Lemosho Route Itinerary

Arrive in Africa

Arrive in Moshi Tanzania through Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), we will pick you up at the arrivals and then drive to your hotel in Moshi town for accommodation. At arrivals, we will carry your name on well-printed paper so that you can easily recognize us. It is one hour drive from the airport to your hotel. At the hotel is where the pre-climbing briefing will take place as well as gear check.

Lemosho gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After having your breakfast at the hotel, we will come with a special car to pick you at 10;00 am then we will drive to Lemosho gate which will take us about not less than 3 hours, where we will pay for your climb, you will also have to complete entry formalities as well as have your packed lunch here ( included ) then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.

• Elevation - 2,360 metres to 2,820 metres

• Distance - 6 Km

• Hiking time 3 - 4 hours 

• Habitat - Rainforest 
   

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

We 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 reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. 

• Elevation - 9,498 feet to 11,500 feet 

• Distance - 8 Km / 5 miles 

• Hiking time - 5-6 hours

• Habitat - Heath 

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formation on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp. 

• Elevation - 11,800 feet to 12,500 feet

• Distance - 6 Km / 4 miles

• Hiking time - 2 hours

• Habitat - Heath 

 Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower;  Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southern towards the lava tower - a 300 feet tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio forest to an altitude of 13,000 feet. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization. 

• Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower 

  • Elevation - 12,500 feet to 15,190 feet

  • Distance - 7 Km / 4 miles

  • Hiking time - 4-5 hours

  • Habitat - Alpine Desert 

• Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

  • Elevation - 15,190 feet to 13,044 feet

  • Distance - 3 Km / 2 miles 

  • Hiking time - 2-3 hours

  • Habitat - Alpine Desert 
     

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We begin our day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco wall. Then we climb non-technical but steep, nearly 900 feet cliff. From the top of the Barranco wall we 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 shorter day meant for acclimatization. 

• Elevation - 13,044 feet to 13,106 feet

• Distance - 5 Km / 3 miles

• Hiking time - 4-5 hours

• Habitat - Alpine Desert 
   

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we 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 - 13,106 feet to 15,331 feet

• Distance - 4 Km / 2 miles

• Hiking time - 4-5 hours

• Habitat - Alpine Desert 

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak; Uhuru peak to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy 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 way on 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.

• Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

  • Elevation - 15,331 feet to 19,341 feet

  • Distance - 5 Km / 3 miles 

  • Hiking time - 7-8 hours

  • Habitat - Arctic​

• Uhuru peak to Mweka Camp

  • Elevation 19,341 feet to 10,065 feet

  • Distance - 12 Km / 7 miles

  • Hiking time 4-6 hours

  • Habitat - Rain forest

Mweka Camp to Moshi.

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). A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to  Moshi.