Lemosho Route -11 Days from ($1805pp)

Lemosho Route

11 Days / 10 Nights

This climb is for those wanting more privacy, a slower climb, and a more scenic route. The traversing of the Shira plateau can be especially spectacular, and this route also ensures you also to see the best of the Machame route. All Summit Travel Climbs include a large staff including the chief guide, an assistant guide, cook, and porters.

Day 1: Arrival
Whenever you arrive, you’ll be personally met and transferred to a lovely resort in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro 1st highest mountain in Africa. Those arriving specially early can book optional activities. Then, spend the afternoon with your mountain guide preparing for the climb.

Day 2: Lemosho to mti Mkubwa Camp
Estimated Distance 7.9 km, Hike time 5-7 hours
Final Elevation 3850 m, Elevation changed 750 m
After paper work at the park gate, the safari continues to the Lemosho Glades starting point. Less steep than the Machame route and less used, today’s trek is through the forest that laces the foot of the mountain. This evening’s camp is pitched in the forest.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa to Shira One
Estimated Distance 11.8 km, Hike time 6-8 hours
Final Elevation 3500 m, Elevation changed 750 m
Today’s trek takes you slowly up the edge of the Shira volcano. As you gain more altitude the vegetation thins and exotic species of high altitude plants appear. Camp is situated near the rim of the ancient volcano and provides a good opportunity to get the first direct views of Kilimanjaro’s peak.

Day 4: Shira One to Shira Two
Estimated Distance 6 km, Hike time 5-7 hours
Final Elevation 3850 m, Elevation changed 750 m
Trek to Shira 2 Camp across the Shira Plateau, the flat caldera of a volcano that was actually bigger and is much older than Kilimanjaro. Views can be very weather specific but on good days are breathtaking. Kibo also shines with a silvery luminance as the glaciers reflect the strong sunlight. At times mist covers the plateau – views come and go quickly. You arrive in time for lunch and then have plenty time to relax and even go for a short acclimatization walk in the afternoon.

Day 5 : Shira Two to Moir Hut
Estimated Distance 6 km, Hike time 5-7 hours
Final Elevation 4600 m, Elevation changed 750 m
Today we have another reactively short half day hike, taking us to an area visited by very few groups. This camp is located near the Lent group of side volcanoes, which erupted considerable volumes of lava as Kilimanjaro grew. Lunch is taken in camp and we have plenty of opportunity in the afternoon for an acclimatization walk and to explore some beautiful volcanic features.

Day 6: Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Estimated Distance 5. 2, Hike time 4-5 hours
Final Elevation 4620 m, Elevation changed 20 m
Today we pass traverse across glacier gouged valleys, taking time and letting our bodies acclimatize. We will reach Lava Tower camp by around 1pm or 2 we have no rush. The Lava tower area around is another exciting region of Kilimanjaro with its glacier very dramatic plug next to our camp set. In the afternoon for those that want to ascend the Lava tower–hopefully to be rewarded by stunning views.

Day 7: Lava tower to Arrow Glacier
Estimated Distance 3 km, Hike time 2-3 hours
Final Elevation 4900 m, Elevation changed 300 m
Today we ascend a relatively short distance to Arrow Glacier camp. The route ascends up scree from the last major glaciations and so progress can be slow, but we have plenty of time to reach camp and normally this section takes around 3 or so hours. Once again we have time in camp to relax, and in the afternoon we maintain the climbers adage of walk high sleep low by going for a short acclimatization walk before heading back to camp for dinner.

Day 8: Arow Glacier to Crater Camp
Estimated Distance 6 km, Hike time 5-7 hours
Final Elevation 5875 m, Elevation changed 975 m
From here we ascend up the Western Breach in a morning hours, a very dramatic part of the mountain where up to 100,000 years ago as Kilimanjaro spewed forth it’s last significant eruptions, earth quakes led to the collapse of this section of the summit.

We ascend very slowly – with less than half the oxygen than at sea level that is hardly surprising, but with persistence we all make it to the rim of Kibo in around 6 – 8 hours. There are some places that require scrambling and if there is ice on the trail the guides clear and secure the route ahead. Guests do not require technical experience. At the rim it is a much gentler walk to the camp, situated near the Furtwangler glacier. The guide will be checking you very regular while relaxing all time.

Day 9: Summit to Mweka
E stimated Distance 7 km, Hike time 5-7 hours
Final Elevation 3100 m, Elevation changed 2695 m
The beauty of this route is that having done the hardest section by the next morning we are well rested and have only 200 meters vertical distance to complete. Compare this to over 1000 meters by hikers on other routes! We set off just after dawn and reach Uhuru peak at around 7 a.m, just as the sun starts to warm the desolate roof of Africa and herald in a new day. A plethora of emotions is normal here and with luck the sun will add to the splendor of this unique place and momentous moment. We take photos and celebrate before heading down from Stella point down glacial valleys to Barafu camp for a short break, before heading on down to Mweka hut, our camp for the evening.

Day 10: Mweka Hut to Mweka Park Gate
Estimated time 3-4 hours, Estimated distance 9 km
Elevation change -1600 m, Final Elevation 1500 m
The final descent takes you through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest. Your time on Kilimanjaro ends at Mweka Gate where your transport will be waiting to transfer you back to your Hotel.

Day 11: Departure day
After breakfast prepared for the town tour till lunch hours, back to the hotel for the departure.