The Lemosho Route is one of the longer and more scenic routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It typically takes around 7 to 9 days to complete, allowing for proper acclimatization and better chances of reaching the summit successfully. The 8-day itinerary on the Lemosho Route is a popular choice for climbers as it offers a good balance between acclimatization and trekking.
Here's a sample itinerary for the 8-day Lemosho Route:
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to a hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
- Meet your trekking team, discuss the climb details, and have a pre-climb briefing.
- Rest and prepare for the trek.
Day 2: Lemosho Gate (2,385 meters/7,825 feet) to Big Tree Camp (2,780 meters/9,121 feet)
- Drive to the Londorossi Gate for registration and permit formalities.
- Begin the trek through the lush rainforest of the Lemosho Glades.
- Hike to Big Tree Camp and set up camp for the night.
Day 3: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,505 meters/11,499 feet)
- Trek through the rainforest, entering the moorland zone.
- Ascend to Shira 1 Camp situated near the Shira Plateau.
- Acclimatize and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 meters/12,631 feet)
- Continue hiking across the Shira Plateau, gradually gaining altitude.
- Reach Shira 2 Camp and rest for the night.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960 meters/12,992 feet) via Lava Tower (4,630 meters/15,190 feet)
- Trek to Lava Tower for acclimatization and stunning views.
- Descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the scenic Barranco Wall.
- Camp at Barranco and rest for the night.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995 meters/13,107 feet)
- Hike through the alpine desert, crossing valleys and ridges.
- Arrive at Karanga Camp, a crucial acclimatization point.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673 meters/15,331 feet)
- Ascend to Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit push.
- Prepare for the summit attempt and rest early for the night.
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet) and descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters/10,170 feet)
- Begin the summit climb in the early hours of the morning, aiming to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise.
- Descend to Barafu Camp, rest briefly, and continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters/5,380 feet) and transfer to Moshi/Arusha
- Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.
- Receive summit certificates and say farewell to your trekking team.
- Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
