Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

Key Infomation

  • Duration:10 Days
  • Trip GradeStrenuous
  • DestinationTanzania Kilimanjaro
  • Max Altitude5895 m
  • ActivityHiking & Camping
  • Group Size1-10
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Traveler's Choice
Price fromUS$2,750US$3,000
Group Price Available
Group Price Available
peoplePrice
1 person - 1 personUS$ 2990
2 people - 2 peopleUS$ 2750
3 people - 5 peopleUS$ 2590
6 people - 10 peopleUS$ 2450
  • Best Price Gurantee
  • No booking or Credit Card Fee
  • Free Cancellation

Lemosho, one of the latest recent routes, is a fantastic option for your climb attributed to its excellent blend of very few crowds, stunning landscapes, and high summit success rate. The Lemosho Route offers panoramic views of the mountain's numerous sides and is regarded as the most beautiful trail on Kilimanjaro. It is a delightful, flat hike that traverses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east. The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is fortunate to have pristine fauna and magnificent views of the mountain's numerous faces. One of the most recent trails, Lemosho, offers fantastic chances for acclimatization.

It is one of the mountain's more recent routes and follows a portion of the same route as the Machame Route. The Lemosho Route meanders its way up one of the more remote stretches of Mount Kilimanjaro, beginning at the Londorossi Gate on its western side. Climbers may have the opportunity to see wildlife as they travel along the trail through the stunning jungle. After leaving Moshi for Londorossi Gate, where you must fulfill entry procedures, the fantastic experience will begin. Next, start winding through the untouched forest to the forest campsite. Following the trail that emerges from the forest, we continue to descend through the verdant slopes and over numerous streams until we reach the Shira Ridge and then gently descend to Shira Camp 1. We next proceed to Moir Hut, a rarely visited shelter at the foot of Lent Hills. We then spend the night at Barranco Camp. Your body will get ready for summit day on this crucial day for acclimatization. To go to the campsite in Karanga Valley, we depart from Barranco Camp. Climbers descend straight to the Mweka Hut campsite after reaching the peak. It's time to make the final descent to the trailhead and head back to Moshi after reaching the summit at a height of 5,895 meters. Lemosho can be climbed over seven or eight days while scaling Kilimanjaro. Days five and six are combined in the seven-day variation, which travels from Barranco Camp to Baratu Camp without stopping at Karanga.

Lemosho is undoubtedly one of the best routes to pick from if you want to increase your chances of reaching the mountain's summit, especially compared to the Machame Route and Marangu Route. Lemosho Route is a more challenging trail than the "Whiskey" and "Coca-Cola" routes, although having a greater success rate. You'll need to be in good physical shape for this 8-day trek because you'll be climbing the Uhuru summit and returning in just 6 days.

Highlights of Kilimanjaro Climbing via Lemosho Route 

  • The Lemosho route offers the best views of Kilimanjaro's many landscapes
  • Summit Mount Kilimanjaro to the highest freestanding mountain in the world, Uhuru Peak
  • Discover the many cultures, fascinating ethnicities, and warm hospitality of Africa
  • Climb the most popular route, which features a wonderful trail and is regarded as the most picturesque route on Kilimanjaro
  • Up until hikers begin the Machame path, there won't be much traffic for hikers
  • Up to 95% of attempts on the Lemosho Route are successful after sufficient days of acclimatization
  • Make the journey through the rainforest to reach Shira Ridge

Facts About Kilimanjaro 

With a height of 5,895 m above sea level, Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world and dominates the landscape, unlike any other mountain. It is also the highest peak in Africa. Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo are the three volcanic cones found on Mount Kilimanjaro. Mawenzi and Shira are still present, but the highest mountain, Kibo, may erupt once more. Almost every type of natural system, including cultivated land, a rainforest, a moorland, an alpine desert, and an arctic peak, can be found in this area. In 2001, Italian Bruno Brunod set a record for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in the shortest amount of time 5 hours and 38 minutes. Additionally, a local guide named Simon Mtuy completed the fastest roundtrip in 2004. He left and returned in 8 hours and 27 minutes.

Tanzania, where Mount Kilimanjaro is located, is only 205 miles from the equator. As ice couldn't form so close to the hot, tropical sun, people did not believe the early explorers who claimed to have seen glaciers on Kilimanjaro's summit. But in recent times, it has been proven. Volcanic action created Kilimanjaro. Kibo, Shira, and Mawenzi, three volcanic cones, were once present on the peak.

