8 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour via the Lemosho Route

Day 1: Arusha/Moshi to Londorossi Gate

After breakfast, a briefing at your hotel, meet your main guide and be driven to the gate of Londorossi Park (2.5 hours). Following park rules and regulations, the launch trail takes us in our 4x4 vehicle into the forest towards Lemosho Glades (11 km, 45 minutes) and we trek through the forest trails to Mti Mkubwa Camp, then we have dinner and spend the night in Camp Mti Mkubwa.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1 (7km, 5HRS.)

The trail slowly becomes very steep and enters the bog area, then traverses the Shira Ridge and descends gently to Shira Camp One, situated by a creek on the Shira Plateau. Early morning after breakfast we continue as the path gradually becomes steeper and enters the vast moorland area. Several creeks are crossed, then it reaches the Shira ridge and gently descends to the Shira 1 campsite, which is located near the creeks on the Shira Plateau. Dinner and overnight at Shira One Camp.

Day 3: Shira Camp I to Shira Camp II (10km, 5HRS.)

Today you have a very moderate hike across the Shira Plateau that takes you to Shira Camp Two on moorland meadows along a creek. Although there are various hikes on the Shira Plateau to make this a great acclimatization day.

Day 4: Shira Camp II to Lava Tower (10km, 4HRS.)

You will have breakfast and continue to climb east on a steep path above the vegetation towards the looming mass of Kilimanjaro. After a hike of several hours through a rocky landscape you will reach the outstanding landmark called Lava Tower. This thick remnant of Kilimanjaro's earlier volcanic activity is several hundred feet high and the trail passes right underneath. If you are sure-footed, you can climb to the top of the tower for a surcharge. After a lunch break near the lava tower, descend below the lower cliffs of Western Breach and Breach Wall to Barranco Camp for 2 hours. Photo opportunities abound on this climb, especially when the walls are adorned with ice. Barranco Camp is nestled in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Walls which should offer you an unforgettable sunset while you await dinner. Be sure to watch out for symptoms of altitude sickness on this day.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (5km, 4HRS.)

After breakfast we continue up a steep hill to the great Muro del Barranco and then climb this great obstacle that is easier than it seems. Finishing off just below Heim Glacier you can now see just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. With the Kibo Glaciers soaring overhead, descend into the lush Karanga Valley to Karanga Valley Camp. From the camp you can look east and see the craggy peaks of Mawenzi against the African sky. After a hot lunch at Camp, the afternoon is free to rest or explore. After two long days, remember that this short day is very important for your acclimatization as your ascent to the summit will start shortly.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4km, 4HRS.)

This morning you will ascend east across the ridges and valleys in between to join the Mweka route which will be your descent route. Turn left towards Kilimanjaro and hike another hour along the ridge through scattered landscapes to Barafu Hut, where you will have a hot lunch. The last watering hole on this route is Karanga Valley as there is no water at Barafu Cam. Although Barafu is the Swahili word for ice cream. The famous snows of Kilimanjaro lie high above Camp Barafu, near peak of Kilimanjaro. Your tent will be pitched on a narrow, rocky, windswept ridge, so familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid accidents. Prepare your gear and warm clothing for your summit ascent, and drink plenty of fluids. After an early dinner, head to bed for a few hours of valuable sleep.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit Day) (5km, 7HRS)

You will get up around 11:30 p.m. m., and after hot tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. 6-7 hours ascent to the northwest through dense scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the rim of the crater (Aschegrube Reusch). At Stella Point you will join the upper part of the Marangu Route. After your 3 hours descent from the summit of Uhuru Peak back to Barafu Camp, you will take a well-deserved but brief rest, gather your gear and descend a rock and boulder trail towards Moorland and finally into the forest to Mweka Camp. Mweka Camp is located in the upper part of the forest, so expect fog or rain in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared at the camp.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi/Arusha

After a well-deserved breakfast, it's a short 3-hour scenic descent to Mweka Gate. At Mweka Gate you will sign your name and add details to a register. There you will also receive your summit certificate from your guide, who will also take a photo. Climbers who reach Stella Point receive green certificates and those who reach Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. From Mweka Gate you will be transferred to Mweka Village 3 km away where you will be served a delicious hot lunch before returning to Moshi/Arusha.