KLIMANJARO LEMOSHO ROUTE – 7 DAYS from $3 020 pps
This route is the least-used route on Kilimanjaro, far away from other crowded routes. The trailhead is at high elevation, and thus we start slow and easy on this route. The trail begins on the Shira Plateau, and the hike across the plateau is one of the most beautiful hikes in Africa.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO AIRPORT AND HOTEL TRANSFER
After your Arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will pick you up and transfer YOU to Tulia Hotel and Spa or hotel of your choice for overnight dinner and breakfast.
DAY 2: MOSHI TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP
Moshi (915 m/3,000 ft) to Londorossi Gate (2 250 m/7 380 ft) to Lemosho Glades (2 000 m/6 560 ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2 750 m/9 020 ft)
Drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Park Gate. From here follow a forest track in a 4WD vehicle for 11 km / 7 miles (45 minutes) to Lemosho Glades and a possible campsite. From the Glades, walk for 3 hours along beautiful forest trails to the Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
DAY 3: MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2 750 m/9 020 ft) – SHIRA CAMP 1 (3 500 m / 11 485 ft)
The trail gradually steepens, enters the giant heather moorland zone, then crosses the Shira Ridge at 3 600 m / 11 810 ft and drops gently to Shira Camp 1 located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
DAY 4: SHIRA 1 CAMP – MOIR CAMP (13 800 ft / 4 205 m)
Trek across the Shira plateau, eastwards toward Kibo’s glacier peak. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12 500 feet. We immediately veer away from the tourist trails toward the northeast edge of the Plateau to reach Moir Camp. The trek is about 4 – 5 hours over easy terrain. Moir camp is an isolated and seldom used camp affording views over the Shira Plateau.
DAY 5: MOIR CAMP – BUFFALO/POFU CAMP (13 200 ft / 4 025 m)
Begin the morning trek heading out of the moorland and into the stark alpine desert, on a steep ridge off the main trail, and begin our venture on the Northern Circuit Route. The total trekking time is about 5 – 7 hours. From the Pofu Campsite, you will enjoy a magnificent view of Kenya’s wild lands to the north.
DAY 6: BUFFALO/POFU CAMP – KIKELEWA/THIRD CAVES CAMP (11 800 ft / 3 600 m)
Proceed onward through valleys and over ridges through the alpine desert and moorland, continuing our circuit to the east, enjoying a vast mountain wilderness to ourselves. Trekking time today is 5 – 7 hours.
DAY 7: KIKELEWA/THIRD CAVES CAMP – MAWENZI TARN CAMP (14 160 ft / 4 315 m)
Trek 3 – 5 hours steadily upward to reach a placid mountain tarn (lake) at the foot of the majestically rising steep ridges of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second highest volcano. The camp here is nestled along the tarn in a protected alcove with magnificent views towards the steeply rising rocks of Mawenzi.
DAY 8: MAWENZI TARN CAMP – OUTWARD BOUND CAMP (15 585 ft / 4 750 m)
The trekking time today is 5 – 7 hours, though a relatively easy hike across the wide saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The crossing is impressive and the landscape spectacularly stark. The temperatures turn cold as you near the foot of Kibo, reaching Outward Bound Camp after 5 – 7 hours of trekking. Prepare all your gear for the day ahead, and turn in early to rest. A resupply of fresh food and supplies will reach camp on this afternoon.
DAY 9: OUTWARD BOUND CAMP – UHURU PEAK (19 340 ft / 5 895 m) – MILLENNIUM CAMP (10 200 ft / 3 110 m)
A midnight wake-up call is the start of a long day. You begin trekking at 1 am up to the winding path of endless switchbacks. From your camp to the rim of the crater (Gillman’s Point – 18 750ft / 5 712 m) to Uhuru Peak, the trekking time is about 7 – 8 hours. The slope is steep, with switchbacks, over loose rock and scree with some boulders as you near Gilman’s Point. You will stop at Hans Meyer cave on the way, the famous place where Kilimanjaro’s first western climber described in his journals. Once you arrive at Gilman’s Point at the edge of the crater, the trail to the summit is less demanding and is reached after a further 1.5 – 2 hours along the snowy crater rim (depending on the season). After a short time at the summit, retrace your steps back to Gilman’s Point, then summon your strength again for a further descent to Mweka Camp for the night.
DAY 10: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE (6 000 ft /1 830 m)
Descend straight to the gate (2 – 3 hours), where you will be awarded with your cerficate and have a little graduation ceremony. Later you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha for a long hot shower and overnight. You can extend your trip by doing a safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Zanzibar beach holiday.
INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE:
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified guide
- Proper ration of mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Pre and post accommodations (2 nights bed and breakfast)
- Airport transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board meals
- All national park & hut fees, crew permits and VAT
- Rescue fees and Emergency Evacuation Coverage with AMREF
- Fair and sustainable crew wages and salaries
- Gate transfers
- Complimentary oxygen cylinder
EXCLUDED FROM TREKKING PACKAGE:
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (required)
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early decent from the mountain @ $150 per room
BOOK THIS TREK
This Mountain Trek can be added onto a safari tour or a few well-deserved recovery days in Zanzibar. Contact us now to plan your journey!
Tripadvisor Reviews
The entire experience was great! Within our budget, well-planned, and most importantly, really fun and interesting. Ann and Abu were both very kind and helpful. We saw many animals of... Read more 
18 Apr 2023