Lemosho Route 8 Days trek to Uhuru Peak
The Lemosho Route is a unique all-around route, widely regarded as the most scenic trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering panoramic vistas from multiple perspectives of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, it strikes an ideal balance of low crowds, breathtaking scenery, and a high summit success rate of 90-95% for the 8-day itinerary, making it a top choice for climbers. Spanning approximately 70 kilometers (42 miles) with an elevation gain of 16,000 to 17,000 feet, the route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, starting with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. It traverses lush rainforests, crosses the expansive Shira Plateau, joins the Machame Route near Lava Tower, and follows the Southern Circuit under the Southern Ice Field before summiting from Barafu Camp and descending via the Mweka Route. The 8-day itinerary optimizes acclimatization, enhancing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet. Below is a detailed, original 8-day itinerary crafted to guide you through this stunning adventure, with the central theme of conquering Uhuru Peak amidst unparalleled natural beauty.
Itinerary Overview
- Duration: 8 days
- Distance: ~70 km (42 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderately difficult, with excellent acclimatization
- Main Theme: Trek to Uhuru Peak, celebrating scenic splendor and summit success
7 days Lemsoho Route Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Your trek for 8 days along the Lemosho Route begins with a 4-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration formalities, followed by a short transfer to the Lemosho trailhead. The trek starts through an undisturbed rainforest, where dense foliage and wildlife sounds create an enchanting atmosphere. The gentle trail winds to Mti Mkubwa, your first campsite, offering a serene introduction to Kilimanjaro’s western slopes.
Day 1 Trek Overview
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Leaving the rainforest, the trail opens into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks adorned with lichen. Ascending through lush rolling hills and crossing streams, you’ll reach Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp. Here, the Shira Plateau unfolds, revealing your first glimpse of Kibo peak, a majestic beacon of the summit ahead.
Day 2 Trek Overview
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
This day is dedicated to exploring the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. A gentle eastward hike across moorland meadows leads toward Shira 2 Camp, but you’ll divert to Moir Hut, a secluded campsite at the base of Lent Hills. This less-traveled spot offers optional walks for acclimatization, with stunning views of the plateau’s wildflowers and unique Senecio trees, enhancing your altitude adaptation.
Day 3 Trek Overview
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Habitat: Heath
Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Climbing a ridge southeastward, you’ll reach the striking Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic formation in the alpine desert. This high-altitude stop boosts acclimatization for the 8 day Lemosho Route trek before a descent through the otherworldly Senecio Forest to Barranco Camp. The day’s elevation fluctuations—starting and ending at similar heights—leverage the “climb high, sleep low” strategy, preparing you for higher altitudes.
Day 4 Trek Overview
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km (4 miles) to Lava Tower, 3 km (2 miles) to Barranco
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The day begins with a descent into a ravine, followed by an exhilarating climb up the Great Barranco Wall, a nearly 900-foot, non-technical cliff. From the top, the trail crosses rolling hills and valleys, descending sharply into Karanga Valley before a final steep ascent to Karanga Camp. This shorter day prioritizes acclimatization, offering rest and recovery amidst dramatic alpine scenery.
Day 5 Trek Overview
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Departing Karanga, you’ll connect with the Mweka Trail junction and ascend a rocky path to Barafu Camp, completing the Southern Circuit. This high-altitude camp provides multiple angles of Uhuru Peak, with Kibo and Mawenzi peaks framing the stark landscape. After setting up camp, you’ll rest and enjoy an early dinner, mentally and physically gearing up for the summit attempt.
Day 6 Trek Overview
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km (2 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
The summit push starts around midnight, tackling the trek’s most grueling phase. Ascending in darkness through extreme cold and wind, you’ll take short breaks to maintain stamina. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), a radiant sunrise over Mawenzi Peak illuminates the final stretch to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. After celebrating your triumph, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The rocky descent can strain knees—trekking poles are essential. Expect mist or rain at Mweka Camp in the upper forest, where you’ll savor your last mountain dinner and rest.
Day 7 Trek Overview
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5 km (3 miles) ascent, 12 km (7 miles) descent
Habitat: Arctic (ascent), Rain Forest (descent)
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final descent winds through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where the trail may be wet and muddy, requiring sturdy footwear. Upon arrival, you’ll collect your summit certificate, a proud memento of your achievement. A vehicle will transport you back to Moshi, concluding this unforgettable journey.
Day 8 Trek Overview
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Lemosho Route Highlights and Tips
Unrivalled Scenery: The Lemosho Route’s panoramic views, from the Shira Plateau to the Southern Circuit, make it a visual masterpiece.
Acclimatization Advantage: The 8-day itinerary’s strategic high-altitude days (e.g., Lava Tower, Moir Hut) maximize summit success.
Low Crowds: The western approach and early days offer solitude until merging with the Machame Route.
Gear Essentials: Trekking poles ease the descent, and waterproof gear is crucial for rainy lower elevations.
This 8-day Lemosho Route itinerary blends stunning landscapes, optimal acclimatisation, and a high success rate, offering an exceptional path to Uhuru Peak for trekkers seeking Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and rewarding climb. For more information about the Lemosho Route, please visit www.lemoshoroute.com.
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