7 days Climb Kilimanjaro Mountain via Lemosho Route

• Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete
entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the
trailhead). Upon arrival at the trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed
forest which winds to the first campsite.

• Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorlan
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 dropping gently down to Shira 1
camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

• Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
• Distance: 14 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered
peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks
are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one
of the highest plateaus on earth.

• Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the
peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards 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 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. 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): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
• Distance: 9km
• Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco
Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which
connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you 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 the summit day. The two peaks of
Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between
the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through, scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. 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 will be rewarded with the most
magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you
may encounter snow all they wathe your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you
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 now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut
camp site, 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 enjoy our last dinner on the mountain
and a well-earned sleep.

• Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your
summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking
poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and
warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.