What to Expert
Exciting Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 9 Days trek
The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 9 Days trek, often praised for its scenic beauty and lower traffic, offers an incredible journey to the summit of Africa’s highest peak. This trail is known for its varied landscapes, from lush rainforests to the vast Shira Plateau, providing trekkers with breathtaking vistas and diverse environments. The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 9 Days trek includes ample acclimatization opportunities, enhancing the chances of a successful summit. Although it does not require technical climbing, this demanding trek requires a good level of fitness. With nine days on the mountain, participants have a generous amount of time to adjust to the altitude, ensuring a safer and more rewarding experience. The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 9 Days trek is perfect for those seeking a profound sense of achievement while exploring the stunning beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Your Itinerary
Day to day
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Arusha
Touch down at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to the city of Arusha. Located close to the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is surrounded by lush greenery and is known as the gateway to Tanzania’s excellent national parks. Once settled at the hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore the city and discover its excellent food and drinks scene. Overnight stay in Arusha.
Accommodation Options:
Midrange: Under the Shade (BB)Luxury: Gran Melia (BB)High End: Arusha Coffee Lodge (BB)Day 2: Drive to Lemosho Gate and Start Climb to Lemosho Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m)
After completing the necessary registration formalities, drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho Gate roadhead. The last section of the road can be challenging, particularly after rain. Often, the trek begins with a short walk below the roadhead. Enjoy lunch at the roadhead before starting the trek through a beautiful and lush forest to Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2650m). [2-3 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 3: Trekking to Shira 1 Camp (3550m)
Leaving the forest behind, embark on the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 9 Days trek and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views, leading you to the rim of the Shira Plateau. This area offers a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists roll in, creating a mystical atmosphere. Camp in the center of the plateau at Shira One (3550m), a key stop on your Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 9 Days trek. This segment involves [6-7 hours of walking], providing ample time to take in the stunning scenery and acclimate to the altitude.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 4: Trekking to Shira 2 Camp (3840m)
An easy day to help acclimatization and explore the volcanic rock formations of Shira Plateau. Walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira Hut (3840m). This campsite offers stunning views close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [4-5 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 5: Trek near Lava Tower (4550m)
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4550m), descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3900m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 6: Karanga Camp (4000m)
On the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 9 Days trek, a steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, offering superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows. Despite the challenging climb, the breathtaking views make it worthwhile. There is only a short distance to the camp at Karanga (4000m), which is the last water point on the way to the summit. This segment of the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 9 Days trek involves [4-5 hours of walking], ensuring you are well-prepared for the final ascent.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 7: Trek to Barafu Camp (4600m)
Follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views, gaining altitude steadily to reach the Barafu campsite (4600m) for lunch. Take a short acclimatization walk to the plateau at the bottom of the Southeast Valley (4800m). Spend the remainder of the day resting in preparation for the final ascent. [3-5 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 8: Summit Uhuru Peak (5895m) and Descend to Millenium Camp (3800m)
On the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 9 Days trek, start the ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. to reach the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree features well-graded zigzags, and a slow but steady pace will take you to Stella Point (5735m) in about five or six hours. Rest briefly to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. For those feeling strong, make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs. After reaching the summit, descend to Barafu and continue to the final campsite at Millenium (3800m). This challenging day on the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 9 Days trek involves [11-15 hours of walking], testing your endurance and rewarding you with unforgettable views.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 9: Descend to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Arusha or Airport
A sustained descent on a well-constructed path through the tropical forest, alive with birdsong and lush undergrowth. The route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m). Sign out from the National Park before walking for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where the vehicle awaits. Return to Arusha for an overnight stay or transfer to the airport for your departure. [4-6 hours walking]
Accommodation Options:
Midrange: Moivaro Coffee Lodge (BB)Luxury: Gran Melia (BB)High End: Arusha Coffee Lodge (BB)Inclusions
- Arrival and departure transfers in Arusha
- 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Arusha on a twin-share basis
- 7 nights fully supported camping on a twin-share tent basis
- Group camping equipment including tents (sleeping bag and mat not included – can be hired locally)
- Experienced local mountain guides, cook, and camp crew
- Porters to carry personal and group equipment
- Park entrance fees valued at US$1109
- Emergency oxygen
- Potable Mountain Toilet
Exclusions
- International or domestic flights
- Sleeping bags and mats
- Aerated and alcoholic drinks
- Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
- Tips
- Visa
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
