The best Lemosho route in 9 days Kilimanjaro Climbing Overview
The best Lemosho route 9 days itinerary offers an excellent balance of gradual ascent and ample acclimatization time, making it one of the most successful and enjoyable ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro.
Lemosho Route 9 Days approaches Mount Kilimanjaro through forest and moorland from the west of the mountain, crossing the caldera of Shira volcano and exploring the rock formations of the plateau, before traversing beneath the Southern Ice Fields of Kibo.
We make our final ascent by the Barafu Route. There are often stunning views of Kibo in the sharp light of morning and early evening. The Lemosho Route 9 Days itinerary gives the absolute maximum possible acclimatization and also gives us an unusual view of the montain forests on Kilimanjaro.
Lemosho Route 9 Days is a little-used approach route and there is time to enjoy the un-spoilt wilderness and the breathtaking scenery on Shira Plateau before the convergence with other routes in the later stages of the trip. Razan Safaris will take care of you from start to finish, we will collect you from Kilimanjaro International Airport when you arrive in Tanzania and make sure that after your Kilimanjaro Experience you are ready to return home or continue with your Tanzania Adventure.
if you want to ask us anything at all after reading this itinerary for Lemosho Route 9 Days, you can contact us online and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
After completing the Lemosho Route 9 Days you will have the choice of booking an incredible Safari of the National Parks of Tanzania, checking out the culture with some of our short tours or taking a well earned rest on the island of Zanzibar.
Kilimanjaro Bound will take care of you and your party and organise everything you need for the trip of a lifetime.
More about Lemosho Route 9 Days
High summit success rate. Good for acclimatization, especially on the longer itineraries.
Remote and spectacular, dramatic gorges and views of west Kilimanjaro.
Converges with Machame on day 4 at Baranco.
Shira offers higher start point compared to Lemosho and poorer acclimatisation.
Fully catered camping only.
The Lemosho Route 9 Days approaches Kilimanjaro from the west. Rather than simply intersecting Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira 2 Camp, in a pleasant hike. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route.
Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the Southern Circuit. There are several options to complete the trek over 6, 7, or 8 days based on experience.
Lemosho route in 9 days Kilimanjaro Climbing Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft (2,361 m to 2,895 m)
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration. Then, proceed to the Lemosho trailhead and start your trek through the lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you’ll camp overnight.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft (2,895 m to 3,505 m)
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
You’ll leave the forest and enter the heather and moorland zone, traversing the Shira Ridge with your first stunning views of Kibo Peak. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft (3,505 m to 3,810 m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Traverse the Shira Plateau, enjoying the expansive views. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp for the night, where you can take an optional acclimatization hike in the afternoon.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 13,800 ft (3,810 m to 4,206 m)
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Head towards Moir Hut, an isolated and less crowded camp. This day includes a gradual ascent with spectacular scenery, aiding in acclimatization. Overnight at Moir Hut.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft (4,206 m to 4,630 m) to 13,044 ft (3,976 m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trek to Lava Tower, a significant acclimatization point at 15,190 ft. After lunch at Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp, which helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft (3,976 m to 3,994 m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Start the day with the Barranco Wall climb, a non-technical but challenging scramble. Traverse the ridges and valleys to reach Karanga Camp. This shorter day aids in acclimatization.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,239 ft (3,994 m to 4,645 m)
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
From Karanga Camp, make a steady ascent to Barafu Camp. The afternoon is spent preparing for the summit attempt, with an early dinner and rest.
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to High Camp/Millennium Camp
Elevation: 15,239 ft to 19,341 ft (4,645 m to 5,895 m) to 12,959 ft (3,950 m)
Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 11-15 hours (7-8 hours ascent to Uhuru Peak, 4-7 hours descent to High Camp/Millennium Camp)
Habitat: Arctic to Rain Forest
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. The climb is steep and slow through heavy scree, reaching Stella Point at dawn. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend back to Barafu Camp, rest, and then continue to High Camp or Millennium Camp for the night.
Day 9: High Camp/Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 12,959 ft to 5,380 ft (3,950 m to 1,638 m)
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
The final day is a descent through the lush forest to Mweka Gate. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates before being driven back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
Tips for Success
Acclimatization: Follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle and take acclimatization hikes.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water daily (3-4 liters).
Pace: Walk slowly to conserve energy and allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
Gear: Invest in good-quality gear, especially for cold weather at higher altitudes.
Health: Listen to your body and inform your guide of any symptoms of altitude sickness.
This 9-day Lemosho route itinerary provides the best opportunity for acclimatization, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak successfully and safely. Enjoy the incredible journey and the unforgettable landscapes of Kilimanjaro!
Inclusions:
Professional Guides: Certified mountain guides, assistant guides, and porters.
Accommodation: Two nights at a hotel in Moshi (one before and one after the climb).
Camping Equipment: High-quality tents, sleeping mats, and dining tent.
Meals: All meals on the mountain, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Transportation: Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport and the trailhead.
Park Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
Safety Equipment: Oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter, first aid kit, and VHF handheld radios.
Water: Treated and filtered drinking water throughout the climb.
Porter Services: Porters to carry all group gear and personal baggage (up to 15 kg).
Permits and Logistics: All necessary climbing permits and logistics arrangements.
Exclusions:
Flights: International and domestic flights to and from Tanzania.
Visas: Tanzanian visa fees.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and health insurance.
Personal Gear: Personal hiking gear such as sleeping bags, clothing, boots, and trekking poles.
Tips: Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended amount provided).
Optional Activities: Any additional activities or excursions not specified in the itinerary.
Meals in Moshi: Lunch and dinner while in Moshi (unless specified).
Vaccinations: Vaccination costs.
Miscellaneous: Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and communication charges.
