Lemosho Route
Big Mama Safari Adventures – 7 days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Regular Days with:
10 - 15 km per day
500 - 1000m ascent per day
T2 Trails / no difficulty markings
> Stunning beauty in total remoteness
> High success rate
> Starting with the Lemosho in a lush and fertile rainforest
The Lemosho is one of the newest routes on the Kilimanjaro and was built in the days when the mountain started to rise above itself in terms of popularity. In earlier years it was already very busy on routes like the Marangu and the Machame. In order to meet the increasing demand, the authorities have built the Lemosho. When constructing the trails, acclimatisation and elevation were taken into consideration.
The Lemosho Route has a high success rate due to longer distances, longer periods on the mountain and fewer altitude differences. The route is also experienced as one of the most beautiful.
Although the route can be covered in six days and five nights, it is highly recommended to choose a longer itinerary. In eight days and seven nights you have the greatest chance of success and you can enjoy the peace and quiet when you need it.
Day 1: Moshi – Starting point – Mkubwa camp (2,780 m)
Early in the morning our driver will pick you up and take you to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m), an approximate two and a half hour drive away. After registration at the gate you will be driven up to a bumpy track that will take you into the dense rainforest to the drop-off point where your trek begins. You will follow a moderately steep track, which leads you through an amazing and unspoilt natural forest to Mkubwa Camp (2,800 m). As this region is also home to wild game, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger during the first 2 days of your trek.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Mkubwa camp (2,780 m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m)
Today’s trek will starts on a small trail that passes through the rainforest. As you climb, the forest gradually thins out and the landscape changes into heath and moorland where plants like Erica and lobelia start to dominate the landscape. You now find yourself in the third climate zone of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will cross the Shira Ridge and after 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you will reach Shira Camp 1. Here you will stop for a lunch, relax a bit and enjoy the fantastic views of Mount Meru and the Rift Valley. For the last part of the climb, you will climb another 400 m in altitude. The landscape will change again and at Shira Camp 2 (approximately 4 hours). Shira camp 2 is the final destination for today and you will spend your evening and night there.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m) – Lava Tower (4,640 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Today you will climb approximately 740 m but you will spend the night at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to cope with the changes in altitude, as a height of over 4,600m will be reached before descending again. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower (4,640 m). The climb passes through the wide Barranco Valley with its beautiful flora. After 6 to 7 hours trekking, you will arrive at Barranco Camp – perhaps the most beautiful camp on Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, en route to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Karanga camp is situated at an altitude of 4,640 m and will be reached in about 3 to 4 hours. In the afternoon you can relax and stretch your legs in preparation for the night in which we will push for the summit.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Today we trek to Barafu Camp. 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 can be seen from this side.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,080 m)
You will be woken up at 11:00 pm and we will provide you with a light snack and a steaming cup of tea before you begin your 5km trek to the summit. This is an extended hike that lasts approximately 16 hours making this the most challenging day on the 8 day Lemosho Route. Temperatures typically range between -5°C and -10°C. The gradual incline of the valley located near the eerily tranquil scree fields traverses amongst the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers – the view is so astonishing that the freezing temperatures will be forgotten. At Stella’s Point (5,672m) brilliant gold and orange hues bleed like fire over the rocks. The first slither of the sun peeks over the skyline in a radiant, white form and the snow turns liquid gold and silver.
After about an hour you will reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,89m). You will have the chance to take some photos and marvel at the surrounding scenery, glinting ice cliffs and the jagged Mawenzi Peak. Our descent requires us to turn around and embark on the trail to Barafu Camp where we will rest for a while. The spectacular, vast plains of the Kilimanjaro are so enchanting that the 9km route to Mweka Camp (3,100m) feels rapid. The route is moderate and takes us around five hours. As you venture on the declining rocky spree trail, the scenery will start to sprout and the ice will melt away. The barren landscapes of the moorland will be the first milestone, dense vegetation and exotic wildlife will begin to radiate as we approach lower climate zones. We will proceed to the campsite where you can scoff down a scrumptious, piping hot dinner whilst seizing the last opportunity to see the Milky Way without any light pollution.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Moshi
After breakfast, we continue our descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevation, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear but it will be good to keep rain gear and warmer clothes handy. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Included:
√ Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotelYour trekking company is able to pick you up from the airport and bring your to your hotel in Moshi, if needed. A transfer back to the airport can also be arranged.
√ Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
The transport from Moshi to the gate of Kilimanjaro National Park is taken care off. This also applies to the way back.
√ Four Season Mountain tents
Unless you are doing the Marangu Route, you’re staying in our strong and well maintained four season mountain tents. Every time you arrive at your camp the tent has already been set up.
(Huts on Marangu Route)
On the Marangu Route you will be provided with a bed in one of the huts on the way to Uhuru Peak. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.
√ Double Layered Sleeping Mats
Double layered mats provided by your trekking company will put you to sleep in no time.
√ Hot meals daily while on the mountain
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared during the trek. Your trekking company is bringing their own cook. Don’t be surprised when you see an exclusive three course dinner on your plate.
√ Treated and filtered water
During the trek you won’t have a shortage on drinking water.
√ Hot water for washing
Don’t expect an extensive shower, but there will be the possibility to use hot water for a decent wash.
√ Altitude Sickness & First Aid Kit
The guides carry an altitude sickness kit to monitor your pulse rate, oxygen saturation and heart rate twice a day (very useful for monitoring the symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS) at altitude). Also emergency portable oxygen is carried along. On top of that the guides are qualified Wilderness First Responders.
√ KINAPA Rescue Fee
The fees for the Kilimanjaro Rescue Team are covered. This is managed by KINAPA, Kilimanjaro National Parks. Interesting fact: Kinapa means “We carry each other” in Swahili.
√ Park fee, camping fee, VAT and other taxes
The park entry fees, the crater fee, camping fee and value added tax are included in the price.
√ Fair salary, food, insurance and accommodation for guide and porter(s)
The total amount covers not only your own basics, but also those of your guide and porter. No unpleasant surprises.
√ Your own team of porters and guides
Per person you generally have a team of 1 guide, 1 cook and 3 porters who will support you in your climb. If you are part of a group of four, you will be able to enjoy 2 guides, 1 cook and 12 porters. Although there will always be enough hands on deck, the exact amount of support staff varies per trekking company.
Excluded:
× Visa for TanzaniaVisas are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. For most nationalities it is possible to get a visa upon arrival when you arrive at the airport in Tanzania. Check with your local Tanzanian embassy or consulate to see what the requirements are.
× Flights to and from Moshi
The total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Tanzania. To get an idea of which airlines are visiting Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), it is best to have a look at their website.
× Personal expenses
All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.
× Travel Insurance Including Repatriation
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Tanzania.
× Tipping
Tips for guides and porters are exclusive. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous and read our blog post about tipping when you are planning go trekking in Tanzania.
× Portable flush toilet
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for USD 70 for the entire trek.
× Accommodation before and after the trek
Whether you stay in Moshi, Arusha or anywhere else, before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation and meals.
Accomodation
Four Season Mountain tents
Unless you are choosing the Marangu Route, you will be staying in durable tents that are equipped for all weather situations. A few porters will always trek ahead of you to make sure that your tent is ready when you arrive. There will also be tables and chairs. Accommodation comes with freshly prepared meals. Every campsite has a long drop toilet. Along the trek you can find your private space behind a rock.
Huts on Marangu Route
On the Marangu Route you will be provided with a bed in one of the huts on the way to Uhuru Peak. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut
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