Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Lemosho Route – 10 Days

Fitness level:
Able to hike 10 km / 6.2 miles at a time
Level of difficulty:
Level 2 of 6 - easy
Trek begins: Londorossi Gate
Trek ends: Mweka Gate
Maximum Altitude:
5.895 m / 19.341 ft
min. 1 people
max. 12 people
Start & end of tour:
Kilmanjaro Airport or Hotel in Moshi
  • Physical condition required:
  • Power required:
  • Experience given:
  • Charisma of the environment:

Tour description

The Lemosho route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west. Rather than simply intersecting Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it in a pleasant hike from Shira Ridge to Shira 2 Camp. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterward, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco, and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rain forest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. The descent is made via the Mweka route.

DAY 1

Arrival and Airport Kilimanjaro Pickup – Moshi

  • Elevation: 950 m / 3.120 ft
  • Distance:  42.2 km / 26.2 miles
  • Drive Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
  • Habitat: Town / Municipality / County

You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to Moshi, where you will check in into one of the best hotels in the region.
After lunch you will sort your trekking equipment to avoid any inconvenience. Dinner and breakfast at the hotel.

DAY 2

Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa

  • Elevation: 950 m / 3.120 ft – 2.360 m / 7.742 ft – 2.895 m / 9.498 ft
  • Driving time: 83 km / 52 miles (2 hours)
  • Hike Distance: 6 km / 3.8 miles
  • Trekking Time: 3 – 4 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through an undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.

DAY 3

Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp

  • Elevation: 2.895 m / 9.498 ft – 3.505 m / 11.500 ft
  • Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
  • Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, moors 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. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

DAY 4

Shira 1 Camp – Moir Hut

  • Elevation: 3.505 m / 11.500 ft – 4.206 m / 13.800 ft
  • Distance:  11 km / 6.08 miles
  • Trekking Time: 5 – 7 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a less used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

DAY 5

Moir Hut – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

  • Elevation: 4.206 m / 13.800 ft – 4.630 m / 15.190 ft – 3.976 m / 13.044 ft
  • Distance:  10 km / 6.2 miles
  • Trekking Time: 7 – 8 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine  Desert

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13.000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

DAY 6

Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

  • Elevation: 3.976 m / 13.044 ft – 3.995 m / 13.106 ft
  • Distance:  5 km / 3.1 miles
  • Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

DAY 7

Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

  • Elevation: 3.995 m / 13.106 ft – 4.673 m / 15.331 ft
  • Distance:  4 km / 2.5 miles
  • Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

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

DAY 8

Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

  • Elevation: 4.673 m / 15.331 ft – 5.895 m  / 19.341 ft – 3.068 m / 10,065 ft
  • Distance:  17 km / 10.6 miles
  • Trekking Time: 12 – 13 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic then Rainforest

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. 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.

DAY 9

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate

  • Elevation: 3.068 m / 10.065 ft – 1.640 m / 5.380 ft
  • Distance:  10 km / 6.2 miles
  • Trekking Time: 3 – 4 hours
  • Drive: 25 km / 15.5 miles (1 hour driving)
  • Habitat: Rainforest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

DAY 10

Exiting Moshi hotel to Kilimanjaro Airport or for further safari

  • Elevation: 950 m / 3.120 ft
  • Distance:  42.2 km / 26.2 miles
  • Driving Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
  • Habitat: Town / Municipality / County

After breakfast, first check and make sure as you leave the hotel that everything is in good condition and intact. Get ready to be driven back to the airport or embark on other safaris in Tanzania or Kenya with an unforgettable safari experience with us.

Important Details

Gear list

Check list below to reduce chances of inconveniences.

Bags

  • 65-75 litre rucksack (for a porter to carry your main gear) with cover
  • 35-45 litre day sack (for you to carry each day)
  • Dry bags of different sizes for clothes, sleeping bag, etc.

Shell

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Waterproof gaiters
  • Umbrella (optional)

Warmth

  • Warm jacket – could be fleece or down jacket, potentially ski jacket. Make sure you can put the waterproof shell jacket over the top.
  • 2 or 3 fleece tops or hiking shirts/sweatshirts
  • 2 or 3 base layers or T-shirts
  • Pair of trekking trousers and shorts
  • Leggings, thermal bottoms or running tights
  • Several sets of underwear – avoid cotton. Sports bras and cycling shorts are good.

