8-Day Lemosho Route Climb to Mount Kilimanjaro

We'll depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate (which takes about 4 hours) where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we will begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.
Elevation: 7,742ft to 9,498ft
Distance: 6km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• In or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

We will continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest 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'll reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we will catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Elevation: 9,498ft to 11,500ft
Distance: 8km/ 5miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• In or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

We will explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we will divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site at the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Elevation: 11,500ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 11km/ 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• In or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

We will begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower—a 300ft tall volcanic rock formation. We'll descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000ft. Although you'll begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• In or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included

We'll begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we will climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we'll cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,044ft to 13,106ft
Distance: 5km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• In or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

We will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We will continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you'll have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we will make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Elevation: 13,106ft to 15,331ft
Distance: 4km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hour
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• In or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we'll begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We will ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we will arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we will now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we'll enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation: 19,341ft to 10,065ft.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• In or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

On our last day, we will continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we will continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Elevation: 10,065ft to 5,380ft
Distance: 10km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included