7 Days Lemosho Route - Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking

africa trip safari

Description

Lemosho route is the most dramatic and beautiful route up to Kilimanjaro. It is the most remote and getting popularity now days which traverse some of Kilimanjaro most striking and least traveled landscapes, including the base of Kibo Peak’s and dramatic south-facing glaciers. This route has added benefits of trekking across the Shira Plateau a World Heritage Site trekking 180 degrees around Kilimanjaro and also this route allowed plenty of time to acclimatize to the high altitude and this is the key to your safety, comfort, enjoyment and success while trekking mountain Kilimanjaro. 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route

ITINERARY

    1. Arrival
    2. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Hotel B&B. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check and arrange for you equipments .

    3. DAY 1: Londorossi Gate to mti mkubwa Camp.
      Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 8,694ft /2377m to 2650m
      •Distance: 7 km
      •Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
      •Habitat: Rain Forest
    4. 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, and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

    5. DAY 2: Mti mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1
      Elevation (ft): 8,694ft to 11,840ft /2650m to 3610m
      •Distance: 7 km
      •Hiking Time 5-6 hours
      •Habitat: Moorland
    6. 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.

    7. DAY 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
      Elevation (ft): 11,5840ft to 13,800 ft /3610m to 4200m
      •Distance: 14 km
      •Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
      •Habitat: Moorland
    8. 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.

    9. DAY 4: Moir Hut via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
      Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 12,926ft /42000m to 3940m
      •Distance: 10 km
      •Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
      •Habitat: Semi Desert
    10. 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 stop for lunch and acclimatization after you descend to Barranco camp. Although you will 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.

    11. DAY 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
      Elevation (ft): 12,926ft to 13,100ft /3940m to 3995m
      •Distance: 9km
      •Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
      •Habitat: Alpine Desert
    12. 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.

    13. DAY 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
      Elevation (ft): 13,100ft/3995m to 15,331ft/4673m (and down to 10,000ft/3100m)
      •Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
      •Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
      •Habitat: Arctic
    14. You will wake up around 11:00pm for some tea and snacks that will warm you for the summit. At 12:00am you will start your summit with steep rocks for about 2 to 3 hours and then you will start crossing zigzag area and keep moving to crater rim and finally Stella point 18800feet/ 5657m on around 06:00am. At Stella point, you will meet with other hikers from other route and join them heading to Uhuru peak and you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (if weather permitting) on your way or at the summit. Once you arrive at the summit, you will stay for 10 to 15 minutes for pictures and sightseeing and descend down via the same trail for about 3 hours to Barafu Camp for rest, brunch, and descend to Mweka Hut. The distances from the base camp to the summit is 10km round trip.

    15. DAY 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi
      Elevation (ft): 10,000ft/3100m to 5,380ft/1640m
      •Distance: 10 km
      •Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
      •Habitat: Rain Forest
    16. 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 a vehicle will meet and drive you back to hotel in Moshi for hot shower and Kilimanjaro beer.

Excludes, Map & Trekking Equipments
    • Price includes
      >>Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
      >>2 nights of accommodation in Moshi.
      >>Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
      >>Park entry fees,
      >>Camping fees.
      >>Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees.
      >>18% VAT on tour fees & services
      >>4 Season mountain tents
      >>Double layered Sleeping Mats
      >>Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters.
      >>3 hot meals daily while on the mountain.
      >>Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
      >>Hot water for washing.
      >>Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
      >>Government taxes
      >>Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
      >>Emergency first-aid kit.
      Price Exclude
      >>Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
      >>Travel insurance
      >>Flights.
      >>Laundry (Available at hotel).
      >>Personal items and toiletries.
      >>Tips for guides, porters and cook .
Technical Clothing:
1 - Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood - $15
1 - Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down - $15
1 - Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell - $10
2 - Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric - $10
1 - Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric - $10
1 - Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper recommended) - $ 5
2 - Hiking Pants - $10
1 - Fleece Pants - $5
1 - Shorts (optional) - $5
1 - Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric - $5
3 - Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended - $5
2 - Sport Bra (women)
Equipment
1 - Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons - $25
1 - Camp Pillow, inflatable (optional)
1 - Trekking Poles, collapsible (highly recommended) - $10
1 - Head Lamp, with extra batteries - $20
1 - Duffel Bag, 50-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment - $15
1 - Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear - $15
Paperwork
Passport – Valid more than 6 months.
Visa (applied online but also available at JRO)
Immunization Papers
Insurance Document (That covers 6000m recommended) *
Accessories
1 - Sunglasses or Goggles
1 - Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
1 - Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
1 - Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)
1 - Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
1 - Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving room/tent at night (recommended)
Head Wear
1 - Brimmed Hat, for sun protection - $5
1 - Knit Hat, for warmth - $ 5
1 - Balaclava or Buff, for face coverage (optional) - $5
Hand Wear
1 - Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended) - $5
1 - Gloves, thin - $ 5
Footwear
1 - Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in - $20
1 - Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
3 - Socks, wool or synthetic - $5
1 - Gaiters, waterproof (optional) - $5
Other Important things:
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper
Wet Wipes (recommended)
Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
Other Trekking Information

