Overview
The Lemosho route is the route with the highest success rate. In addition, this route offers a wonderful panoramic view of the beautiful landscape of West Kilimanjaro. In the second stage of this route, it joins the Machame route. On the way you will pass beautiful landscapes and landmarks such as the famous Barranco wall.
You can do the ascent via the Lemosho route in seven or eight days. The difference between the two routes: the 7-day tour starts at an altitude of 3,500 meters, the 8-day tour starts at an altitude of 2,200 meters. As the 8-day ascent begins at a lower altitude, you hike through the tropical rainforest on the first day. This is not the case for the 7-day ascent. Here you drive by car through the tropical rainforest and only hike through the tropical rainforest on your way back.
If you want to complete the Lemosho route in six days, this corresponds with the description on the Lemosho-Shira route.
Day 1 :
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Int. Airport for your climb
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Tanzania Specialist guide will be there waiting for you. He will will drop you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.
Preparation for your climb: You will meet your guide before the beginning of your climb. He will brief you and give you details, like what to wear, what to put in your backpack and other important tips to make the climb as comfortable as possible for you.
Day 2 :
Lemosho Route 7 days, day 1: Drop off (3500 m/ 11,483 ft) - Shira 1 (3505 m/ 11,499 ft)
Today you embark on your extraordinary journey via Lemosho Route. Your guide will pick you up in the morning and you will drive approximately 4 hours by car to the west entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park (2,200 m). The road leads through beautiful tropical rainforest. You arrive at the drop-off point at 3,500 meters where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Shira plateau. The walking route to the first camp is flat which allows you to get used to the high altitude.
Day 3 :
Lemosho Route 7 days, day 2: Shira 1 (3505 m/ 11,499 ft) - Shira 2 Camp (3900 m/ 12,795 ft)
In the morning you will depart from Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m). This walk is not difficult and you can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro's surroundings as you climb higher. On a clear day, Shira 2 Camp is the perfect location to see Mount Meru (the fifth peak of Africa). After lunch, take an acclimatization walk to Lava Tower Camp (elevation gain of 200m) to increase the chances to summit and reduce the chances of altitude sickness.
Day 4 :
Lemosho Route 7 days, day 3: Shira 2 Camp (3900 m/ 12,795 ft) - Lava Tower (4630 m/ 15,190 ft) - Barranco Camp (3960 m/ 12,992 ft)
On day 3 the Lemosho route joins the Machame route. The hike leads from Shira Camp 2 to the beautiful Lava Tower at 4,630 m (15,190 ft). This part of the climb has many ascents and descents, but offers beautiful views along the way. It is a long hike and you may start to feel a bit uncomfortable because of the height. It is therefore important to find your right pace in order for your body to adjust to the altitude. After lunch, you descend to Barranco Camp at the foot of Barranco Wall.
Day 5 :
Lemosho Route 7 days, day 4: Barranco Camp (3960 m/ 12,992 ft) - Karanga Camp (4035 m/ 13,238 ft)
After breakfast you depart from Barranco Camp to the Barranco Wall. For many people this is their favorite part of the climb. Once at the top of the Barranco Wall, you have a spectacular view to the Kibo Volcano and Mount Meru.
Afterwards a more difficult hike starts to reach Karanga Camp. This route has many ascents and descents, so keep the right pace. You have lunch at the camp and after a rest you can take an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp.
Day 6 :
Lemosho Route 7 days, day 5: Karanga Camp (4035 m/ 13,238 ft) - Barafu Camp (4640 m/ 15,223 ft)
After breakfast the hike to Barafu Camp starts. This is the starting point for your ascent to the Uhuru Peak - the top of Kilimanjaro! You will arrive at the camp around lunch. Have a rest and after you regain your strength, take an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4800m) and back. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and experience the thrill of high altitude camping as you prepare for the final push to the summit around midnight.
Day 7 :
Lemosho Route 7 days, day 6: Barafu Camp (4640 m/ 15,223 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5895 m/ 19,340 ft) - Millennium Camp (3820 m/ 12,532 ft)
Today is the day! Around midnight you start from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak. The climb leads over good trails and the most challenging part is the high altitude. Once you reach the summit you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After a small time at the top, where you celebrate your ultimate triumph you descend slowly to the scenic Millennium Camp.
Day 8 :
Lemosho Route 7 days, day 7: Millennium Camp (3820 m/ 12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1650 m/ 5,413 ft) - Hotel
The Millennium camp is located in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up today, you will experience a pleasant feeling due to the reduction in altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After breakfast you take an easy walking to the park exit.
Your driver will bring you back to the hotel for a well deserved rest!
Day 9 :
Flight home from Kilimanjaro (JRO) after the climb
Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!
