Private/Independent Kilimanjaro Climb following the Lemosho Route

Standing high above Africa’s game-filled plains at 5,895m, Kilimanjaro is one of earth’s most impressive natural wonders. For any serious walker, reaching the summit of this extinct volcano will be one of life’s most memorable achievements. On the Lemosho Route the approach to Kilimanjaro is from the west eventually joining with the highly scenic Machame Route. Lemosho is a little-used and more adventurous route for those who can afford a slower ascent and a couple of extra days on the mountain. With a longer duration, Lemosho is generally regarded as a more physically challenging climbing route than others.

We prefer to offer this route as an eight-day trek including an extra acclimatisation day (with optional walk) on the Shira Plateau, although this can be omitted to reduce the trek to seven days. Once above the plateau you’ll approach Kilimanjaro’s Great Western Breach before following the south circuit trail to Barafu and making a slow grind up Kibo to the summit. During this climb you’ll encounter several valleys resulting in constant loss and gain of altitude which also helps with your acclimatisation. Because of the slower ascent the Lemosho Route has one of the highest rates of success of any route on the mountain.

Hiking for eight days you’ll be accompanied by your own private local mountain guide, porters and a cook. Nights are spent under canvas, camping on the mountain in dramatic wilderness locations. Your porters will pitch your tent and carry your luggage/equipment. Meals are served in either a dinner tent or outside if the weather is fine. As you gain altitude you’ll walk through five distinct climatic zones, from the lower slopes through rain forest, over heath and moorland to high alpine desert and finally scree slopes to Gilman’s Point.

If you’re feeling up to it, you can make the final push to Uhuru Peak, reaching 5,895m and the highest point in Africa. Reaching the top of Kilimanjaro for sunrise is not the only reward – there are outstanding views to be seen on the way, unique plant life, flora, animals and birds. After your trek you’ll have the chance to relax at your hotel pool and enjoy an optional game drive in the exceptionally scenic Arusha National Park.

Scheduled Departures and Operating Period

Climb Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route Acclimatisation Insight

Compared to other routes the Lemosho Route greatly helps with acclimatisation as you’ll encounter several valleys resulting in constant loss and gain of altitude. As well as staying for a second night at altitude on the Shira Plateau (on this eight day trek) the route also includes an ascent to Lava Tower and descent to the Great Barranco Valley plus an ascent of the famous Barranco Wall followed by a descent to the Karanga Valley.

Highlights of Climb Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route

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Climb Kilimanjaro - Brief Itinerary of Lemosho Route

Day 1	Moshi	Arrive Kilimanjaro and transfer to Moshi (800m) at the foot of Kilimanjaro.
Day 2	Lemosho Forest	4WD transfer to Lemosho Glades via Londorossi Gate; walk to camp at Mti Mkubwa.
Day 3	Shira Plateau	Ascend into moorland zone and cross Shira Ridge (3,600m) onto Shira Plateau.
Day 4	Shira Plateau	Easy acclimatisation day with short walk to camp near Shira Hut (3,840m).
Day 5	Barranco Valley	Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m); after lunch descend to camp in Great Barranco Valley.
Day 6	Karanga Valley	Climb the Barranco Wall with exceptional views of Southern Icefields.
Day 7	Barafu Ridge	Ascend scree trail on high alpine desert to camp on Barafu Ridge (4,550m).
Day 8	Summit Attempt	Pre-sunrise start to summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m); descend to Mweka camp.
Day 9	Moshi	Descend to Mweka Gate (1,980m); transfer to hotel in Moshi.
Day 10		Optional day safari in Arusha National Park. End of trip.

View route map of Climb Kilimanjaro - Machame Route

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Responsible Tour Operating on Kilimanjaro

Porters on Kilimanjaro have an arduous job – they carry the clothing and equipment, rucksacks, food, water and utensils of climbers, as well as their own clothing and camping equipment. We are keen to ensure that the porters that work for us are treated fairly by senior crew members as well as climbers. In this regard Specialist Tanzania fully supports the work of Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and is an official partner of IMEC’s ‘Partnership for Responsible Travel’. As an initiative of the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC), KPAP exist solely for the purpose of improving the working conditions of the porters climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

    

Specialist Tanzania works in close partnership with a locally owned and managed company in Moshi, Tanzania. We feel this approach has a more direct benefit on the local distribution of income from tourism. We support and fully endorse the recruitment and training of local guides, porters, local group tour managers, drivers and representation staff.

With our guiding principle of employing local people wherever possible our guests see a direct benefit in the improved local knowledge of our local team, whether that be knowledge of flora, fauna, history or just general Tanzanian life. Through this approach we can also maximise the amount of your tourism revenue that is delivered directly into the heart of the local economy, whilst at the same time providing our guests with a holiday which is fully financially protected by our bonding schemes and insurance cover.