9 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

The most beautiful route on Mount Kilimanjaro

The 9 day Lemosho Route is better altitude acclimatization schedule. The Lemosho route is widely considered to be the best route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Not too long ago, there were only two main routes used to climb Kilimanjaro – the Marangu (Coca Cola) route and the Machame (Whiskey) route. But as Tanzania’s tourism industry flourished, the Kilimanjaro park authority created more trails to African’s highest peak.

Lemosho, a relatively new route, is preferred by reputable operators due to its beauty, remoteness and success rate. In short, it maximizes the chances that a climber will reach the summit, and enjoy the experience overall. 

The 9 day Lemosho route Overviews.

The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is the best ascent route but this offers the complete Kilimanjaro experience, more acclimatization time, more culture, more spectacular scenery and even a night in Kibo crater/caldera. Note: this itinerary ascends via Stella Point and NOT the Western Breach and is for that reason considered to be a safer route. 

Description

Starting on the Western side of Kilimanjaro this ascent covers all of the most spectacular areas of Kilimanjaro. The trip is fully supported with spacious guest tents, mattress and pillow as well as a mess tent with lightweight tables and chairs and all cutlery. Our trips also include a toilet tent in camp and most importantly knowledgeable professional guides that go through bi annual training. Our logistics team at our base monitors your trip from start to finish.

Highlights

THE MOST SCENIC KILIMANJARO ROUTE! Lemosho ascent of Kilimanjaro, afro-montane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys and alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa

DAY 1: Moshi – Lemosho Londorossi Gate

On arrival you are personally met by one of our representatives and transferred to Arusha to a well appointed hotel. In the afternoon there is a full briefing with the climbs Manager and your guide. 
Dinner is included at your hotel.

Day 2: Kilimanjaro – Forest Camp

From our hotel we set out in vehicles to the starting point of our Kilimanjaro climb, the Lemosho trail. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set of at a leisurely pace into afro-montane forest. Lunch is taken on trail and camp is reached mid afternoon.

Overnight Forest Camp (breakfast- lunch – dinner)

Day 3: Kilimanjaro – Forest Camp-Shira 1

From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on trail and you arrive in camp mid afternoon. Overnight Shira 1 Camp (breakfast- lunch – dinner)

Day 4: Kilimanjaro – Shira 1 -Shira 2

After a relatively long hike and significant altitude gain, today is a short day and you arrive in Shira 2 camp in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatisation with the option of an afternoon walk with your guides.
Overnight Shira 2 Camp (breakfast- lunch – dinner)

Day 5: Kilimanjaro – Shira 2-Lava Tower

The route to Lava Tower takes you out of the heath zone in to the alpine desert zone. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature ranges and conditions that typify this zone. A half day where lunch is taken in camp. In the afternoon, dependant on weather conditions, there is an option to scramble to the top of the nearby Lava Tower.

Overnight Lava Tower Camp (breakfast- lunch – dinner)

Day 6: Kilimanjaro – Lava Tower – Karanga

After 2 half days you now have a relatively long day to Karanga camp. The selection of Karanga camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatisation and in the late afternoon you arrive in camp. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering 1000 meters (over 3000 feet) above you.

Overnight Karanga Camp (breakfast- lunch – dinner)

Day 7: Kilimanjaro – Karanga -Barafu

Today is another half day ascending to Barafu camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi volcano are the norm.

Overnight Barafu Camp (breakfast- lunch – dinner)

Day 8: Kilimanjaro – Crater

Unlike other routes with a night time ascent, your hike selection affords you a day time ascent to Kibo crater. The going is slow but with constant encouragement from your climb team the rim of Kibo is reached before descending a little way into the caldera to Crater camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing and short walks can be taken with one of your guides.

Overnight Crater Camp (breakfast – lunch – dinner)

Day 9: Kilimanjaro-Crater Camp-Mweka Camp

After a night in the crater you now have the shortest final summit bid of any route. With such a short distance to the summit from the crater (around 1 hour) means that timing arrival with the sunrise is much easier and quite spectacular. The summit of Kilimanjaro is the top of the highest freestanding mountain in the world. After your summit bid you then descend for a final night on the mountain at Mweka Camp passing back through the heath zone. Endemic Proteas, pollinated by Malachite Sunbirds are plentiful.

Overnight Mweka Camp (breakfast- lunch – dinner)

Day 10: Kilimanjaro – Arusha

After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and around mid day after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up from Mweka gate and transfer back to your hotel for a well deserved shower!

Overnight at a Hotel (breakfast- lunch – dinner)

Day 11: Moshi

Today a day room is held to allow time for packing and relaxing pre departure, or today you can join ongoing safari / adventure or beach trip extensions. Day room at the Hotel (breakfast – lunch)