The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is an unspoilt, remote, less-used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. Trekkers sometimes use it to ascend the Western Breach route, or follow it with the Kibo South Circuit to ascend by the easier Barafu Route. The first day of the route is rich in game animals, and armed rangers may accompany a group temporarily.
Drive to Londorossi Park Gate then on to the Lemosho Glades (2100m, 3h.). Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, (2750m, 3h.)
The trail steepens and crosses several streams in the giant heather zone. The Shira Ridge is crossed (3600m) to the Shira Plateau, camp by stream. (3500m, 5 h.).
A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira Hut camp on moorland meadows by a stream (3840m, 1h30min.). A variety of walks are available on the Plateau making this an excellent acclimatisation day.
A rocky path leads east up towards the Lava Tower. Shortly beyond this, you descend to Barranco campsite (3950m, 4-5h).
Scramble easily to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over screes and ridges to the Karanga Valley campsite (3h, 4000m.), beneath the icefalls of the Southern Glaciers.
Option: This day can be withdraw if you don't want to spend an Extra day at Shipton Camp or Met Station's Camp for better acclimatization.
The trail ascends a ridge to a campsite by the Barafu Hut, an airy location with little vegetation (3h, 4600m.),
Start just after midnight for the ascent of the screes leading to Stella Point (6h, 5725m.). From here a further 40mins. leads to Uhuru Peak. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and brunch before continuing down to camp at Mweka Hut at 3100m, (11-14h total walking time).
A 3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the Park Gate. Option: It is possible to do this route in just 7 days by skipping the acclimatization day.