Lemosho Route
Enosa Expeditions - 8 days
-
Regular days with
- 15 - 20 km per day
- 250 - 500m ascent per day
- T3 Trails
Overview
> Can be completed on a 7 or 8 day route variation. The latter has better summit success!
> Great Walk High, Sleep Low profile which aids acclimatisation.
> Excellent summit success rates, the 8-day variation summit success rates are about 90%
The Lemosho is one of the newest routes on the Kilimanjaro and was built in the days when the mountain started to rise above itself in terms of popularity. In earlier years it was already very busy on routes like the Marangu and the Machame. In order to meet the increasing demand, the authorities have built the Lemosho. When constructing the trails, acclimatisation and elevation were taken into consideration.
The Lemosho Route has a high success rate due to longer distances, longer periods on the mountain and fewer altitude differences. The route is also experienced as one of the most beautiful.
Although the route can be covered in six days and five nights, it is highly recommended to choose a longer itinerary. In eight days and seven nights you have the greatest chance of success and you can enjoy the peace and quiet when you need it.
Itinerary
What's the plan?
Day 1: Starting point (2,300m) to Mount Mkubwa (2,750m)
Right after breakfast, we are on our way to Londorossi Gate (1800m). The three-hour drive brings us to an unpaved stretch of bumpy road through the town of Boma N’gombe and the Sanya Juu village offers us an opportunity to meet the locals. After completing the necessary registration formalities, you will be transported to the initial point of your trek at 2350m. The glory of the forest is revealed in the illuminating radiance from the sun. Almond-brown trees stand serenely, brimming with a tender glow. Green canopies deliver shelter for the exotic blue monkeys. The short trek through the rainforest leads you straight to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m).
Walking Time: 3 hours
Distance: 7 km
Altitude Gain: 450m
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Mount Mkubwa (2,750m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)
As the trail begins to move towards Shira Camp 1, the scenery transforms dramatically from lush rainforest to the barren heather moorland zone. We are now entering the third climate zone of Mount Kilimanjaro. The parched landscape is speckled with enormous lobelias, contrasting white fauna and flora and dusty sand dunes. We will journey up the steep ridges leading to the Shira Plateau, featuring the glorious views of the looming Kilimanjaro and the raging bloodshot orb of light slowly sinks beneath the horizon of Mount Meru in the west. We will cross several tranquil streams as we continue over Shira Ridge (3,600m) and on a declining slope to Shira Camp 1.
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Altitude Gain: 800m
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)
You will begin the day with a delicious breakfast and trek through an exposed area. This route is less frequented making it tranquil and untouched. Reaching Shira Plateau will reveal great views of Uhuru Peak. The exhilarating sensation of witnessing the summit is magical. A hot lunch will be served at Shira Camp 2 (3,810m). Your guide will lead a short break away for acclimatisation, afterwards you are free to relax.
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 8 km
Altitude Gain: 290m
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower
Lemosho connects with the Machame Route before approaching the molten Lava Tower. The gentle incline leading to the Barranco Camp is encompassed in beautiful sceneries and encrusted in vivid desert shrubberies (6-7 hour hike). Shark’s Tooth is an enormous, serrated rock that a volcano discharged thousands of years ago, it is also an indication that we must travel south and cross the light valleys to the immense Lava Tower (4,600m). Specks of snow will gradually scatter themselves on the scenery and as we descend to Barranco Camp the frosted landscapes of the Western Breach will begin to show. The ashen Barranco Wall is engraved with extraordinary indents and olive foliage is strewn across what is known as the ‘Breakfast Wall’.
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 11 km
Altitude Gain: 110 m
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,930m)
The day commences with a simple trek up the astonishing Barranco (200m high). For a short time, you will need to use your hands and feet to scramble up the wall and upon reaching the surface you will have an opportunity to marvel at the scenic splendor of the vistas of Kibo. The trail traverses up and down with various shallow streams leading to the flickering, glittery streams of the Karanga River. An appetizing lunch will be served at the Karanga campsite (3,930m). This short trek will boost your acclimatization process.
Walking Time: 4 – 5 hours
Distance: 5km
Altitude Gain: 200m
Altitude Loss: 220m
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Karanga Camp (3,930m) to Barafu Camp (4,700m)
The Alpine desert zone provides an uphill trail that features landscapes battered in the crystal glow of the Southern Glaciers. Intersecting with the Mweka route allows us to witness splendid vistas. A sixty-minute climb up a steep, rock strewn Lava Ridge is your ticket to the Barafu Camp (4681m). Reaching the camp signifies that you have dominated the Southern Circuit of the mountain and the enchanting, sky-piercing view of the summit is submerged in in the clouds. The landscape is covered in a thin layer of snow with sparse vegetation. A warm meal will be served and we suggest that you jump into your sleeping bag as soon possible. We will push for the summit at midnight.
