day 5: Trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Start by descending into a ravine before scaling the famous Barranco Wall.
• Cross rolling hills and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp for overnight acclimatization.

Day 6: Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Distance: 4 km (2 miles)
• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Climb towards Barafu Hut, completing the Southern Circuit with spectacular summit views.
• Rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt.

Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then Descend to Mweka Camp

• Ascent: 5 km (3 miles)
  • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic
• Descent: 12 km (7 miles)
  • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest
• Begin the summit push at midnight, trekking in the darkness towards Stella Point.
• Witness a magnificent sunrise from Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
• After celebrating at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp via Barafu for lunch and rest.

Day 8: Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• A scenic descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive summit certificates.
• Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest.