9 Days Lemosho Route

ITINERARY

Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho Route is clearly the most scenic unspoiled route to Uhuru Peak. The route boasts high numbers of successful ascents primarily due to the similar topographical features as the Machame route. Trekking at higher altitudes during the day and then spending the nights at lower altitudes greatly assists in acclimatization.

Day 1: A Warm Welcome To Tanzania

Accommodation: Stella Maris Lodge

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed to Tanzania by a member of the E-Trip Africa team and then you will be chauffeured to your Moshi hotel. After dinner, you will have a full briefing with your lead guide.

Day 2 :

Accommodation: Big Tree

After a hearty breakfast and a final kit check, you are then transferred to the Londorossi Gate and drive to the Lemosho Trail Head located to the West of Mt. Kilimanjaro. We will trek along the little-used track known as Chamber’s route. This exciting wilderness route through the rainforest provides us with rich flora and fauna to enjoy during the trek. We will camp at The Rainforest Camp near Big Tree.

Day 3 :

Accommodation: Shira Camp One

Our trek takes us to G&M One, a beautiful valley just outside the Shira Crater, for lunch. We will then cross the Shira Caldera, a high-altitude desert plateau that is rarely visited by man. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro volcanic cones. It is filled by lava flow from Kibo and its rim has been destroyed by volcanic activity and erosion. From here we usually get our first up-close glimpse of Kibo and the stunning glaciers of the Western Breach.

Day 4 :

Accommodation: Shira Two

We start the morning with an early acclimatizing trek to Shira Cathedral (12,200 ft). The top of the ridge provides stunning views across the Shira Plateau. We then continue our trek across the Shira Plateau via Simba Camp and onto our camp which will be either at G&M Two or at the Shira Hut.

Day 5 :

Accommodation: Moir Hut

In the morning we cross-part of the plateau heading due north. After lunch at our campsite, we hike up onto the Lent Hills (15,400 ft).

Day 6 :

Accommodation: Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Today we leave the Moorland Plateau behind. Hiking along the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach, we will stop for lunch near the Lava Tower. We will then descend to the bottom of the Barranco Valley to enjoy the camp sheltered by the towering cliffs.

Day 7 :

Accommodation: Karanga Valley Camp

An early morning climb up Barranco Wall (14,000 ft) is known for magnificent views of Mt. Meru and the plains below. We then continue across the ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley Camp where we will enjoy a relaxing afternoon. An optional trek just below the glaciers provides additional acclimatization and practice scree walking.

Day 8 :

Accommodation: Barafu Ridge Camp

Today we take the Traverse Route that takes up the Barafu Ridge. We move quite slowly due to the difficulty of the Route, complicated by crosswinds and altitude. An optional trek a few hundred feet higher will help to optimize acclimatization. We dine and retire early in order to get some rest before the summit attempt.

Day 9: Summit

Accommodation: Mweka High Camp

Rising around midnight, we start our summit attempt around 1 am. Trekking the scree slopes to Stella Point (18,820 ft) on the rim. We will take a short rest at Stella Point and enjoy a magnificent sunrise. We continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak (19,342 ft), the highest point in Africa. After spending a few precious moments to enjoy your accomplishment and the views from Uhuru, we start our descent. We return to Stella Point and pass along Barfu Ridge to Mweka High Camp where we will spend the night.

Day 10 :

Accommodation: Stella Maris Lodge

We finish the descent through the Mweka Gate, and onto Mweka village where your vehicle will be waiting to take you to the Stella Maris Lodge in Moshi. After bidding farewell to the mountain, it is time to thank the crew that helped you along the journey. A well-earned dinner, hot shower, and good night’s sleep await you in Moshi.

Day 11 :

After a relaxing breakfast, a vehicle is available to transfer you to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, or you may connect with other itineraries.

Price:

The Trip Cost Includes

• Airport transfers
• Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping/hut, and rescue fees
• 2 – nights Accommodations on BB
• Professional Up to date wilderness first responder trained guide or equivalent Assistance Guide
• Gamow bag (portable hyperbaric chamber)
• Emergency oxygen
• Expedition medical kit
• Pulse oximeter
• Comprehensive vital sign monitoring
• 2 Way Radio
• Mobile phone
• 3 person expedition tents (2 clients/tent)
• Mountaineering mattress
• Lightweight mess tent
• Expeditions walk-in mess tent
• Lightweight aluminum table
• Luxury chair with backrest
• Portable tented private flush toilet
• Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
• Purified water while on the mountain
• Return transfer Arusha/Arusha hotel to Park Gate
• Wine and Champagne on the summit
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
• Fair and ethical treatment of porters
• Salary for the porters
• Salary for the Guides
• Salary for the Cooks
• Government taxes
• VAT 18% on park entrance fees
• Hot steamy towel on the camp
• Bowl of hot washing water in the morning and evening
• Shower/wash tent

The Trip Cost Excludes

• International airfare
• Excess baggage charges
• Costs of visas
• Immunizations
• Personal expenses such as beverages (other than those included with meals, as listed in each itinerary)
• Room service
• Souvenirs
• Laundry
• Communication charges
• Medical or extra evacuation fees
• Staff gratuities
• Personal trekking equipment
• Additional transportation
• Meals incurred by a client unable to continue a planned itinerary due to illness
• Medical conditions or due to airline schedule changes