9 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Glades route is perhaps the least used initial ascent route on Kilimanjaro, partly because of its remote location and likewise the difficult roads leading to the trailhead. The trailhead is at relatively high elevation, and thus we start slow and easy on this route.

Buffalo and elephant sightings are possible on the first day trekking through the forest, and the trail is often overgrown from lack of use. The route leads up to the western edge of the Shira Plateau, and the hike across the plateau is said to be one of the most stunningly beautiful hikes in Africa.

The trail merges on day three of the trek with the Shira Route (which begins near the point, at the end of the 4x4 track at the Morun Barrier (Gate), and on day four merges with the Machame Route. From this point all the three trails continue to Lava Tower, and then down into the Great Barranco valley, where the Umbwe route joins steeply from the south.

From here, the trail circumvents counter-clockwise around the upper slopes of the Kibo massif, over the high-desert ridges to the Karanga Valley, then to an exposed campsite set on a high ridge; Barafu (meaning literally “ice” in Kiswahili). From Barafu Camp we make our overnight attempt at Africa’s highest peak…an experience that few ever forget. 

The route as per this itinerary is the longest distance to trek up Kilimanjaro, so fitness certainly plays a role in the enjoyment and success of this trek. We start slow, and gain altitude slowly for the first four days, and then the physical and mental demand increases. The trek from Barranco to Barafu and then the overnight trek to the summit is a serious challenge due to the short amount of time to rest before the overnight summit attempt.

Overall, the distance covered and the intensity of the final few days make this trek a good choice only for the experienced hiker. The many changes of scenery and spectacular hike across the Shira Plateau make this trek truly special. There are no huts on this route. The accommodation is in mountain tents and dining is in our mess tents.

Day 1: Arusha Town / Moshi Hotel

Pick up from Arusha Town or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi Town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Half board accommodation at a base Hotel in Moshi.

Day 2: Lemosho - Forest Camp

Lemosho Trailhead (2375m or 7,800ft) – Forest Camp (2895m or 9,500ft) Departure from the base hotel for Londorossi Gate, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at the trailhead, eat lunch and then commence through undisturbed forest, which winds to the first camp, only about 3-4 hours of trekking. Overnight stay at Forest Camp (Mtee Mkubwa Camp)

Day 3: Forest Camp - Shira 1 Camp

Forest Camp – Shira 1 Camp (3,720m or 12, 200ft) Once out of the forest, take a steep track into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichens beards. Ascend through the lush rolling hills bewlo the Shira Plateau, finally reaching camp at the edge of the plateau, a day of 5-6hours trekking. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp (3,950m or 12,600ft) Full day exploration of the Shira Plateau, trek east towards Kibo’s glaciered peak, with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp at 12,600ft. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12,500ft. Trekking time without the optional excursions is about 3 hours.

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp – Barranco Camp

Shira 2 Camp – Barranco Camp (3950m or 12,950ft) Proceed steadily upwards over expansive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower for lunch. The trek is about 4 hours. Lava Tower, a300 foot volcanic plug, marks an exposed pass at 15,00ft. In the afternoon, descend the steep track into the Great Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp is set in a valley enclosed on three sides with the massive valley walls and the Kibo massif itself. Hanging glaciers glint in the sunshine above, amidst the eerie landscape of plants such as the giant groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjari) and the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia. Trekking time is 6-7hours.

Day 6: Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp

Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp (4,630m or 15,200ft) The day begins with a scramble up the steep ‘Barranco Wall’, then traversing up and down the slopes of valleys, which have carved their way into the mountain’s southern face. Kibo’s glaciers loom above to your left and the jagged peaks of Mawenzi jut into the African sky at just under 17,000ft straight ahead. We reach the Karanga Valley after 3 -4hours of trekking to find a hot lunch served.

In the afternoon the trail turns streadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Eat and drink as much as possible before retiring to your tent for rest and sleep.

Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak

Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19,340ft) – Mweka Camp (3110m or 10,200ft) The steaming hot drink will arrive early on this momentous day. A midnight wake-up call is the start of juggernaut (12 – 13 hours of trekking). You begin trekking at 1 am. The temperatures range from just below freezing at midnight, to between 10 degrees F (-12 deg. C) to 10 F (-23 deg. C) just before dawn at the summit. The winding path of endless switchbacks will take form and shape in the shadows of the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers at early dawn, and behind you the spires of Mawenzi will be silhouetted against the red glow of the sun from beneath the clouds.

After 6 hours of walking, you will come to the edge of the crater; Stella Point (5790m or 19,000ft) on the crater rim is the end of the steep track. From here, there is a gentle slop of about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak. The strength it takes to ascend this final 340ft is for many monumental! After a short time at the summit, descend the steep scree trail back to Barafu Camp for some rest, and then summon your strength again for further descent to Mweka Camp for the night.

Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (1830m or 6,000ft) Descend straight to the gate (2 – 3 hours), where you will have lunch and will be awarded climbing certificates. Transfer to base hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Moshi Airport - Arusha Town

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Arusha Town.