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The 7 days Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a popular choice for trekkers who want to increase their chances of reaching the summit while enjoying a more relaxed and scenic journey. This route begins on the western side of the mountain, passing through some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes that Kilimanjaro has to offer.
One of the key advantages of the Lemosho Route is its gradual ascent, which allows for better acclimatization and increases your chances of reaching the summit. The trail leads to the Shira Plateau, an expansive and ancient lava flow with stunning views of the mountain’s peaks. This vast plateau offers a sense of solitude and space, making it a highlight of the route.
Arrive in Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International airport (JRO). Our driver (staff) will pick you up and transfer to Moshi town where you will spend the first night at a hotel of your choice. For those who will arrive through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Kenya, will be picked up and get transferred by Shuttle bus to Moshi.
Depending on your schedule, you will meet your African Delight Safaris Mountain guide for your climb on the same day or early the next morning. The guide will provide you with a briefing of your 7 days Lemosho route Kilimanjaro hike, at your Moshi hotel and will also review your equipment and assist you in renting any missing equipment which is needed.
You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00am and transferred to the Lemosho gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. quick formality of acquiring climbing At the park gates your head guide will go through the formalities of obtaining permits and registering with the search and rescue service. After the registration process you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades At these lower elevations the trail is often muddy and very slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
As you begin your ascent, you’ll journey through the lush and untouched rain forest, a serene start to your trek up the mountain. While the trek is not particularly challenging, it offers ample time to acclimate and observe some of Tanzania’s remarkable wildlife. Keep an eye out for Black and White Colobus monkeys and small antelopes, which are frequently spotted along the way. If you’re fortunate, you might even catch a glimpse of buffaloes. After trekking for about 3 to 4 hours, you’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, where towering conifer trees provide a peaceful canopy over the campsite.
After a refreshing night’s sleep and a satisfying breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue our ascent, leaving the dense greenery behind.
Today’s trek on the 7 days Lemosho route covers a longer distance than yesterday, with an ascent that takes approximately 6 to 8 hours. As you begin through the forest, you’ll notice the gradual change in vegetation—trees begin to thin out, making way for more shrubs. Along the way, you’ll encounter Lobelias and Erica plants and cross the Shira Ridge. After about five hours of hiking, you’ll take a break for a hot lunch at Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of Mount Meru and the Rift Valley below.
You’ll continue your hike across the rugged Shira Ridge and onto the expansive Shira Plateau. Here, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the eastern side of the mountain and the dramatic glaciers of the Western Breach. As you make your way to the western side of Kibo Peak, a short walk will bring you to the Shira 2 Campsite, where you’ll enjoy lovely hot meal for dinner in for the evening as temperatures begin to rapidly drop.
After breakfast, you’ll depart from Shira 2 Camp and head towards one of the most significant points on the route: Lava Tower. The climb can be challenging, and you might experience some discomfort due to the altitude. However, spending about 1 hour at Lava Tower is essential for proper acclimatization. This is where you’ll pause for today’s lunch, allowing your body to adjust to the higher elevation.
After enjoying an energizing meal and the views, you’ll make a steep descent into the Barranco Valley. Although you’ll end the day at nearly the same elevation as you started, this hike is crucial for acclimatization. It’s a vital step in preparing your body for the challenges of summit day, helping you adapt to the higher altitude.
The trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp is both physically demanding and visually captivating. It combines the challenge of climbing the Barranco Wall with the beauty of high-altitude landscapes, making it a memorable part of your 7 days Lemosho Route hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro.
After breakfast, you start by tackling the Barranco Wall, a steep and rugged ascent that rises directly from the valley floor. This climb involves a series of switchbacks and occasional scrambling. While it is not technically difficult it’s more about stamina and sure-footedness.
Once you’ve conquered the Barranco Wall, the trail levels out and continues along a scenic ridge the trail descends into the Karanga Valley, a dramatic change from the previous landscape. Upon reaching the valley floor, you’ll cross the Karanga River and start a gradual ascent up a steep series of zig-zags until reaching the Karanga Camp where you will relax for the afternoon before dinner and overnight rest.
