The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic routes to the summit. Known for its gradual ascent, excellent acclimatization, and high success rate for summiting, the Lemosho Route offers a journey through all of Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones – montane rainforest, heath & moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic zone encircling the summit.
The Lemosho Route, in total, covers about 70 km (43 miles) and is generally considered moderately challenging. The ascent is somewhat more gradual than other routes which allows more time for acclimatization.
Each day offers amazing views and new discoveries. Below is a brief day-to-day summary of the Lemosho Route.
Day 1: Transit to the Lemosho trailhead via Londorossi Gate, Trailhead to Mti Mkubwa Camp
The day begins with a 2-hr transit from Arusha to Londorossi Gate for National Park registration. After registering, a short ride to the trailhead where the crew will weigh and coordinate the packs. After lunch the adventure begins with the hike up to the first camp at Mti Mkubwa. The trail is relatively steep through the montane forest. Relax, take it slow, and enjoy the beauty of the forest canopy alive with birds and flowers. You may even spot some of the black and white colobus monkeys endemic to the Kilimanjaro forest.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
At the start of day 2 the trail continues through the montane forest. The trees begin to thin as the trail approaches the Shira Ridge, the forest finally giving way to the dry scrubs and grasses of the highland heath and moorland zone. As the trail breaches the Shira Ridge the Kibu summit appears. Its presence looms large over the Shira Plateau beckoning those that dare to climb its slopes.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Day 3 is a traverse across the Shira Plateau. Though a longer distance traveled than most days, the gradual climb makes for an easy hike through the rocky moorland landscape. The plateau can be windy, and the altitude starts making its impact with shortened breath and chill in the air. At Shira 2 Camp the late afternoon view of the valley and plains below stretches to Mt Meru to the west, the setting sun elicits calm gratitude for nature’s glory.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Day 4 is a long, strenuous day covering more than 10km. The ecosystem starts to subtly change from the scrubby moorland to a semi-desert. The low woody bushes, grasses and wildflowers are replaced by sage, lichen, and endemic Giant Groundsel. These plants are rugged, evolved to be able to withstand the intense sun during the day and freezing temperatures at night. The trail leaves Shira 2 camp and climbs nearly 2,500 ft to Lava Tower before descending down to Barranco Camp which is about the same elevation as Shira 2. Day 4 is an important acclimatization day – climb high, sleep low.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Though only covering 6 km, Day 5 is another long day on the trail. The first part of the trail from Barranco Camp runs immediately into the formidable-looking Barranco Wall. The trail zig-zags up the steep rocky wall. It is slow going, but not particularly dangerous. There is one short section that requires hugging “kissing rock,” but otherwise it just requires paying attention to the trail and a little perseverance. Once at the top of the wall, the trail traverses three valleys until it reaches the barren alpine desert camp of Karanga.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 6 is a relatively short day providing a bit of rest before a middle-of-the-night start to the summit. It is still a tough day that tests one’s endurance as the trail rises over 2,200 ft in elevation during the 4km trek between camps. At 15,331 ft elevation, Barafu Camp is solidly within the Arctic zone. It is cold, windy, and the air is thin. However, the summit is within reach. Time for a bit of rest. The next day will be challenging.
Day 7: Summit day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp
Summit day! Day 7 starts early, technically starts the night before. After resting at Barafu Camp, climbers start getting ready around 10pm - grab a bite to eat, ensure there is plenty of water in the pack, and set off for the summit around midnight. The night trek up the slope to Stella Point and, ultimately, Uhuru Peak is surreal. It is dark other than the light emitting from headlamps to mark the trail. The guides sing softly to help pace the steps. Look back and see a winding string of headlamps from the groups behind, all crawling toward the summit. It feels as if you could touch the starry night sky. As you approach Stella Point, the sky begins to lighten as the new day dawns, and you can start to see the sprawling summit crater below and the remnants of massive glaciers. Just a little bit further and the peak of Uhuru is obtained – 19,341 ft. You are on the Roof of Africa! There is time for photos and reflection, but one cannot linger long in the rarified air. It is time to return.
The descent from the summit in the daylight shows the steep, scree-strewn slopes you just hiked in the dark. Gravity helps the process, but the legs are stressed from the effort. Back at Barafu Camp it is time to rest and eat before finishing the day with a 10km descent to Mweka Camp.
For many the descent is even more challenging than the climb. For one, the legs are fatigued. Plus, the large sections of the trail are steep uneven steps hewn in the stone. The elevation change from Uhuru to Mweka Camp is a remarkable 9,300’ and passes back through all the ecological zones found on the mountain! Hiking poles are a big asset and highly recommended. After such an effort, there is joy and singing when you arrive in the camp.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final day on the mountain – the fatigue is real, but it is a relatively short hike through the beautiful montane rainforest. At Mweka Gate successful summiteers are presented with a golden certificate, you’ll say goodbye to the crew that made the journey memorable, and you’ll find your way to a well-deserved shower and bed in Arusha.
