8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route

We depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead, another hour. On arrival at the trailhead we eat lunch, then set off through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.

Accommodation: Forest Camp

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 2 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is remarkable.

Accommodation: Moir Hut

From the Shira Plateau we continue 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 a second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at 4,876m. We now continue down to Barranco Hut at 3,960m, where 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 acclimatisation and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the south eastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, then face a steep climb up to our night’s camp at Karanga at 3,963m. For those feeling strong, we go for a mid afternoon acclimatisation trek up to around 4,200m before descending back to camp for the night.

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

After breakfast we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to 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 summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2am, we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a north westerly 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, 5,685m, you stop for a short rest and are rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, weather permitting. From Stella Point you may encounter snow all the way on the 1 hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Kilimanjaro and on the continent of Africa. From the summit we descend straight down to Mweka Hut camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down.

Accommodation: Mweka Hut

After breakfast we continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. From the gate you continue another hour to Mweka village, where a vehicle will meet you to drive back to your hotel in Arusha for an overnight stay.

Time to say goodbye. After breakfast we will assign a driver to pick you up and drop you at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, booked by you. End of our services.