8 Days Lemosho Route

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.

• Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
• Habitat: Rainforest

Main Destination: Lemosho Trail

Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa campsite

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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 ft to 11,500 ft
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
• Habitat: Heath

Main Destination: Shira Camp

Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

We explored the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail 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. The Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

• Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
• Habitat: Heath

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Moir Hut

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitudes is very beneficial for acclimatization.

• Moir Hut to Lava Tower
• Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
• Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 3 km | 2 miles
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Main Destination: Barranco

Accommodation: Barranco campsite

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included

Non-alcoholic drinks

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft 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 a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Main Destination: Karanga Valley

Accommodation: Karanga Campsite

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included

Non-alcoholic drinks

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 ft to 15,331 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Main Destination: Barafu Hut

Accommodation: Barafu Hut

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak– the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. 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 ft to 19,341 ft
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
• Habitat: Arctic

• Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Mweka Campsite

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Main Destination: Mweka Village

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi or Arusha

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks