Considered the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho route approaches from the west and offers stunning views, high success rates, and excellent acclimatization.
You will be met upon your arrival in JRO, and transfer to a Hotel near the airport.
The Lemosho Route departs from the far West side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Getting to Londorosi Gate (2,100m) takes approximately 2 hours from the lodge. At the gate you will register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities before getting back into vehicles to be transported to the starting point (2,360m). During the wet season the track can be very inaccessible to vehicles and you may need to walk the last few miles. Most tour operators provide lunch at this point before starting the short trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp. Spotting large wildlife like elephant and buffalo is possible on this stretch.
After breakfast, your trek begins again in the rainforest. The trail slowly steepens as it enters into the vast heather moorland zone. You then cross the Shira Ridge before dropping slightly into Shira Camp 1. Your camp sits near a small stream on the Shira Plateau, which is the sunken remains of the first volcano which filled in with lava from later eruptions.
Today after an early breakfast, you trek begins with a long, easy walk across Shira Plateau caldera. Your path eventually leads you to Shira Camp 2 which also sits near a stream that cuts through the moorland meadows. Here you will join trekkers from the Machame Route whilst enjoying stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero.
Today you will start trekking due east from the Shira Plateau, passing through the 'Garden of the Senecios' which also features many giant lobelias. The landscape rapidly becomes desert-like as you approach Lava Tower and the Shark's Tooth formation at 4,600m. You will have lunch at Lava Tower before joining the Southern Circuit trail which descends to Baranco Camp 3,900m where you will spend the night at a very similar elevation as the night before. Climbing high and sleeping low is a good way to acclimatize the body to altitude.
After sleeping below the Great Barranco Wall, you get your chance to tackle this hurdle. Continue up until you reach just below the Heim Glacier. Then head down through the Karanga Valley. This is the last place for your porters to gather water. They will collect all the water for the remainder of the ascent here. You will settle in here at the Karanga Camp. After lunch, you can spend the afternoon doing light exploring or resting while taking in the views of Mawenzi's towering spires.
After breakfast, you'll head east, crossing over multiple ridges and valleys until you join up with the Mweka Route and turn left to continue up the ridge for an hour to reach the Barafu Hut. You will arrive at camp to find your tent pitched on a rocky ridge with high winds. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the camp before dark to be safe. Also, have your headlamp/flashlight handy if you need to leave the tent after dark. You will prepare your equipment before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of shuteye before your summit attempt!
Today starts at midnight with hot tea, biscuits and a long and zigzagging hike up the heavy scree that covers the steep slopes of Kibo. The going is slow and very tough. You will need to dig deep and ensure you maintain a consistent pace to push yourself up to the crater rim. After about 4-6 hours hiking you will reach Stella Point (5,739m) where you will have a chance to rest and watch dawn break across the Tanzanian landscape. It is a good idea to have some hot tea or hot chocolate at this point as you will need to muster the energy to continue for another 1-2 hours around and up the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Your time at Uhuru Peak will be brief. Take as many pictures as you can, savour your accomplishment and then start heading back to Stella Point. Many trekkers slide down the scree slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp, where you will have a chance to rest before continuing to Mweka Camp (3,100m). In total you will be trekking between 12-16 hours.
The final day on the mountain is a short one, but nonetheless tiring as your body will be exhausted and your knees will likely be sore from the previous day's descent. Go slowly and enjoy the wonderful rainforest scenery as you head towards Mweka Gate (1,640m). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities and will also receive your certificate, either for Stella Point or for Uhuru Peak. It is customary to pay your tips to your trekking team before you depart back to your hotel.
The pack that the porters carry is limited to 35 pounds (i.e. 20kgs). Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at $10/day. You can leave extra luggage in Hotel in Arusha (if you leave any valuable items like cash, jewelry, etc) make sure you get a receipt for that.