Extremities

  • Warm hat and a buff or scarf
  • Sun hat
  • Warm gloves or mittens, and thin liner gloves are also useful

Feet

  • Several pairs of good quality trekking socks
  • Waterproof trekking boots
  • Trainers or flip flops/sandals

Sleeping

  • 3-4 season sleeping bag (comfort -5°C or lower)
  • Sleeping bag liner cotton/fleece/silk (optional)
  • Stuff sack for sleeping bag
  • Thick foam mat or self-inflating mat (like a Therm-A-Rest)

Personal

  • Sunglasses
  • Trekking poles
  • Some favourite snack bars
  • Headlamp
  • Power bank for charging phones, etc.
  • Wash kit – no showers on the mountain but you can have a bucket wash
  • Papers – passport, money, insurance
  • 2 water bottles
  • Flask for hot drinks – useful on summit night
  • Earplugs
  • Wet wipes, tissues
  • Anti-bacterial hand gel

First AID suggestions

  • Paracetamol – temperature, colds
  • Painkiller – headaches, very good for altitude related symptoms
  • Antiseptic wipes and a few bandages and tape, antiseptic cream
  • Blister bandages
  • Oral rehydration sachets
  • Sunblock and lipbalm
  • Knee/Ankle support
  • Personal Medications eg anti-malaria tablets, inhalers, antihistamine
Meeting point
We’ll pick you up at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Then you will spend one night in a hotel in Moshi. The trekking begins the following day at the Londorossi Gate.
Availability
  • January through mid-March
  • Mid-June through October
  • December
  • look at our Tour Calender
Duration
10 days including 2 days at hotel
Meals
On all of our tours, all of our meals are freshly prepared on the mountain by our talented chef, so when we arrive to camp after a long day of hiking, we have a delicious hot meal waiting for us.
Please note: we can accommodate any dietary needs, so please let us know what your meal requirements are and we will be sure to have our chef whip you up something yummy!
About your guide
All of our guides have extensive experience and training, certification, and knowledge of the area and all of the routes. You’ll be in great hands from top to bottom and by the end of the trip, you’ll be sad to say goodbye! Depending on the number of hikers, there will be generally 1 guide for every 2 people and 3 porters per person.

Request Form

Send us your desired travel dates and we will contact you as soon as possible. We will then send you more information and exact arrival and departure times for this route.

Lemosho Route - 10 Days

Included

Full organization of Mohakin Travel from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport

Airport pick-up and drop-off

All transfers, excursions and sightseeing according to the program

Full board during the trekking tour / climbing tour / safari

Boiled water, black tea, coffee and powdered milk for the ascents

Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead

Accommodation in mountain tents (2-man tent, 4-season tent, mess tent, kitchen tent, chairs and tables)

Sleeping mat

Support team (certified guides, porters, and cooks)

All park and camp fees for the tour

Guides, cook and porters and their payment

experienced english speaking kenyan guide

Preparatory talk on the phone (WhatsApp)

Not included

Airfare to and from Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda

Visa

Tips for the support team

Sleeping bags and other personal gear

Rental gear

Lunch and dinner at the hotel

Single-occupancy fee in hotel

Drinks and snacks

You must have your own personal insurance - also in the case of emergency, we can organize an airlift

Lemosho Route – 10 Days

Terms and Conditions

Reservations: A deposit of 35% is required at the time of booking and the balance at least before the tour begins or full payment/part payment before treks or safaris arranged on short notice. Special payment arrangements can be made directly with the office.

Cancellation: Any monies paid will be refunded less 35% of the cost and any cost levied by hotels or any additional food expenses. Rates: Includes all expenses in respect of vehicles or drives as per itinerary/general information. Also includes meals on safari and entrance fees to National parks/game reserves.

Transportation: Cars, minibuses, 4WD’s, coaches or trucks will be provided according to the route and number of clients. The right is reserved to employ the services of sub-contractors as appropriate. English-speaking drivers/guides are provided.

