7-Day Lemosho Route Expedition
From $1830Per Person
7 Days Lemosho Route Expedition
The 7-Day Lemosho Route is designed for trekkers who are confident in their fitness and looking for a slightly more condensed adventure without sacrificing the spectacular scenery of the Shira Plateau. By starting high on the western flank, this route provides a remote wilderness experience through the rainforest and moorland, eventually joining the Southern Circuit for an exhilarating push to Uhuru Peak.
Safari Highlights Overview
| Destination | Highlight | Nights | Accommodaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0: Pre-Trek Briefing (Arrival Day) | Arusha/Moshi to Londorossi Gate (Start Point) to Shira 1 Camp | 1 | Shira 1 Camp |
| Day 1: Moshi to Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp) | Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp) | 1 | Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp) |
| Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp | Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp | 1 | Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp |
| Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp | Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp | 1 | Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Buffalo Camp |
| Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp | Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp | 1 | Buffalo Camp to Karanga Camp |
| Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp | Karangu Camp to Barafu Camp | 1 | Karangu Camp to Barafu Camp |
| Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Mweka Camp | Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Mweka Camp | 1 | Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Mweka Camp |
| Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi | 0 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi |
ITINERARY
Your journey begins with a warm welcome to Tanzania. Our lead guides will meet you at your hotel in Moshi for a vital pre-trek briefing. We will conduct a comprehensive gear check to ensure you are fully equipped for the mountain’s varied climate, finalize safety protocols, and discuss the strategy for your 7-day ascent.
- Accommodation: Not Included (Available as an optional add-on)
- Meals: Not Included (Available as an optional add-on)
After breakfast at your hotel, we take a scenic 3-hour drive to the Lemosho Gate for registration. Your trek begins in the deep, emerald-green rainforest. This zone is a botanical paradise, home to towering ancient trees, hanging vines, and Colobus monkeys. The trail is often misty, providing a cool and atmospheric start to your journey as we hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp.
- Elevation: 2,100m (6,890ft) to 2,650m (8,694ft)
- Distance: 7 km (4 miles) | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest | Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Today is a challenging but rewarding day as we gain significant elevation. We leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone, crossing several streams and ascending the Shira Ridge. Unlike the 8-day route, we bypass Shira 1 and trek directly across the vast Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp. This provides a dramatic change in scenery and places you directly under the looming shadow of Kibo Peak.
- Elevation: 2,650m (8,694ft) to 3,850m (12,631ft)
- Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles) | Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This is a critical “Climb High, Sleep Low” day for acclimatization. We climb to the Lava Tower (4,630m), a massive volcanic plug where we stop for a hot lunch at high altitude. Afterward, we descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley. You will walk through the “Garden of Senecios”—unique, prehistoric plants found nowhere else on earth—at the base of the massive and awe-inspiring Barranco Wall.
- Elevation: 3,850m (12,631ft) to 3,900m (12,795ft)
- Distance: 12 km (7 miles) | Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We begin the morning by conquering the famous Barranco Wall. This is a fun, non-technical scramble that rewards you at the top with incredible views of the southern glaciers. We then traverse a series of ridges and valleys, finally descending into the Karanga Valley before a short climb to the camp. This day is designed to keep your energy high while continuing the acclimatization process.
- Elevation: 3,900m (12,795ft) to 3,995m (13,106ft)
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles) | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The trail turns upward toward the Barafu (Ice) Camp. The landscape is now a stark, alpine desert with cold winds and thin air. We arrive in the early afternoon, allowing you plenty of time to rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear. Our team will serve an early dinner, and you will be in your sleeping bag early, as your guides will wake you around midnight for the final summit push.
- Elevation: 3,995m (13,106ft) to 4,673m (15,331ft)
- Distance: 4 km (2 miles) | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Summit Day. At midnight, we begin the steep ascent by headlamp. This is a true test of mental and physical strength as we reach Stella Point (5,756m) at dawn. From there, it is a short, snowy walk to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the Roof of Africa. After the celebration, we descend back to Barafu for lunch and then continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved night of sleep in the thicker air.
- Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m (Summit) then down to 3,100m (10,170ft)
- Distance: 18 km (11 miles) | Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic Summit / Stone Scree | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a final “Tipping Ceremony” where we celebrate with our incredible mountain crew, we descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, you will sign the park register and receive your official summit certificates. Our vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi where the tour concludes.
- Elevation: 3,100m (10,170ft) to 1,640m (5,380ft)
- Distance: 10 km (6 miles) | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest | Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
INCLUDED
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
EXCLUDED
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- International and domestic flights
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)