Walking Time: 2- 4 hours
Distance: 4km
Altitude Gain: 770m
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5,895m) (midnight start) descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
You will be woken up at 11:00 pm and we will provide you with a light snack and a steaming cup of tea before you begin your 5km trek to the summit. This is an extended hike that lasts approximately 16 hours making this the most challenging day on the 8 day Lemosho Route. Temperatures typically range between -5°C and -10°C. The gradual incline of the valley located near the eerily tranquil scree fields traverses amongst the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers – the view is so astonishing that the freezing temperatures will be forgotten. At Stella’s Point (5,672m) brilliant gold and orange hues bleed like fire over the rocks. The first slither of the sun peeks over the skyline in a radiant, white form and the snow turns liquid gold and silver. After about an hour you will reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,89m). You will have the chance to take some photos and marvel at the surrounding scenery, glinting ice cliffs and the jagged Mawenzi Peak. Our descent requires us to turn around and embark on the trail to Barafu Camp where we will rest for a while. The spectacular, vast plains of the Kilimanjaro are so enchanting that the 9km route to Mweka Camp (3,100m) feels rapid. The route is moderate and takes us around five hours. As you venture on the declining rocky spree trail, the scenery will start to sprout and the ice will melt away. The barren landscapes of the moorland will be the first milestone, dense vegetation and exotic wildlife will begin to radiate as we approach lower climate zones. We will proceed to the campsite where you can scoff down a scrumptious, piping hot dinner whilst seizing the last opportunity to see the Milky Way without any light pollution.
Walking Time: 14 – 16 hours
Distance: 19km
Altitude Gain: 1195m
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m) to Moshi
The melodies of your porters celebrating will fill the air whilst you enjoy an appetizing breakfast. The 1300m descent to the Mweka gate is classified as an easy trek and will only last a few hours. Gold Summit Certificates will be awarded to every member in your group as a small souvenir. Our drivers are one relaxed stroll to the Mweka village away and they will back to Moshi.
Walking Time: 4 – 5 hours
Distance: 10km
Altitude Loss: 1300m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Find out all you need to know about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro through the Lemosho Route on our blog post!
Included
Included:
√ Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotelYour trekking company is able to pick you up from the airport and bring your to your hotel in Moshi, if needed. A transfer back to the airport can also be arranged.
√ Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
The transport from Moshi to the gate of Kilimanjaro National Park is taken care off. This also applies to the way back.
√ Four Season Mountain tents
Unless you are doing the Marangu Route, you’re staying in our strong and well maintained four season mountain tents. Every time you arrive at your camp the tent has already been set up.
(Huts on Marangu Route)
On the Marangu Route you will be provided with a bed in one of the huts on the way to Uhuru Peak. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.
√ Double Layered Sleeping Mats
Double layered mats provided by your trekking company will put you to sleep in no time.
√ Hot meals daily while on the mountain
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared during the trek. Your trekking company is bringing their own cook. Don’t be surprised when you see an exclusive three course dinner on your plate.
√ Treated and filtered water
During the trek you won’t have a shortage on drinking water.
√ Hot water for washing
Don’t expect an extensive shower, but there will be the possibility to use hot water for a decent wash.
√ Altitude Sickness & First Aid Kit
The guides carry an altitude sickness kit to monitor your pulse rate, oxygen saturation and heart rate twice a day (very useful for monitoring the symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS) at altitude). Also emergency portable oxygen is carried along. On top of that the guides are qualified Wilderness First Responders.
√ KINAPA Rescue Fee
The fees for the Kilimanjaro Rescue Team are covered. This is managed by KINAPA, Kilimanjaro National Parks. Interesting fact: Kinapa means “We carry each other” in Swahili.
√ Park fee, camping fee, VAT and other taxes
The park entry fees, the crater fee, camping fee and value added tax are included in the price.
√ Fair salary, food, insurance and accommodation for guide and porter(s)
The total amount covers not only your own basics, but also those of your guide and porter. No unpleasant surprises.
√ Your own team of porters and guides
Per person you generally have a team of 1 guide, 1 cook and 3 porters who will support you in your climb. If you are part of a group of four, you will be able to enjoy 2 guides, 1 cook and 12 porters. Although there will always be enough hands on deck, the exact amount of support staff varies per trekking company.
Excluded:
× Visa for TanzaniaVisas are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. For most nationalities it is possible to get a visa upon arrival when you arrive at the airport in Tanzania. Check with your local Tanzanian embassy or consulate to see what the requirements are.
