Mount Kilimanjaro Luxury Climbing 8 Days Lemosho Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Luxury Climbing 8 Days Lemosho Route: The Lemosho Route is typically completed in 8 days. The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery, and a high summit success rate. This is a great option if you want a longer trek for acclimatization.

The climb begins at Londorossi Gate at an altitude of 2360 metres, with an approach far to the west of the mountain. It then circles around Kilimanjaro to the south, passing through the majestic rainforest where some of the region’s most unique wildlife can often be seen. The route continues up to the mountain’s third summit at Shira Ridge. The drive to trail head is about 4 hours. This Kilimanjaro trek is offered as a private trip, starting on any day.

Experience the once-in-a-lifetime achievement of climbing to the top of Africa’s highest mountain – Mount Kilimanjaro. This 8-day luxury guided trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro follows the Lemosho Route, widely considered the best hiking trail on the mountain.

One of the main advantages of hiking along the Lemosho Route is the higher success rate in reaching the summit because the route is one of the longest which allows for more time to acclimatize.

In addition to maximizing your chances of standing on the Roof of Africa, the relatively new Lemosho Route is also one of the most beautiful and remote routes. Owing to the remoteness of this scenic route you will encounter less foot traffic along much of your hike.

Approaching the majestic peak from the west this Kilimanjaro Hike passes through changing landscapes and vegetation zones, with the chance of spotting game lower on the slopes. The scenery along the Lemosho Route is dramatic and the views from different sides of Kilimanjaro are spectacular.

This route has a beautiful approach through the forest on the first day through the Lemosho Glades from the west before joining the Machame trail at the Shira Plateau and contouring around the dramatic southern flank of the mountain via Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, and then on to Barafu camp for the summit push. The descent is via Millennium Camp and through Mweka Gate.

This luxury Lemosho Route tour is a camping trip for an average group size of 4 using top-quality mountain tents, comfortable mattresses, qualified guides, porters who carry the bags and equipment, and cooks who provide fresh, tasty food every day. In addition, there is a dedicated toilet tent and a wash tent can be requested. 

The ratio of the guide: to climber is 1:2. Our local guides have been with us for many years and are all trained, qualified, experienced, and have great fun.

Although you will be spending your days hiking through varied terrain, your nights will pass in complete comfort on a 3-inch foam mattress in a spacious 3-person pup tent (for every two guests) with a sub-zero sleeping bag.

The mess tent is kitted out with chairs and tables for you to enjoy your tasty meals and your health will be constantly monitored to ensure that you are acclimatizing sufficiently to the thinner air. A portable altitude chamber and oxygen supplies are also carried on every trip in case of emergency.

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Hike Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Day 5: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 7: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
Day 8: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

Day 1 : Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorossi Gate (1830 M/ 6000 Ft), Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650 M/ 8700 Ft)

After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

The hiking distance 6 Kilometers/ 4 Miles and the hiking time is 2 to 3 hours through Montane Forest

Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meal Plan: {Lunch & Dinner}

Day 2: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650 Meters/ 8700 Feet) Hike to  Shira 1 Camp (3500 Meters/ 11,500 Feet)

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone.

After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

The hiking distance is 8 Kilometers/ 5 Miles and the hiking time is 4 to 5 hours through Moorland.

Overnight at Shira 1 Camp
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 3: Hike Shira 1 Camp (3500 Meters/ 11,500 Feet) Hike to Shira 2 Camp (3850 Meters/ 12,600 Feet)

After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.

Hiking up a distance of 8 Kilometers/ 5 Miles and the hiking time is 4 to 5 hours through Moorland.

Overnight at Shira 2 Camp
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 4: Hike Shira 2 Camp (3850 Meters/ 12,600 Feet) to Barranco Camp (4000 Meters/ 13,000 Feet)

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (4650 meters/ 15,250 Feet). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp.

Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Hiking up distance 8 Kilometers/ 5 Miles and the hiking time is 5 to 6 hours through Semi-desert.

Overnight at Barranco Camp
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 5: Hike Barranco Camp (4000 Meters/ 13,000 Feet) Hike to Karanga Camp (4050 Meters/ 13,250 Feet)

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

Hiking up a distance of 5 Kilometers/ 3 Miles and the hiking time is 3 to 4 hours through the Alpine Desert.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight at Karanga Valley Camp

Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp (4050 Meters/ 13,250 Feet) Hike to Barafu Camp (4700 Meters/ 15,350 Feet)

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Hiking up a distance of 4 Kilometers/ 2 Miles and hiking time is 3 to 4 hours through the Alpine Desert.

Overnight at Barafu Camp
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 7: Hike Barafu Camp (4700 Meters/ 15,350 Feet) Hike up to Summit (5895 Meters/ 19,340 Feet), Hike down to Mweka Camp (3090 Meters/ 10,150 Feet)

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.

This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see.

Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit.

Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch.

You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain. Hiking up a distance of 5 Kilometers/ 3 Miles and hiking time is 5 to 7 hours through Stone scree and the ice-capped summit.

The hiking Down distance is 13 Kilometers/ 8 Miles and the hiking time is 5 to 6 hours through Stone scree and the ice-capped summit.

Overnight at Mweka Camp
Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 8: Hike Mweka Camp (3090 Meters/ 10,150 Feet) Hike Down to Mweka Gate (1680 Meters/ 5500 Feet), drive to Moshi/ Arusha

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village.

A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Hiking Down distance is 10 Kilometers/ 6 Miles and the hiking time is 3 to 4 hours through Forest.

Meal Plan: {Breakfast}

Mount Kilimanjaro Luxury Climbing 8 Days Lemosho Route Rates Includes:

Oxygen + Oximeters + Camp pillow + Portable toilet + Extra sleeping pad + Hut or camping fees + National Park gate fees + Hyperbaric pressure bag + Dining chairs with backs + All meals on the mountain + Hot lunches on the mountain + Salaries for all crew members + Large comfortable dining tent + Kilimanjaro map for the group + Personal porter for carrying day pack + Camp shower for groups of 4 or more + Rescue fees (as required by the national park) + Celebration dinner at the hotel after returning from trek + Membership to Flying Doctors (emergency evacuation) + Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes + Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils + Special Kilimanjaro guide with Wilderness First Responder certification & Transport from Moshi/ Arusha to starting point on the mountain and return to Moshi/ Arusha

Notes:

* Looking for a company that will spoil you (with Luxury while you climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Inquire at info@africanspicesafaris.com
* Arusha offers more hotel choices for pre-and post-trek accommodations. If you would prefer to overnight before and/or after your trek in Arusha, let us know, and we quote a special private transfer for you between Arusha and Kilimanjaro. The pre-trek mountain orientation with your guide (the evening before your trek) would still be scheduled, we’d make the arrangements

Mount Kilimanjaro Luxury Climbing 8 Days Lemosho Route Rates Do Not Include:

* Drinks
* Laundry
* Tips or gratuity
* Travelers Insurance
* Communication charges
* Sleeping bags and personal items
* Accommodation and meals in Moshi/ Arusha
* Visas, international airfares, and airport taxes; meals
* Lunch or dinner in town (option and extra charges direct)
* Sightseeing not included in the package; optional activities
* Personal expenses such as transfers to/ from the airport (supplement airport transfer cost applies for tours starting from the airport)

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Email: info@africanspicesafaris.com
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