Today you hike to Barafu Camp, the starting point for your ascent to Uhuru Peak – the top of Kilimanjaro! The trek begins with a gentle climb out of Karanga Camp, where you’ll traverse a rocky and lunar-like landscape. The vegetation thins out, giving way to a barren, alpine desert. You’ll notice fewer plants as you ascend, with only hardy, low-lying plants managing to survive in the harsh conditions.
You’ll likely arrive at Barafu Camp in the early afternoon, The name “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, which is fitting given the cold and often windy conditions at this elevation. Upon you’ll be served a hot meal to help you regain your strength along with plenty of water and possibly herbal tea to stay hydrated and help with acclimatization.
During early evening the camp is busy with activity, as climbers prepare for their final ascent to the summit. The atmosphere is one of anticipation and excitement, mixed with a bit of anxiety about the challenges ahead.
The temperature at Barafu Camp can drop significantly, especially after sunset, so you’ll need to layer up and prepare for a cold night. Most trekkers have an early dinner and try to get some sleep, as the summit attempt typically begins around midnight.
Please note: Your guide will brief you on the plan for the summit push, including what to wear, what to pack, and what to expect during dinner time. It’s important to organize your gear, ensuring that everything you need for the ascent is easily accessible.
This day is the most challenging and rewarding part of your Kilimanjaro trek via the 7 days Lemosho route, and so we face our greatest challenge.Your day begins in the middle of the night with a light snack and hot tea to fuel your body for the long ascent. You’ll be wearing multiple layers of clothing to protect against the bitter cold, which can drop to as low as -20°C (-4°F) with wind chill.
The trail is rocky and covered in loose stones, which makes progress slow and tiring. At this point, the climb is more about mental endurance than physical ability. After 5 to 7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Stella Point just as the first light of dawn begins to break. The sight of the sun rising over the African continent is breathtaking and a powerful motivator to keep going. Stella Point is on the crater rim, and while it’s not the highest point, it marks the final stage of the ascent.
From Stella Point, it’s about an hour’s walk along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). The final stretch is a gradual incline, but the altitude and cold make it feel like a marathon. Despite the exhaustion, the sense of achievement at Uhuru Peak is indescribable. At the summit, you’ll have time to take photos and enjoy the panoramic views of glaciers, the crater, and the vast horizon. The experience is both humbling and exhilarating.
After summiting, you’ll make your way back down to Barafu Camp where you’ll have a well-deserved rest and a hot meal to replenish your energy. From Barafu Camp, you’ll continue your descent to Millennium Camp known for being less crowded than Mweka Camp and offers a quieter, more serene environment.
We’ll set up camp and enjoy a hearty dinner. You’ll sleep soundly, knowing that the hardest part of your Kilimanjaro adventure is complete, and you’ve successfully conquered the highest peak in Africa.
This is your last day upon Mt. Kilimanjaro. After breakfast we continue with a gentle trek that takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. It can be wet and muddy so trekking poles will help. Also shorts and t-shirts will be suitable.
Upon reaching Mweka Gate, your tour guide will complete park formalities and you’ll receive certificates. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village where you can say goodbye & thank your team of guides, cooks & porters for a successful trek.
A private vehicle from African Delight Safaris will be waiting for you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 1hour).
All our Head Guides are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) able to handle emergencies, ensuring a secure and well-guided climb. We are invested in comprehensive staff training, quality medical kits & operate in accordance with established emergency protocols.
On your Mount Kilimanjaro hike, we’ll supply purified, boiled drinking water and all your meals. Our trekking crew includes a cook (or cooks) experienced in accommodating various dietary needs, so please let us know in advance if you have any specific dietary requirements or restrictions.
When hiking Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route, you will sleep in four season mountain tents at designated campsites along the trail. These camps provide basic camping facilities, and you’ll sleep in tents that are set up and taken down by our trekking crew each and every day.
$2140
$1830
$1740
$1655
$1615
$1600
| GROUP SIZE | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 & ABOVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOUR PRICE |
$2140 |
$1830 |
$1740 |
$1650 |
$1615 |
$1600 |
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African Delight Safaris is a Tanzania safari specialist established in 2019 providing top notch travel and tour services in East Africa.
African Delight Safaris is a Tanzania safari specialist established in 2019 providing top notch travel and tour services in East Africa.
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