× Flights to and from Moshi
The total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Tanzania. To get an idea of which airlines are visiting Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), it is best to have a look at their website.
× Personal expenses
All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.
× Travel Insurance Including Repatriation
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Tanzania.
× Tipping
Tips for guides and porters are exclusive. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous and read our blog post about tipping when you are planning go trekking in Tanzania.
× Portable flush toilet
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for USD 70 for the entire trek.
× Accommodation before and after the trek
Whether you stay in Moshi, Arusha or anywhere else, before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation and meals.
Accomodation
AccomodationFour Season Mountain tents
Unless you are choosing the Marangu Route, you will be staying in durable tents that are equipped for all weather situations. A few porters will always trek ahead of you to make sure that your tent is ready when you arrive. There will also be tables and chairs. Accommodation comes with freshly prepared meals. Every campsite has a long drop toilet. Along the trek you can find your private space behind a rock. Read all about camping on the Kilimanjaro here.
Huts on Marangu Route
On the Marangu Route you will be provided with a bed in one of the huts on the way to Uhuru Peak. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.
FAQ
FAQBest Season
Because Mount Kilimanjaro covers a relatively large surface area and a lot of elevation, the mountain has more or less its own climate. Responsible for the weather patterns around Mount Kilimanjaro are trade winds that bring along moist from the Indian Ocean. Because of these trade winds, the months of March, April, May and November are the wettest. The southern mountain slopes are especially rainy in these months. From January to March there is a greater chance to see snow on and around the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This can be experienced as negative, but it will any case be much quieter on the trails. Although these are the coldest months, snowfall and cold temperatures can be expected from December to May. The most suitable and most popular season for climbing Kilimanjaro is from June to October. In these months you can choose any route without having to worry about rain too much. If you want a comfortable route during the rainy season, you best choose the Rongai Route, approaching Kilimanjaro from the North. Due to the differences in altitude and the associated climate zones, it is difficult to estimate the temperatures.
Porters
Trekking on Kilimanjaro is hard, both for yourself and your support staff. Per person you have a team who will support you in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This team usually consists of a guide, three porters and a cook. This way you don't have to carry your full gear yourself. The guide speaks English and usually the rest of the team speaks English as well. You can make things more interesting by learning a few words of Swahili in advance.
Bookatrekking.com strives to only work with providers who treat porters in a fair manner. Without porters, there is no trekking on Kilimanjaro. They are the heart and soul of your adventure and every day, they carry part of your gear. Bookatrekking.com always tries to find a balance between an affordable trekking adventure and the fair treatment of porters. Read everything about porters on Kilimanjaro here.
Tipping
It is impossible to climb the Mount Kilimanjaro solo. This means that every climber has his or her own team. Both the guide, the assistant guide, the porter and the cook expect a tip. For the whole trek, this sums up to an amount ranging from USD 330 to USD 450. This is per climber, which means that the amount will not be smaller if the group is larger. Be generous. Read our extensive blog about tipping on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Currency and Payment Methods
The currency of Tanzania is the Shilling. We recommend you bring US dollars or Euros to cover the costs of your visa, extra travel, and other. It is easiest to travel in Tanzania with US dollars, but credit cards are also accepted in most places. Before you travel, check with your bank whether your credit or debit card can also be used in Tanzania.
Visa Tanzania
Visa are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. It is possible to get a visa-on arrival when you arrive at the airport in Tanzania. Look here at the website of the embassy for arranging your visa.
Vaccinations
Tanzania is an area where yellow fever occurs and therefore we recommend you to be vaccinated. We also recommend that you have all other vaccinations such as Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Hepatitis A & B up to date. Malaria is present in Tanzania but there are no mosquitoes at high altitude. Always consult your health professional 90 days ahead of departure.
Are you looking for more information for your Tanzanian adventure? Find out all you need to know about your Kilimanjaro trek on our blog post!
Training
TrainingDo you reach Uhuru Peak or not? There is a chance that you won’t. Often this depends on the unpredictable weather on the mountain. However, it can also depend on your own physical condition.
Do you enjoy hiking, have you gone trekking at higher altitudes and do you exercise twice a week on average? With a little extra training, you are soon fit to challenge Mount Kilimanjaro.
Is this the first time that you are trekking at altitude? Make sure you are well prepared. This is important for your safety, but also for that of your team. Make sure you start six months in advance with an hour's walk or hike twice a week. Read this blog post and get fit for your Kilimanjaro ascent.
Packing List
Packing ListTrekking in Kilimanjaro requires decent gear. Especially the basics like an 80-90l backpack and quality trekking socks. Also make sure to check our ultimate packing list for trekking Kilimanjaro.
