KILI LEMOSHO 8 DAYS ROUTE

This long, little-used route parallels the lower part of the Shira Route. The Lemosho Route is an unspoiled, remote, little-used, and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. Above the plateau, you approach Kilimanjaro’s great western Breach, then follow the south circuit to reach the easier Barafu Route. This is one of the few routes where an armed ranger accompanies our groups, since there are still animals in the forest around the Lemosho Glades.

Day 0

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport/Alternative Airport pick up and transferred to the Springlands Hotel for overnight Dinner and breakfast.

Day 1

Lendorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Campsite
After a briefing from your guide, drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate. From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to the Lemosho Glades, then hike along the beautiful forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite,

  • Elevation: 2250m to 2750m
  • Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1
The trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone then crosses the Shira Ridge at about 3600m to drop gently down to Shira 1 camp located by the stream on the Shira plateau.

  • Elevation: 2750m to 3500m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

Day 3

Shira 1 to Shira 2
A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day.

  • Elevation: 3500m to 3850m
  • Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

Day 4

Shira 2 to Barranco
The moorlands soon come to an end and the rocky path leads amongst outcrops to the Lava tower (this is optional if one is not taking the western breach) where there are good campsites, then continue to Barranco hut.

Shira to Lava tower

  • Elevation: 3850m to 4600m
  • Hiking Time: 5 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

Shira to Barranco

  • Elevation: 3850m to 3900m
  • Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

Day 5

Barranco to Karanga
After breakfast we leave Barranco ridge, walk up the Barranco wall that ends up at the foot of the Heim glacier. Passing the Barranco wall then hike along to Karanga valley.

  • Elevation: 3900m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6

Karanga to Barafu
We hike on to Barafu hut, where we rest and make camp, The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are seen from this position.

  • Elevation: 3900m to 4550m
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic

Day 7

Barafu to Uhuru Peak and Mweka
At midnight we prepare to summit Uhuru peak, and spend the early morning on the summit. We descend to Barafu hut for brunch and some rest, then walk down to Mweka hut for dinner and overnight.

Barafu to Uhuru Peak

  • Elevation: 4550 to 5895m
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic and Rainforests

Day 8

Mweka to Moshi or Arusha
After breakfast, walk down the Mweka Montane forest to the Mweka gate, board the already waiting vehicle and drive back to Moshi to the Springlands Hotel of overnight.