So, you've decided to take on the challenge of tackling Africa's highest peak? Next, you need to think about the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, in terms of weather, trekking conditions and popularity. Although it's technically possible to trek Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro year round, there are certain months which are characterised by colder weather, more rain and potentially lots of snow on the summit. We generally advise that the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest times of year, from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October.

What is altitude sickness?
Also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), it is an illness that can affect travellers at high altitudes, usually above 2400m (8000 feet) such as on Mount Kilimanjaro. Altitude sickness is the name given to the physiological and symptomatic reactions of the body to the low oxygen pressure (‘thinner’ air) that occurs at high altitude. When oxygen pressure falls, the body reacts by increasing breathing and heart rate and starts to produce more red blood cells. More red blood cells mean more vehicles to carry oxygen in the blood. The body also increases production of an enzyme that causes the release of oxygen from haemoglobin to the body tissues. Causes of altitude sickness
AMS is caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. The faster you climb, the more likely you will get AMS. It is not only the height that matters so much, it is the rate of ascent.
You are at higher risk for AMS if you live near sea level and have had the illness before. Others at risk are those with diseases of the heart/lungs such as chronic bronchitis and asthma, people who are anaemic and those with a history of thromboses. Older people and children are also more susceptible to AMS. Symptoms of altitude sickness
Your symptoms will depend on the rate of your climb and how hard you push yourself. Symptoms usually start 12 – 24 hours after arrival at altitude and can affect the nervous system, lungs, muscles and heart. It is important to remember that reducing the symptoms is not curing the problem. The symptoms of altitude illness are similar to those of a hangover. Initially it starts with a headache, lack of appetite, tiredness and feeling off balance. Many hikers find it difficult to sleep. Then nausea sets in and vomiting starts. Headaches are getting more intense. If you continue, conditions might deteriorate. Sometimes the lack of oxygen can cause the leaking of fluid into the brain and lungs. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) can develop. Our guides are very experienced with AMS. They will be monitoring all symptoms and will take a safe and well-informed decision on whether to proceed or descend. Most often symptoms will be swiftly relieved with decreasing altitude.
More severe acute mountain sickness includes: Blue skin and lips (cyanosis) and grey or pale complexion
Tight chest
Cough and coughing up blood
Confusion, decreased consciousness or withdrawal from social interaction
Not being able to walk in a straight line or unable to walk.
Prevention of altitude sickness
The slower you go, the better you will acclimatise and the higher you are likely to go without experiencing many symptoms. Recognise early symptoms of AMS and if symptoms increase, descend. Your guide will help you take a decision. The only cure is either acclimatisation or descent.
Walk slowly, relax and enjoy.
Drink plenty of fluids while climbing, at least 3 to 4 liters of water per day.
Avoid alcohol when ascending
Talk to your doctor before you attempt to climb Kilimanjaro and ask about the correct preparation, first-aid medication and treatment options for AMS. If you are anaemic, ask your doctor for an iron supplement.
Colds
The risk of altitude sickness will be increased if you are already suffering from respiratory tract infection such as a cold. If you have the flu, do not travel until you are fully recovered. Both colds and the flu are caused by viruses and anti-biotics will not be effective as it is used against bacterial infections.
Acute upper respiratory tract infections include pharyngitis/tonsillitis and laryngitis. Complications may lead to sinusitis, ear infection and sometimes bronchitis which can all be exacerbated by high altitude.
Some research has shown that restrained exercise might not change the severity and duration of the illness, but the intensity of a Kilimanjaro hike will jeopardise your recovery. Getting plenty of sleep is advised as sleep deprivation is associated with increased receptiveness to infection.

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