Technical Clothing
- Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
- Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
- Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
- 2 Long Sleeve Shirts, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
- Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
- Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
- 2 Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
- Fleece Pants
- Shorts (optional)
- Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
- 3 Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
- 2 Sport Bra (women)
Headwear
- Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
- Knit Hat, for warmth
- Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
- Bandana (optional)
Handwear
- Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
- Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)
Footwear
- Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
- Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
- 3 Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
- 3 Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
- Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Accessories
- Sunglasses or Goggles
- Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
- Poncho, during rainy season (optional)
- Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended
- Water Bladder, Camelback type (recommended)
- Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
- Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
Equipment
- Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
- Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
- Trekking Poles (recommended)
- Head lamp, with extra batteries
- Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your equipment.
- Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear
Other
- Toiletries (Option)
- Prescriptions
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent, containing DEET
- First Aid Kit
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper (To be provided)
- Wet Wipes (recommended)
- Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
- Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional)
- Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
Enosa Expeditions
Enosa ExpeditionsOur team in Moshi is equally diverse and responsible for all Tanzania-Experience mountain treks and climbs, be it Mount Meru, Mount Kilimanjaro or the Ngorongoro Highlands. All in all, Enosa Expeditions in Moshi ensures seamless and safe trekking, from the start to the summit and back.
Prior to every trekking, our guests receive a full briefing by our operations team. The route, safety procedures and health issues will be discussed in detail and there will be time for asking questions. Furthermore, the trekking gear will be inspected carefully to ensure that everything is ready and safe.
Other duties for our operations team include the allocation of our mountain crews. Currently we have 18 teams, each consisting of a head guide, assistant guide, cook and porters. Experience and team spirit of the crew is essential for a successful trekking tour on Kilimanjaro and we are very proud of our well-rehearsed and passionate teams. They know how to motivate you when you are in exhaustion and their good mood is infectious.
Our mountain guides are experienced hikers who know the mountains like their backyards – brilliantly! Some of them have been with the company from the start. Our guides receive regular trainings in English and first aid as well as in oxygen and altitude. They are responsible for your safety and will decide when a trek should be called off due to weather, altitude sickness or injury.
The cooks are the miracle workers. With simple gas cookers they conjure up 3-course feasts, hot drinks and snacks to revive and nourish all mountain climbers.
The porters are responsible for carrying food, gear and guests’ backpacks. They will fetch and boil water and assist the cook. On camping routes, they will also set-up the camp.
The operations team in Moshi not only gets you on the mountain and back safely, but is also on call at all hours of the day to assist with emergencies and rescues from the mountain. Our operations manager speaks English fluently.
Mountain tents, camping gear and cooking equipment are stored in our Moshi office after being thoroughly checked and washed by our maintenance team. They ensure that the right gear is ready for each trekking group and that enough food, utensils, tools and equipment are packed.
Safety
SafetySafety is of the utmost importance to us. That is why this is an area in which we simply do not compromise when it comes to keeping the cost of our trekkings low. Our guides have been selected on the basis of their technical competence, proven safety performance, impeccable judgment, friendly attitude and ability to provide useful and expert instructions. They are also very professional and well trained in first aid and personal protection equipment. First aid kits are available on all treks. In addition, the routes are ideally designed to give you enough time to acclimatize.
While the intention is to stick to the described route, a certain degree of flexibility is built in. In some cases it may be necessary to change the route here and there. The mountains are full of surprises, and the weather on Mount Kilimanjaro is unpredictable. The guides continuously carry out risk assessments throughout the expedition. It is therefore best to plan a number of extra days in Tanzania to cover for possible unforeseen circumstances. Read all about altitude sickness here.
How to Book
How does it work?On Bookatrekking.com you can find and compare the adventures of your dreams. Is this trekking adventure your match? In that case you can proceed to booking. At Bookatrekking.com you make a deposit of 20% of the total amount. You pay the remaining amount on location prior to the trek directly to the trekking company.
Bookatrekking.com uses only the safest payment methods. Once your booking has been received, your place is reserved, your place is safe and you can look forward to your chosen trekking.
After you have made your booking, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with all necessary information and the contact details of the trekking company. If you have any questions or if you want to clarify something, you can obtain information directly from the right person. Of course, you can also always ask us your question. Send us an e-mail on support@bookatrekking.com
The trekking company will also receive your details and can therefore always contact you and provide you with extra information.
Cancellation Policy
Bookatrekking.com is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for you. We understand that life can be unpredictable and that plans may change. In recognition of this, we have created a flexible cancellation policy for our trekkings. You may cancel your trekking reservation free of charge if you notify us at least 14 days prior to the scheduled departure date. If you cancel within 14 days of your start date, you will lose your deposit.
Is it not quite clear yet or do you have questions? Please contact us via support@bookatrekking.com. We are happy to help you.
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