8 day climbing machame route Overview:
The Lemosho Route is a remarkable 8-day trek on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a comprehensive and scenic journey with ample time for acclimatization. The adventure begins at Lemosho Gate, with a gradual ascent through lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp. The following day, trekkers continue through moorland to Shira Camp, where stunning views of the mountain start to unfold. Day three involves a trek to Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp. The fourth day features the climb of the Barranco Wall, followed by a hike to Karanga Camp. On day five, the trail leads to Barafu Camp, setting the stage for the summit attempt. The ascent to Uhuru Peak on day six begins in the early hours, with a final push to the summit at sunrise, and then a descent to Mweka Camp. The trek concludes on day seven with a descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where climbers receive their summit certificates. This route offers stunning landscapes, diverse environments, and a higher success rate due to the extended acclimatization period.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,100 m (6,900 ft) to 2,750 m (9,000 ft)
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Overview: After arriving at Lemosho Gate and completing the necessary park formalities, you’ll embark on your trek through the lush rainforest. The trail is relatively gentle, allowing your body to start acclimating to the higher altitude. You’ll experience a vibrant ecosystem with dense vegetation and diverse wildlife. Mti Mkubwa Camp, named after the giant trees in the area, offers a serene start to your journey.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,750 m (9,000 ft) to 3,610 m (11,847 ft)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Overview: Today’s hike transitions from the rainforest to the moorland zone. The trail gradually ascends, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and revealing more of Kilimanjaro’s majestic peaks. As you approach Shira 1 Camp, you’ll begin to notice the changing vegetation, with fewer trees and more shrubs and grasses.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,610 m (11,847 ft) to 3,850 m (12,630 ft)
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Overview: The trek across the Shira Plateau is relatively short but offers fantastic views of the plateau and the looming peaks of Kilimanjaro. This day is crucial for acclimatization, allowing you to adjust to the higher altitude while exploring the Shira Plateau’s unique landscape. Shira 2 Camp provides a stunning backdrop for your camp with clear views of the mountain.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,850 m (12,630 ft) to 4,630 m (15,190 ft) to 3,900 m (12,800 ft)
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Overview: This day includes a climb to Lava Tower, a significant rock formation that aids in acclimatization by increasing your altitude gain before descending to Barranco Camp. The trek up to Lava Tower exposes you to the harsh, semi-desert environment, while the descent to Barranco Camp offers a chance to rest and prepare for the challenges ahead. The “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to the higher altitude.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,900 m (12,800 ft) to 4,035 m (13,250 ft)
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Overview: The day starts with a climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep and rugged ascent that provides spectacular views of the valley below. After conquering the wall, the trail continues with a series of ups and downs, eventually leading to Karanga Camp. This shorter day allows you to adjust to the altitude and conserve energy for the summit push.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035 m (13,250 ft) to 4,640 m (15,220 ft)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Overview: Today’s trek is shorter but steeper, taking you to Barafu Camp, the final base before your summit attempt. The camp is located on a rocky ridge, and while it offers fantastic views, the environment is stark and desolate. This is the time to rest and prepare mentally and physically for the long and challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640 m (15,220 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) to 3,068 m (10,065 ft)
Distance: 13 km (8 miles)
Hiking Time: 11-14 hours (7-8 hours to the summit, 6-7 hours to Mweka Camp)
Habitat: Arctic to rainforest
Overview: The summit day begins early, with a pre-dawn ascent through the Arctic zone to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. This is the highest and most challenging part of the trek, involving cold temperatures and thin air. After reaching the summit, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp, passing through Barafu Camp. The descent is long but rewarding, with a return to the lush rainforest.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,068 m (10,065 ft) to 1,640 m (5,380 ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Overview: The final descent takes you through the beautiful rainforest back to Mweka Gate. This is where you will complete your trek, sign out, and receive your summit certificates. The lush vegetation and vibrant environment provide a fitting end to your Kilimanjaro adventure.
