Lemosho Route trekking

Leaving the forest behind, the trail steepens as you emerge into the heath and moorland zone. You will cross the Shira Ridge, where the views open up to reveal the vast Shira Plateau and the plains far below. After a midday break at Shira 1, you’ll continue across the plateau, passing surreal, prehistoric-looking Senecio plants that can grow over 8 meters tall. This is a long but vital day for your progression; the steady incline helps your lungs adapt to the thinning air. Reaching Shira 2 Camp in the late afternoon, you can relax with a three-course meal while watching the sunset paint the Kibo peak in shades of orange and gold.

Today follows the mountaineer’s golden rule: “climb high, sleep low.” You will ascend toward the massive volcanic plug known as Lava Tower (4,640m), where the landscape shifts into a stark, rocky alpine desert. This high-altitude exposure is the secret to the Lemosho route’s high success rate. After lunch near the tower, you’ll descend into the magnificent Barranco Valley. This descent is visually stunning, surrounded by towering cliffs and forests of giant Lobelias. You will finish the day at Barranco Camp, arguably the most picturesque site on the mountain, situated just below the Great Barranco Wall and the hanging glaciers of Kibo.

The morning begins with the famous scramble up the Barranco Wall. While it looks intimidating from below, it’s a fun, non-technical climb that rewards you with spectacular views of the southern glaciers once you reach the top. From the crest, the path traverses a series of hills and valleys, leading you into the Karanga Valley. This shorter day is designed to give your body a break after the previous day’s high-altitude push. You will arrive at Karanga Camp in time for a hot lunch, leaving the afternoon free to rest and soak in the incredible views of Kibo’s southern face against the deep blue African sky.

You’ll leave Karanga and head toward the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail, entering the desolate, moon-like afro-alpine desert. The hike is a steady uphill climb through a landscape of scree and silence. Your destination is Barafu Camp, perched on a narrow, wind-swept ridge with Mawenzi Peak looming in the distance. This is your “Base Camp.” The afternoon is spent preparing your gear, drinking plenty of fluids, and attempting to sleep as early as possible. A light supper is served early, as the real challenge begins at midnight when you’ll start your final push to the roof of Africa.

The summit push begins in the freezing darkness around midnight. Guided by headlamps, you’ll slowly zigzag up the steep volcanic scree toward Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. Reaching the rim as the sun begins to rise is a life-changing moment. From there, it’s a final, triumphant hour-long walk to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa (5,895m). After celebrating at the summit, you begin the long descent back to Barafu for a short rest and then continue down into the moorland to Mweka Camp, where the rich oxygen levels will feel like a second wind.

The final morning is a joyful occasion, usually marked by a traditional “Kilimanjaro Song” and farewell ceremony performed by your crew of porters and guides. The descent through the lush, emerald forest is soft on the knees and filled with the warmth of the lower altitudes. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll sign the official register for the last time to receive your well-earned certificates of achievement. Your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel for a long-awaited hot shower and a celebratory toast to your incredible journey on the world’s highest free-standing mountain.

Lomosho Route 7 Days

2

Lemosho 7 Days

Cost

Days

Total

Airport Transfer

1

50

2

100

100

Transfer to Lemosho Gate

1

116

1

116

116

Transfer From Mweka

1

83

1

83

83

Oxygen Cylinder

1

10

1

15

20

Kit Bags

7

2

1

11

16

Table

1

15

1

15

15

Client Tent

1

30

1

30

30

Guide Tent

1

20

1

20

20

Kitchen Tent

1

20

1

20

20

Mess Tent

1

20

1

20

20

Chair

2

5

1

10

15

Toilet

1

42

1

42

40

Liner

7

1

1

7

10

Mattres

1

4

1

4

8

Tshirts

1

7

1

7

14

Champagne

1

10

1

10

20

Staff Salaries

Head Guide

1

16

7

112

112

Assistant Guide

–

13

7

–

91

Chef

1

13

7

91

91

Porter

7

9

7

441

630

Voucher

1

10

1

10

20

10% of the crew Salaries

1

1

1

65

94

Forest Fee

1

12

1

12

24

Rescue fee

1

24

1

24

48

Crew Forest Fee

9

1

1

9

13

Crew Entry Fee

9

3

1

23

33

Client Entry fee

1

83

7

581

1,162

Client Camping Fee

1

59

6

354

708

Food

1

29

7

203

266

2,435

3,839

15%

20%

487

1

487

576

2,922

4,415

2,922

2,207