LEMOSHO ROUTE

7, 8, or 9 days

The itinerary below describes the 7-night/8-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosho route. To shorten the trip to 7 days, we combine days 5 and 6, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga. A 9-day hike, which includes an overnight at Crater Camp, is available as a private climb by special request.

Driving distance from Moshi to Lemosho Gate: 55 km.
Driving Time: 1 hour

Day 1
Londorossi Gate - Mti Mkubwa Camp

Distance: 8 km. / 5 mi.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation: 2,360 m. / 7,742 ft. 2,895 m. / 9,498 ft.

Habitat: Rainforest

We pick you up at your hotel and drive to Londorosi gate, located at the western side of Kilimanjaro. After getting our permits at the Marangu Gate, we begin our trek. We climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp, where we spend the night.

Day 2
Mti Mkubwa - Shira Camp One

Distance: 5 km. / 3.1 mi.

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Elevation: 2,895 m. / 9,498 ft. to 3,505 m. / 11,500 ft.

Habitat: Heath Moorland

We trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Parts of the route are fairly steep. Our destination, the Shira One Camp, often has views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds.

Day 3
Shira Camp One - Shira Camp Two

Distance: 8 km. / 5 mi.

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Elevation: 3,505 m. / 11,500 ft. to 3,850 m. / 12,631 ft.

Habitat: Heath Moorland

Today you get the chance to view the ice fields on Kilimanjaro and some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and offer lovely, panoramic views. We reach Shira Camp 2 in the afternoon. After a brief rest, we take an acclimatization walk. Then, we head back down to camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 4
Shira Camp Two - Lava Tower - Barranco

Distance: 10 km. / 6.2 mi.

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Elevation: 3,810 m. / 12,500 ft. to 4,630 m. / 15,190 ft. to 3,975 m. / 13,044 ft.

Habitat: Heath Moorland to Alpine Desert

The trail begins with a gentle ascent through a high-altitude moorland landscape, with breathtaking views. As we transition to the alpine desert zone, we trek on lava bridges beneath the glaciers of the western breach, ascending to Lava Tower, our high point for the day. We break for lunch atop this large rock formation, which was once an active volcano, and then descend steeply to our camp at the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Most of our day is spent at higher altitudes, but we follow the mountaineering code of “walk high, sleep low” to help you acclimate to the altitude.

Day 5
Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

Distance: 4 km. / 2.5 mi.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation: 3,995 m. / 13,106 ft to 4,673 m. / 15,331 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we walk to Barafu camp, crossing slopes of scree and little vegetation. It’s a demanding, steep walk, made more difficult by the altitude. Upon arriving at camp, a hot lunch awaits, after which we use the afternoon to rest. We enjoy an early dinner and get a few hours of sleep before waking around midnight with hot tea and biscuits for our summit ascent.

Day 6
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millenium Camp

Distance: 5 km. / 3.1 mi. and 7 km. / 4.3 mi.

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours and 2-4 hours

Elevation: 4,673 m. / 15,331 ft. to 5,895 m. / 19,341 ft. and 3,790 m. / 12,434 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert to Arctic Summit to Heath Moorland

We wake you with hot tea and biscuits, and then begin the steep hike up Kibo, gaining incredible elevation over a short distance. We’ll arrive on the crater’s rim at Stella Point, as the first rays of the sun hit us. From here, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak in the distance and beyond. Next, we’ll begin our final segment, a relatively easy, hour-long ascent around the crater’s rim. The air is thin here, so we’ll take our time until we reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5.895 m.). Our stay here is brief, so you will want to quickly take many pictures into the icy cliffs of the crater walls, the surrounding glaciers, and the incredible African vistas. We’ll then retrace our steps around the crater’s rim to Stella Point, where we’ll turn south and head down for lunch at Barafu Camp. Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp. In total, we trek for 8 to 14 hours on day 6, but we help you pace yourself and stay hydrated and nourished.

Day 7
Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Millennium Camp

Distance: 5 km. / 3.1 mi. and 7 km. / 4.3 mi.

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours and 2-4 hours

Elevation: 4,673 m. / 15,331 ft. to 5,895 m. / 19,341 ft. and 3,790 m. / 12,434 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert to Arctic Summit to Heath Moorland

We wake you with hot tea and biscuits, and then begin the steep hike up Kibo, gaining incredible elevation over a short distance. We’ll arrive on the crater’s rim at Stella Point, as the first rays of the sun hit us. From here, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak in the distance and beyond. Next, we’ll begin our final segment, a relatively easy, hour-long ascent around the crater’s rim. The air is thin here, so we’ll take our time until we reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5.895 m.). Our stay here is brief, so you will want to quickly take many pictures of the icy cliffs of the crater walls, the surrounding glaciers, and the incredible African vistas. We’ll then retrace our steps around the crater’s rim to Stella Point, where we’ll turn south and head down for lunch at Barafu Camp. Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp. In total, we trek for 8 to 14 hours on day 6, but we help you pace yourself and stay hydrated and nourished.

Day 8
Millenium Camp - Mweka Gate

Distance: 12 km. / 7.5 mi.

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Elevation: 3,790 m. / 12,434 ft. to 1,640 m. / 5,380 ft.

Habitat: Rainforest

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates. Hang them up in your home with pride! We meet our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a warm shower and celebrate with cold drinks. You stay overnight at your arranged hotel.