Mt. Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route

Itinerary

• Day 1 Lemosho Glades

  Starting from your lodge, we drive to the Londorosi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, a few hours from Arusha. The hike begins at the Lemosho trailhead. In rainy or muddy conditions, vehicles may not reach the true trailhead, necessitating extra hiking. After a picnic lunch, a 3-4 hour trek through a forest rich with exotic moss, flowers, and bird calls leads to Forest Camp, where you might spot Black and White Colobus monkeys and signs of elephants.

  • Diverse flora of the montane forest, the excitement of beginning the climb, and setting up camp in the serene wilderness.
• Day 2 Shira Plateau (9,350’ to 12,500’)

  Leaving the Montane Forest, we enter the Hagenia zone, offering our first views of Kibo Peak. This day involves several ridge climbs, reaching an altitude of 11,500 feet before descending to Shira 1 Camp. This 6-9 hour hike aids in acclimatization.
  
  

  • Transition from forest to moorland, panoramic views of Kibo peak, and the unique flora of the Shira Plateau.
• Day 3 Moir Camp

  We traverse the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau and start climbing the western slope of the Kibo Massif. After a picnic lunch at Scott Fisher Memorial Camp, we continue to Moir Camp, situated in the upper heath zone.

  • Depending on weather conditions, acclimatization hikes are available in the afternoon. The day's trek takes 5-6 hours.
• Day 4Karanga Camp

  We ascend the Great Barranco Wall, enjoying views of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields, followed by a series of ascents and descents through small valleys to reach Karanga Camp. This hike lasts 3-5 hours.

• Day 5 Barranco Camp (12,500’ to 13,044’)

  Transitioning from the heath zone to the alpine zone, we hike for 4-6 hours, passing Lava Camp at about 14,300 feet before descending into the scenic Barranco Valley to camp.

  • Acclimatization hike to Lava Tower, diverse climate zones, and the scenic Barranco Valley.
• Day 6 Barafu Camp (13,106’ to 15,331)

  A 3-5 hour hike with some ups and downs across small valleys leads us to Barafu Camp. After settling in, we receive a demonstration on the use of safety equipment like the Gamow bag and oxygen. Following an early supper, we rest before the summit ascent, which begins around 11:00 PM or midnight.
  

• Day 7 Summit and Mweka Camp (19,341’)

  Summit day starts with a midnight ascent to the summit, aiming to reach Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet) at sunrise. Using headlamps, the climb to Stella Point takes 6-7 hours, followed by another 1-2 hours to the summit.

  • After celebrating and taking photos, we descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and then continue to Mweka Camp. The day involves 12-17 hours of hiking.
• Day 8 Mweka Park Gate to Arusha (10,500’ to 5,000’)

  The final descent to the trailhead takes 3-5 hours. After lunch and farewells to the mountain crew, we leave Mount Kilimanjaro and head back to town, arriving at your lodge between 3-5 PM.