Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route(6 Days)

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 3 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then, we drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we eat hot lunch and then commence through the undisturbed forest, which winds to the first campsite.

We 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 we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before gently dropping down to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. From here, it is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak, across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp, located in moorland meadows by a stream.

• Elevation (ft): 9,500 ft to 12,500 ft
• Distance: 18 km
• Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

From the Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we proceed, our direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 ft. We then continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000 ft. Here, we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

• Elevation (ft): 12,500 ft to 13,000 ft
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. We then leave Karanga and reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you will have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here, we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

•  Elevation (ft): 13,000 ft to 15,000 ft
• Distance: 9 km
• Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

You will wake up around 11:00pm, have some tea and snacks and dress up warm for the summit. You will start your summit around 12:00am starting with steep rocks for about two to three hours, and then you will start crossing the zigzag area and keep moving to the crater rim and finally Stella point. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we will now make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

• Elevation (ft): 15,300 ft to 19,345 ft (and down to 10,000 ft)
• Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. Here we’ll have hot lunch at Mweka village. From the Mweka gate our vehicle will be ready to drive you back your hotel in Moshi for hot shower and beer. The descent distance will be 10km spending 2 hours and you will cross the rain forest.

• Elevation (ft): 10,000 ft to 5,400 ft
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

End of your 6 Days Lemosho Expedition

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.