Accommodation: When possible, rooms with a private shower are provided. Single rooms are available at an additional cost but cannot be guaranteed. Hotels/lodges are named as an indication of category and rooms may be reserved at similar hotels and lodges. Accommodation is specific to client’s request of budget class, middle class or luxury class, depending on availability.

Alteration to Tours/Treks: We reserve the right to alter arrangement or cancel the operation of scheduled trek/safari should the circumstance necessitate. We also reserve the right to decline or accept or retain any person as a member of any tour at any time, in which case an equitable amount will be refunded. Prices are based on tariffs and other costs prevailing at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice, but a full explanation will be given.

Liability: We do not accepts responsibility for personal injury, accident, loss while clients are on treks/safari. We advise all clients to take out additional insurance cover. Mohakin Travel acts only as agents when employing the use of sub contractors and acts as only agents of the passenger/client in all matters relating to Hotel/Lodge Accommodation, tours, transport, etc. and shall not be liable for injury, delay, loss or damage in any manner. The company’s liability to passengers carried in its own vehicle is governed by the laws of the country in which the tour takes place and no other country. All claims are subject to jurisdiction of the courts of the country in which the action a rise. The company reserves the rights to employ sub-contractors for all parts and services.

NOTE: All expeditions involve an element of personal risk and times can be hazardous nature, Expedition members must accept this risk. We are not liable for any loss, damage, Injury, expense, delay or inconvenience caused to your baggage as a result, whether directly or indirectly, or any matter or whatever nature which is outside our control. All participants are advised to take out an insurance policy to cover personal accidents and medical expenses. We can arrange this at low cost. The guide reserves the right to withdraw participants from treks, safari due to inclement weather, irresponsible behaviors, poor health or any other sound reason the guide gives.

Quality Guarantee

Mohakin Travel clients can expect the following guarantees to ensure proper service:

  • Your guide will introduce himself and your driver, and cover the laid out tour/safari itinerary in advance.
  • We will double-check that all gear and supplies are prepared for your custom tour/safari.
  • During the tour/safari, we will ensure that your needs are met and you are well cared for.
  • We will address any issues that arise out of our control, to give our clients the smoothest and most enjoyable adventure possible.
  • We will ensure the drivers/sub-contractors are on time and presentable.
  • We will give information about surrounding areas and points of interest.
  • Each day, we will set time aside to let our clients know what is happening for that day.
  • At the end of your tour/safari, we will ask for your feedback to ensure the quality of our service.

Health and Safety

Mountains in the world can sometimes be dangerous and hazardous – especially in high altitude.
It is therefore important to:

1. Be well equipped.
2. Let your expedition leader know your health history.
3. Have a good communication system.
4. Have a good basic first aid kit and know how to use it.
5. Be able to identify mountain illnesses.

HOW TO RECOGNISE ALTITUDE RELATED ILLNESS

At high altitudes the amount of oxygen decreases dramatically. This can result in medical urgency that must be a concern to every hiker.

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
Signs include: Headache, nausea, fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite and difficulty in sleeping.
Treatment
Slow down, stay in camps, drink water and rest while the body adjusts to the altitude. If symptoms persist after 48 hours, descend.

HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Aedema)
Symptoms include: Shortened breath during exercise progressing to shortened breath while resting, a dry cough deteriorating to a frothy sputum, audible gurgling (rales) from the chest area, increased heart and breathing rate.
Treatment
Descend immediately and seek medical attention. Descending is the treatment. It can progress quickly to a point where the patient cannot walk. It doesn’t improve with rest at the same altitude.

HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Aedema)
Symptoms include:- AMS that progress to severe headaches, loss of coordination, slurred speech, irrational behaviour, coma and death.
Treatment
Descend immediately, Hace can quickly progress to lethal stage.

Prevention of AMS, HAPE and HACE

Allow 2 nights at 10.000ft or at higher altitude at around 14,000ft. Before proceeding higher, increase fluid intake to 4-6 liters per day. Avoid extreme physical exertion and eat a light diet rich in carbohydrates. Take symptoms seriously. Rest and acclimatize if AMS is suspected. Report to ranger’s rescue station and descend immediately if HAPE or HACE is suspected.

However, it is important to drink plenty of water slowly to allow your body to get used to the altitude.

Consent Management Platform by Real Cookie Banner