Kilimanjaro Climb, Lemosho Route 8 Days

Elevation 2100m / 7,800ft to 2650m /9,500ft

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We will leave Moshi in the morning and pass through Sanya Juu then to Londorossi Gate. The drive takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. You begin your hike through an undisturbed forest that winds to the first campsite. Dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa.

Elevation 2650m/ 9,500ft to 3610m/11,500ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

You will 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 you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, you reach Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is breathtaking. Dinner and overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Elevation 3610m/ 11,500ft to3850m/ 13,800 ft

Distance: 14 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Moorland

You will explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glacier peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then you will proceed to Baranco Camp through Lava Tower for rest, dinner, and overnight.

Elevation 3850m/ 13,800ft to 3900m/13,000ft

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Semi-Desert

From the Shira Plateau, you continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, the direction changes to the southeast (towards the Lava Tower at 4600m) for lunch breaks and acclimatization.

After that, you will continue down to Barranco Camp at an altitude of 3900m/ 13,000ft. Here you will have a rest, enjoy a delicious dinner, and overnight.

Elevation 3900m/ 13,000ft to 3995m/13,100ft Distance: 5km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization. Dinner and Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Elevation 3995m/ 13,100ft to 4673m/15,300ft

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka trail and proceed up to Barafu camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.

Your night will be settled at Barafu camp where you will eat freshly prepared, delicious meals and prepare yourself for the summit day. The two magnificent peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

Elevation 4673m/ 15,300ft to 5895m/19,345ft (and down to3100m/ 10,000ft)

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascent / 3-4hours descent

Habitat: Arctic

You will wake up early around 23:00 for summit preparation. After tea and biscuits, you will start your way up to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, heading in a northwesterly direction and ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point (5756m/18,600 ft). Enjoy the scenery while walking around the crater rim to reach our goal, Uhuru Peak (5895m/19453ft), the roof of Africa.

After resting and taking photos with your guide at the summit, you will start descending back to Barafu camp for a short rest and lunch, before continuing to Mweka camp for dinner and overnight.

Elevation 3100M /10,000ft to 5,400ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, you will hike down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.

Shorts and T-shirts will probably be fine to wear (keep rain gear and warm clothing handy).

At the gate there will be a car waiting for you and will bring you back to your hotel in Moshi, enjoy a hot dinner and have more rest, reminding you of all the adventures and accomplishments.