7 Days Lemosho Route

Lemosho route is one of the best routes for acclimatization. The route is less used and a beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau.

The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephant and other wildlife.

The minimum duration for the Lemosho route is 6 days, however we strongly recommend hiking the route in 7 days. The additional 7th day will give your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the effects of altitude sickness and give you more time to rest before attempting the summit.

Itinerary

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

If you’ve chosen the optional airport transfers, we’ll pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi. We recommend arriving at least one day before the trek begins. Today, we’ll have a pre-trek briefing, review your gear, and arrange any needed rentals.

Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast and a briefing, we drive to Lemosho Park Gate. A 4WD takes us to Lemosho Glades, where we start trekking through the forest to Mti Mkubwa Camp.

  • Elevation: 1830m to 2650m
  • Distance: 6km (2-3 hours)
  • Habitat: Montane Forest
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp 

The trail gradually steepens into the heather moorland zone. We cross several streams, ascend Shira Ridge, pass Shira 1 Camp, and reach Shira 2 Camp on the Shira Plateau.

  • Elevation: 2650m to 3850m
  • Distance: 16km (7-8 hours)
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

We continue east up a ridge, heading towards the Lava Tower (“Shark’s Tooth” at 4650m). After the tower, we descend to Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for acclimatization.

  • Elevation: 3850m to 4000m
  • Distance: 8km (5-6 hours)
  • Habitat: Semi-desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We climb the Barranco Wall, then descend into the Karanga Valley, reaching the junction connecting to the Mweka Trail.

  • Elevation: 4000m to 4050m
  • Distance: 5km (3-4 hours)
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit with stunning views of the summit. Here, we rest, have dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt.

  • Elevation: 4050m to 4700m
  • Distance: 4km (3-4 hours)
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Starting around midnight, we ascend between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers toward Stella Point. After a short rest, we continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. We then descend to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch.

  • Summit Elevation: 5895m
  • Descent to Mweka Camp: 3090m
  • Distance: 5km up / 13km down (5-7 hours up, 5-6 hours down)
  • Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

After breakfast, we descend to Mweka Gate to receive summit certificates. The trail can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Our vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 60 minutes).

  • Elevation: 3090m to 1680m
  • Distance: 10km (3-4 hours)
  • Habitat: Forest
  • Meals: Breakfast

Price Includes

  • Four-Season Sleeping Tents: Twin-sharing, waterproof mountain tents.
  • VAT (18%): Included in the package cost.
  • Rescue Fees: Covered as part of park fees.
  • Meals on the Mountain: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
  • Transfers: Round-trip from Moshi hotel to mountain gate.
  • Nutritious Food: Fresh, healthy meals prepared by mountain chefs.
  • Professional Guides: Experienced, licensed guides for a safe climb.
  • Purified Drinking Water: Provided daily.
  • Sleeping Mattress: Comfortable mats for restful sleep.
  • Conservation Fees: Included in park fees.
  • Mess Tents: Dining tents with tables and chairs.
  • Summit Certificate: Awarded to all who reach Stella Point or Uhuru Peak.
  • Camping Fees: Included in park fees.
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder: For high-altitude safety.
  • Staff Salaries and Fees: Fair wages and park fees for guides, porters, and cooks.
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Price not Includes

  • Alcoholic and Bottled Beverages: Not included.
  • Online Payment Surcharge: 5% on advance and balance payments.
  • Tanzania Visa: To be arranged by the traveler.
  • Travel Insurance: Not provided.
  • Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, and other personal costs.
  • Flights: International and domestic airfare.
  • Tips and Gratuities: For guides, porters, and staff.
  • Hotel Accommodation: Available as an optional add-on.
  • Personal Trekking Gear: Sleeping bags, boots, and clothing (available for rent).
  • Unlisted Meals: Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
  • Optional Transfers: Available upon request.