Kilimanjaro Via Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is another popular and scenic trekking route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is known for its beautiful views, diverse landscapes, and excellent acclimatization opportunities. Here are some key features of the Lemosho Route:
- Difficulty Level: The Lemosho Route is considered to be a moderately challenging route. It offers a longer and more gradual ascent, providing better acclimatization and increasing the chances of reaching the summit successfully.
- Accommodation: Climbers on the Lemosho Route use 4 season alpine mountaineering tents for overnight stays at designated campsites. The route offers a true camping experience, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro.
- Acclimatization: The Lemosho Route is known for its excellent acclimatization profile. Climbers ascend through different vegetation zones, including rainforest, heath, moorland, and alpine desert, which helps the body adapt to high altitude gradually.
- Duration: The standard duration for the Lemosho Route is usually 7 or 8 days, with 8 days being the most common and the best. The extra day allows for better acclimatization and increases the chances of a successful summit.
- Scenery: The Lemosho Route offers diverse and breathtaking scenery throughout the trek. Climbers will pass through lush rainforests, expansive heathlands, Shira Plateau, and the challenging Barranco Wall before reaching the summit.
- Success Rate: The success rate for reaching the summit on the Lemosho Route is typically around 95 – 98% or higher. The longer duration and gradual ascent contribute to higher success rates.
- Trail Highlights: Some of the highlights along the Lemosho Route include the pristine rainforest section, the unique Shira Plateau, the Lava Tower, and the scenic Barranco Valley.
- Climbing Services: As with other camping routes, the porters will carry all the necessary camping equipment for the clients. Experienced guides and support crew ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
- Recommended for: The Lemosho Route is recommended for climbers who prefer a longer and more gradual ascent, allowing for better acclimatization. It is suitable for trekkers with good physical fitness and some previous trekking experience.
Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours via Lemosho route
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by Kermali Tours’ representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
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. After the registration process you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.
- Elevation: 915m to 2,650m
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 7 kilometers
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Rainforest
Today you will cover a lot of ground as you trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. We will trek through Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds as we head towards our destination which is Shira 2. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude as we head towards Shira 1 and parts of the route are fairly steep. As you proceed towards Shira 2 you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views.
- Elevation: 2,650m to 3,850m
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 8 kilometers
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Habitat: Heath and Moorland
Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
- Elevation: 3,850m to 3,960m via 4,640m
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Distance: 10 kilometers
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
- Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 6 kilometers
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.
- Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 4 kilometers
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
- Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m, then down to 3,080m
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
- Distance: 20 kilometers
- Difficulty: Very Challenging
- Habitat: Arctic (summit), Alpine Desert (descent)
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.
- Elevation: 3,080m to 1,640m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 10 kilometers
- Difficulty: Easy
- Habitat: Rainforest
Say goodbye to the extraordinary Kilimanjaro trek. We’ll transport you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your journey with a thrilling wildlife safari or a peaceful vacation to Zanzibar.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by an Ahsante Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
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. After the registration process you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.
- Elevation: 2,100m to 2,750m
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 6 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Habitat: Rainforest
Today you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Our destination for today is the Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude today and parts of the route are fairly steep.
- Elevation: 2,750m to 3,500m
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Moorland
Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.
- Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Habitat: Moorland
Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
- Elevation: 3,850m to 3,960m (via 4,640m)
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
- Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.
- Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 4 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
- Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m, then down to 3,080m
- Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
- Distance: 18 km
- Difficulty: Very Challenging
- Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.
- Elevation: 3,080m to 1,640m
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Habitat: Rainforest
Say goodbye to the extraordinary Kilimanjaro trek. We’ll transport you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your journey with a thrilling wildlife safari or a peaceful vacation to Zanzibar.
Prices Includes For Climbs
- All meals on the hike.
- All Park entrance fees.
- All prices are quoted in US Dollars.
- Camping equipment if applicable (tents
- mattresses
- sleeping bags
- pillows
- table and chairs)
- Flying Doctors rescue insurance for the time of the tour with Smile With Us Africa.
- Flights (International)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips for Guides, Porters & Chef
- Personal expenses in nature such as money for souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees etc.
- Visa fees (100 USD for American and 50 USD for non-American)
- Immunization documents (yellow fever recommended for visa processing on arrivals)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and /or park fees
- Transport from our base hotel in Moshi to the Mountain gate and back to our base hotel in Moshi.
- Park fees.
- Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
- 18% VAT.
- 4 Season mountaineering tents (On camping routes only).
- Comfortable mess tents (On camping routes only).
- Foam camping matress (On camping routes only).
- Camping chairs (on camping routes only).
- Camping tables (On camping routes only).
- Food resupply (Once on trek).
- Solar lighting in dining tent.
- Daily health monitoring (Twice a day with an oximeter).
- Oxygen cylinder (1 cylinder per every 4 pax).
- Hyperbaric presuure bag (1 per every 5 pax).
- Chemical toilet (1 per every 5 pax).
- Delicious food on the mountain depending on the dietary requirements of the clients (B/L/D).
- AED heart saving machine.
- Hot water for getting fresh in the morning and once you reach camp.
- Altitude sickness checklist.
- Full trip and safety briefing.
- Fully stocked first aid kit.
- Wash basin for each climber at camp.
- Three delicious and hearty meals per day.
- Snacks upon arrival in camp.
- VHF radios.
- Drinking water and fruit juices.
- Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
- Food resupply (once on trek).
- 2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn, Sal Salinero Hotel OR Panama Garden Resort depending on availability.
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Airline tickets.
- Airport transfers.
- Airport taxes.
- Laundry.
- Insurances.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
- Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear)
- Private transport from our base hotel in Moshi to the Mountain gate and back to our base hotel in Moshi.
- Park fees.
- Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
- 18% VAT.
- 4 Season mountaineering tents (On camping routes only).
- Comfortable mess tents (On camping routes only).
- 2 Foam camping mattresses for each client (On camping routes only).
- Camping chairs (On camping routes only).
- Camping tables (On camping routes only).
- Hot water bottle for sleeping bag.
- Personal porter for carrying day packs.
- Bottled water throughout the climb.
- Food resupply (Once on trek).
- Solar lighting in dining tent.
- Solar lighting in sleeping tent.
- Kilimanjaro Map for each client.
- Daily health monitoring (Twice a day with an oximeter).
- Oxygen cylinder (1 cylinder per every 4 pax).
- Hyperbaric pressure bag (1 per every 5 pax).
- Chemical toilets (1 per every 5 pax).
- Delicious food on the mountain depending on the dietary requirements of the clients. (B/L/D).
- AED heart saving machine.
- Souveniers for each client after the climb.
- Hot water for getting fresh in the morning and once you reach camp.
- Altitude sickness checklist.
- Full trip and safety briefing.
- Fully stocked first aid kit.
- Wash basin for each climber at camp.
- Three delicious and hearty meals per day.
- Snacks upon arrival in camp.
- VHF radios.
- Bottled drinking water and fruit juices.
- Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
- 2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn, Sal Salinero Hotel OR Panama Garden Resort depending on availability.
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Airline tickets.
- Airport transfers.
- Airport taxes.
- Laundry.
- Insurances.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
- Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear)