8 Day Lemosho Route Climb

8 days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route is an unspoilt, spectacular and remote way up to the Shira Plateau, the principal features of the trail which adds an interesting texture quite as it allows for a more moderate process of acclimatization. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other big game animals.

The climb itself can take either 7 or 8 days, with 8 days being recommended in order that climbers have more opportunity to acclimate before the brutal summit day. This route is not nearly as popular as Machame or Marangu, but it’s a good one to consider because the longer climbing time equals a greater chance of conquering the Uhuru Peak with fewer problems.

Itinerary
Day 1: Londorosi Gate (2,100m/6,890ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m/9,023ft)
Elevation Gain: 650 meters/ 2,133 feet                                                                                                                                   Hiking time: 3hrs
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Montane forest

After the morning drive to the trailhead you will spend the first day with an armed ranger due to the animal population in this forest area, stopping at the Mti Mkubwa Camp after only about 3 hours of climbing.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750mm/9,023ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 970 meters, 3,177 feet                                                                                                                                    Hiking time: 5 – 6 hrs.
Distance: 12 km                                                                                                                                                                          Habitat: Moorland

This day starts in the forest and gets considerably steeper as you go through the heather and moorland areas before camping at the Shira Plateau in a large, open, and scenic area at the Shira One Camp.

Day 3: Shira I Camp (3,720m/12,200ft) to Shira II Camp (3,840 meters/12,532ft)
Elevation Gain: 120m, 332 ft                                                                                                                                                      Hiking time: 5 – 6 hrs
Distance: 5 km
Habitat: Semi desert

This day takes you on a gentle walk across the plateau for some excellent scenery while your body continues to acclimatize.

Note: From Shira Two Camp on, this route is identical to Machame Route, including the descent on the separate Mweka Route. If you’ve taken Lemosho you’ve done another day at this point, so Day 4 of Lemosho is identical to Day 3 of Machame and so on.

Day 4: Shira II Camp (3,840m/12,532) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Elevation Gain: 110m,                                                                                                                                                                 Hiking time: 5hrs                                                                                                                                                                                     Distance: 6 km                                                                                                                                                                                 Habitat: Alpine desert

The morning climb is somewhat steep on this day as you ascend to Lava Tower at 4,600 meters at midday before descending again on the scenic route to Barranco Camp. This is a great example of the climb high/sleep low rule that helps people acclimatize safely.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Camp (4,200m/13,780ft)
Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet                                                                                                                                      Hiking time: 3.5 hrs
Distance:4km                                                                                                                                                                              Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You climb the Great Barranco Wall, which looks more intimidating than it really is, and down into the Karanga Valley. This day has many ups and downs and crosses many small streams before crossing the Karanga River just before camp.

Day 6: Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 400 meters,                                                                                                                                                      Hiking time: 3.5 hrs
Distance: 4km
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You climb through rocky and otherwise barren terrain on your way to Barafu Camp. The camp is in another cold and windy area, but you will only be sleeping from around 7 p.m. until 11: 30 p.m. or so because you will be starting the summit climb at midnight.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters, 4,240 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters                                                                                                                                                   Summit time: 7 hrs
Distance: 5km
Descent time: 5 hrs
Distance: 12km
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You will start at midnight with by far the most challenging 6-hour section of entire climb as you reach Stella Point around sunrise. After a short rest you will probably be walking in snow for the next two hours until you reach Uhuru Peak. After enjoying the moment briefly you will begin your descent to the Mweka Camp back in the rain forest, which takes about 8 hours including a quick rest in the middle.

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters, 5,250 feet                                                                                                                              Descent time: 4 hrs                                                                                                                                                                        Distance:10km                                                                                                                                                                           Habitat: Forest

After the previous day you will deserve this short and very scenic descent of about 4 hours down to the Mweka Gate, where you will sign the register to make your climb official. Transfer to Arusha for Lunch, Dinner and Overnight.

7 Days Version of Lemosho Route

It is also possible to climb Lemosho in 7 days instead of 8 days, and the only difference is days 2 and 3 on the 8-days climb are combined into one 8 to 9 hours climb from Mti Mkubwa to the Shira Two Camp. This extra day is obviously more challenging and it also cuts way down on the climbers’ acclimatization time, which can hurt the chances of reaching the summit with fewer problems. Therefore in order for you to conquer the Uhuru Summit safely, we advise you to opt for 8 days instead of 7 days.