Lemosho Route, Tanzania
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery, and a high summit success rate. Dodo Group Tanzania Limited specializes in guiding on the Lemosho route. Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and they consistently report that they loved it. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rain forest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. The descent is made via the Mweka route. Dodo Group Tanzania Limited offers Lemosho as an eight-day group climb or as a seven to eight-day private climb. The seven-day variation combines days five and six, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga. A nine-day variation that includes an overnight at Crater Camp is available as a private climb by special request. An extra additional day extra cost of $275 will be applied
Arrival
Our Driver will Pick you from the Airport (KIA), Drive to the preferred Hotel in Moshi for Briefing, Orientation, Equipment Check, Dinner, and Overnight.
Day 1:
Londorossi Gate to Mti MkubwaElevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ftDistance: 6 km/4 milesHiking Time: 3-4 hoursHabitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through an undisturbed forest that winds to the first campsite.
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and No-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance & Park fees Included
Camping
Mti Mkubwa Campsite
Day 2:
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 CampElevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ftDistance: 8 km/ 5milesHiking Time 5-6 hoursHabitat: Health
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain 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. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and No-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance & Park fees Included
Camping
Shira 1
Day 3:
Shira 1 Camp to Moir HutElevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ftDistance: 11 km/ 7 milesHiking Time: 5-7 hoursHabitat: Heath
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail 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 Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and No-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance & Park fees Included
Camping
Moir Hut
Day 4:
Moir Hut to Lava TowerElevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ftDistance: 7 km/4 milesHiking Time: 4-5 hoursHabitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco CampElevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ftDistance: 3 km/2 milesHiking Time: 2-3 hoursHabitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and No-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance & Park fees Included
Camping
Lava Tower
Day 5:
Barranco Camp to Karanga CampElevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ftDistance: 5 km/3 milesHiking Time: 4-5 hoursHabitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and No-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance & Park fees Included
Camping
Karanga Camp
Day 6:
Karanga Camp to Barafu CampElevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ftDistance: 4 km/2 milesHiking Time: 4-5 hoursHabitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and No-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance & Park fees Included
Camping
Barafu Camp
Day 7:
Barafu Camp to Uhuru PeakElevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ftDistance: 5 km/3 milesHiking Time: 7-8 hoursHabitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka CampElevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ftDistance: 12 km/7 milesHiking Time: 4-6 hoursHabitat: Rain Forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and No-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance & Park fees Included
Camping
Mweka Camp
Day 8:
Mweka Camp to Mweka GateElevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ftDistance: 10 km/6 milesHiking Time: 3-4 hoursHabitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and No-Vegetarian Available
All Entrance & Park fees Included
Hotel
Patmos Hotel
Technical Clothing 1 -Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood 1 -Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down, warm 1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell 3 -Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric 1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric 1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper recommended) 2 -Hiking Pants 1 – Fleece Pants 1 – Shorts (optional) 1 – Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric 4 – Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended 3 – Sports Bra (women) Headwear 1 -Brimmed Hat, for sun protection 1 – Knit Hat, for warmth 1 – Balaclava or Buff (recommended) Handwear 1 -Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended) 1 – Gloves, light Footwear 1 -Hiking Boots or Shoes, warm, waterproof 4 -Socks, wool or synthetic 1 -Gaiters, waterproof (optional) Accessories 1 -SunglassesSunglasses 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 tent at night (recommended) Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or “Ziploc”-Type Plastic Bags, to keep gear dry and separate. Note that there is a general ban on plastic bags in Tanzania, however, Ziploc-type bags for toiletries are permitted for tourists. Paperwork Trip Receipt Passport Visa (available at JRO) Immunization Papers Insurance Documents Equipment 1 -Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons* 1 – Camp Pillow, inflatable (optional) 1 -Trekking Poles, collapsable (highly recommended)* 1 -Head Lamp, with extra batteries 1 -Duffel Bag, 70L-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment 1 -Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear *maybe rented on location Other 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) The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack and bring way too much gear. Be selective in what you take with you. Please note that our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs (15 kgs) of your personal belongings. Everything the porters will carry for you between campsites should be placed into the duffel bag, including the sleeping bag, but it is OK to pack the sleeping bag separately if necessary. If you rent a sleeping bag from us, note that the bag weighs 5 lbs 6 oz. and this weight does count against the 33 lb limit. Our porters will place your duffel bag and sleeping bag into a large, sturdy, waterproof bag with a roll-top closure. If you have excess weight, you will be required to hire an additional porter. It is rare to require an extra porter and should happen only in special cases, such as for carrying extensive photography equipment. You are expected to bring everything you need, though we do rent warm sleeping bags and trekking poles on location. All extra luggage, items you will not use on your climbs, such as safari clothing, gear, and equipment, can also be safely stored at the hotel. Plastic, recyclable water bottles are not allowed in the park, due to past problems with litter. So water should be carried in Nalgene bottles, water bladders, or similar devices. You should be able to carry 3-4 liters of water with you at all times. Please do not bring alcohol. It is illegal to have alcohol in the park. Our staff will not carry it for you. Besides, drinking and high altitude do not mix well. Checked luggage on airplanes can get lost or delayed on the way to Tanzania. You should prepare for this possibility by wearing or carrying on the items that are essential to your Kilimanjaro climb. While most clothing, gear, and equipment can be replaced in Tanzania prior to your climb, there are some things that you should not replace. Dodo Group Tanzania Limited, recommends that you wear one complete hiking outfit on the plane, including a long sleeve shirt, hiking pants, underwear, socks, and hiking boots. In your carry on baggage, you should bring your backpack, waterproof jacket and pants, insulated jacket, fleece pants, snacks, toiletries, medications, camera, and all paperwork. Airline regulations do not allow you to carry trekking poles on the plane. Make sure you do wear/carry your hiking boots; wearing a different pair of boots on your climb will likely cause blistering. If your baggage is lost or delayed, please notify us immediately upon your arrival so we can assist you in assembling the necessary gear. We will take you to local, independently owned rental gear shops in Moshi. Note that these shops generally carry second-hand items that may not be up to Western standards. Dodo Group Tanzania Limited, cannot guarantee the fit, quality, or functionality of items found in local shops. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to carry on the most important pieces of gear as noted above. We will make reasonable attempts to deliver delayed luggage to you on the mountain. All additional expenses that are incurred by us while resolving lost or delayed luggage problems must be reimbursed locally.
9-90
Extreme
Cost Covers: Pre & Post Trek accommodation Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters Transportation to & from the mountain gate Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees 18% VAT on tour fees & services Double layered Sleeping Mats 3 meals daily while on the mountain Filtered water throughout the trek Portable toilets and toilets tents Hot Water For Washing Purpose Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro international airport. Cost does not Cover: International flights Tips to mountain crew Cost of Visas. Insurance fees Bank transfer charges & card payments processing fee. Expenses belong to person nature e.g Drinks not included on the meal plans, personal purchases, Laundry, etc.
Cancel up to 14 days before Tour Starting time and get 50% refund