  • Kibo (19,340'/5,895m)
  • Mawenzi (16,893 ft/ 5,149 m)
  • Shira (3,962 m/13,000 ft)

The highest and center cone is called Kibo. The top of Mount Kilimanjaro is located here. It took 460,000 years for it to form. These are some mindblowing Facts About Kilimanjaro. People who are looking for a more authentic high-altitude hiking and climbing experience can consider taking the Lemosho Route. This route is ideal for those who have higher risk tolerance. When it comes to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Footprint Adventure offers the best price that's still reasonable, a professional local guide, and incredible hospitality. We also provide a day tour in Tanzania, Tanzania Safari, Meru Climbing, and many more great excursions and adventures in Tanzania.

Itinerary

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This is our standard itinerary for the Lemosho Route. These days, the Lemosho route has become the most popular among adventure seekers. If you want to make this itinerary more flexible and customized to your own needs and desires, contact us.

Once you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Footprint Adventures representative will be there to greet you and drive you to your hotel in Moshi. As the day progresses, we'll meet with our tour manager in the evening to go through trip details. Ask your tour guide as many questions as you like to help you prepare for your trip. The conversation will be followed by a welcome meal sponsored by Footprint Adventure. Our meal tonight will be a delicious introduction to Tanzanian cuisine and culture.

  • Accommodation Panama Garden Hotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner
  • Time1.5 hour
  • Maximum Altitude930 m

Your guide and the rest of the team will check into the hotel in the morning, and you'll have a quick meeting and briefing with them. You'll leave your accommodation in the morning after a hearty breakfast and go to the park's western entrance at Londorossi Gate (2,200m). After getting climbing permits and signing up with the SAR service, you'll be driven to the designated drop-off locations in off-road vehicles. The first time you see the breathtaking Shira Plateau is when you're dropped off at the designated drop off spot (Lemosho Glades), which is situated at an elevation of 3,500 meters. You will begin your hike up to Shira 2 high camp, located at an elevation of about 14,000 feet, from the location where you were dropped off. You won't have to push yourself too hard, but you will be able to start acclimatizing on this stroll. When you get to camp, your team will have already set up the tents and started supper preparations.

  • Accommodation Camping Tent
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Time4hr drive & 3-4hrs hike
  • Maximum Altitude2,895 m

We continue on the trail leading out of the 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. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

 

  • Accommodation Camping Tent
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Time5-6 hours
  • Maximum Altitude3,505 m

We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue 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 is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

 

  • Accommodation Camping Tent
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Time6-7 hours
  • Maximum Altitude4,206 m

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day

  • Accommodation Camping Tent
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Time5-6 hours
  • Maximum Altitude3,962 m

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

  • Accommodation Camping Tent
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Time4-5 hours
  • Maximum Altitude4,035 m

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

  • Accommodation Camping Tent
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Time4-5 hours
  • Maximum Altitude4,640 m

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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.

  • Accommodation Camping Tent
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Time10-12 hours
  • Maximum Altitude5,895 m

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

 

  • Accommodation Panama Garden Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Time3-4 hours
  • Maximum Altitude930 m

Our Representative will drop you at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your final departure from Tanzania. 

*Please note that you have to be at the airport before 3 hours of flight time.

  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude930 m

What's Included

  • Private airport transfers during international arrival and departure in private vehicles
  • 2x nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (Panama Garden Hotel) or a similar standard with breakfast
  • Welcome dinner with local guides and crew team
  • All park fees and required permits for climbing
  • Professionals, experienced and certified guides during the climbing
  • All the required porters, chef, waiter, and helpers during the entire climbing
  • All camping equipment and gear such as sleeping tents (double sharing), dining tents, kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and essential camping equipment
  • All get transfers during the climbing 
  • Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the climbing period
  • Daily tea, coffee, hot water, and filter water during the climbing
  • Oxygen bottle for emergency
  • Health check twice a day
  • Rescue fee
  • Food, insurance, and salary for all the crew members
  • T-shirt and certificate of achievement from the company side
  • Carry Me Bag for responsible waste collection throughout the trek
  • Duffel bag (to be returned) from the company side to carry your stuff 
  • All the applicable government taxes and company charges
  • International and domestic fights to/from Tanzania
  • Lunch & dinner in Moshi except welcome dinner in Moshi
  • High altitude travel Insurance
  • Tanzanian Visa fee (50 USD for most of the passports and 100 USD for USA citizens, purchase on arrival)
  • Increases in park fees where applicable
  • Personal equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking gear, and trekking equipment
  • Private toilet during the climbing (if you want, it cost 250 USD)
  • Tips for guide(s), porters & cook and climbing crew team (expected)
  • Soda, alcohol, and other hard drinks
  • Any other personal expenses which are not mentioned above

