Detailed Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 6 Days Package 2024
The 6-day Lemosho route is a challenging route that starts in Moshi and goes to the summit of Uhuru Peak. The route includes 19–24 hours of walking at high altitudes, with only 4–6 hours of sleep. Some say the route is better suited for experienced trekkers.
The Lemosho Route has a lower success rate than other routes, with Lemosho Route 6 Days option having an average of around 75%. However, some say that the 6-day hike has a higher success rate of 70%. Others say that the 6-day route has a success rate of 60%.
The Lemosho Route is about 42 miles (70 km) long and joins the Machame Route between Shira and Barranco, resulting in similar terrain. Camps along the route have public restrooms, but it's recommended to rent a portable toilet for more comfort.
The 6 Days Lemosho Route is a hiking trail on Mount Kilimanjaro that includes the following days:
- Day 1: Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2100m), then Mti Mkubwa camp (2750m)
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m), then Shira 2 Camp (3840m)
- Day 3: Shira (3840m), then Lava Tower (4630m), then Barranco Camp (3950m)
- Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950m), then Barafu Camp (4550m)
- Day 5: Barafu Camp (4550m), then Uhuru Peak (5895m), then Mweka (3100m)
- Day 6: Mweka camp (3100m), then Mweka Gate (1980m)
Number of nights: 5
Lemosho route 6 days itinerary 2024
Day 0: Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport
So, before starting your 6-day Lemosho route, you'll arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. This is where you will be met at the airport and be transferred to the hotel in Moshi for overnight.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft, Distance: 6 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate to start the 6 days Lemosho rotue, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 12,500ft, Distance: 18 km, Hiking Time 8-10 hours, Habitat: Moorland
So, on this day two of 6 days Lemosho rotue, we continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. From here, it is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. So, this makes the end of third day of 6 days Lemosho route.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft, Distance: 9km, Hiking Time: 8-10 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft), Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent, Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent, Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Moshi
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi at the hotel where you will overnight (BB).
Package price inclusions (Lemosho Route 6 Days)
- All Transports
- Tools and equipments
- Guides, cooks and porters
- All park fees and taxes
- Meals and accommodations
Package price exclusions (Lemosho Route 6 Days)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Personal items
- International flights
- Laundry services
- Visa costs