Additional Info

Difficulty Level

The Lemosho route is regarded one of the simpler Kilimanjaro routes due to its longer itinerary, which provides for better acclimatization. Hikers must still scale the Barranco Wall and climb sharply on summit night. Rather of trying to fit the climb into 7 days, the 8-day Lemosho climb has one of the best success percentages. The extra day allows you a shorter pre-summit day, which means arriving at base camp by lunchtime, fueling up with food, and tucking into your tent to relax before a difficult summit ascent beginning at midnight. There is no technical climbing required, although a decent degree of fitness is advised.

Popular Things to do

Tanzania is widely popular for wildlife safari and Kilimanjaro climbing especially. Besides this, beaches, friendly people, intriguing culture, amazing hospitality, the popular Serengeti National Park, and Kilimanjaro mountains. After the trek, exploring the Zanzibar Islands, beaches and drinks are other most fascinating things to explore during the Tanzania trip. 

Best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro 

Mt. Kilimanjaro lies in the equatorial region of the earth, so you don’t have to experience the extreme hot and cold across the year. Though, there are a few months which is the best time to explore the beauty of Tanzania and Kilimanjaro. Normally, the peak season for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro starts from December to mid of March and mid of June to the end of October. The good part of peak season offers favorable weather conditions and the best time for hiking, trekking, and climbing. Also, the high season offers beautiful views of the sunrise from the top and amazing scenery. The hectic part of the prime season is that the trail gets crowded, and obviously, the peak season brings the many fellow travelers, and climbers, and the region gets crowded. 

Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

Weather & Climate 

An  African country located on the southern equator of the world offers a diverse climatic environment that depends on the elevation, and geographical structure of a particular place and season during the entire year. Normally on coastal sides, the temperature remains humid and hot and tropical weather prevails. While the northern side remains cold and the high altitude area becomes more chilled across the year. The central part of Tanzania remains dry and arid throughout the year.

Food in Tanzania

This African country offers a variety of local, international, and continental cuisine. The local cuisine has been widely influenced by several cultures, people, and flavors as there are about 120 ethnic groups along with people from Asia, and Europe who also lived there. The normal meals from Tanzania include local products like rice, wheat, corn, beans, cabbage, varieties of nuts, banana, mango, pineapple, and coconut. The taste of the Tanzanian foods is amazing and mouth-watering along with nutritious, healthy, and fresh as well. The popular local food in Tanzania is Ugali which is a staple food served during both lunch and dinner. 

Ugali, Maandazi, Vitumbua, Wali wa Nazi, Supu ya Ndizi, Nyama Choma, Pilau, Chapati Bread, Mchemsho, Ndizi Nyama, Wali na Maharage, Mchuzi wa Samaki, Mishkaki, Date Nut Bread, Sweet Potato Pudding, Mchicha, Makubi, Coconut Bean Soup, Mkate wa Sinia, Vibibi are the some of the most popular and delicious foods in Tanzania which you must try when you are in Tanzania.

Popular Full Moon Climb 

Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing is popular on full moon days. So, travelers patiently wait to make the trip during this period in the high season. Climbing during the full moon day brings the bright moonlight that illuminates the nearby surroundings with the glittering glacier. Also, you can see the magical views of Mt. Kino with more visibility during the full moon day. Also, another important reason for climbing Africa’s tallest mountain during the full moon is due to its glows that enhance the insights of the Kilimanjaro trekking passes and especially during your summit attempt.

Fitness & Altitude Sickness 

There is no doubt that Kilimanjaro climbing is challenging and you’ll hike up to high-altitude climbing. To make the journey successful, your fitness level should be normal, you should be able to walk around 5-7hr every day at a normal pace. You may feel your pace could be slow due to the higher elevation which is normal in high mountains. But it is essential for a safe and successful ascent. Prior hiking and trekking in high mountains would be additional support for your successful ascent. 

Regarding altitude sickness, this is a very obvious situation when you are in high mountains. To avoid such a condition, you must acclimatize your body when needed and drink enough water while hiking up. You should follow all the necessary guidance from your climbing guide which will be helpful from AMS ( Acute Mountain Sickness). You can use some medicines such as Diamox (acetazolamide) to avoid mountain sickness.

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