Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

   Our driver will pick you up at the airport and proceed to the hotel. Briefing for your trek will take place shortly after you arrive, and your guides will provide comprehensive information that will assist you in reaching the summit. Your trekking gear will be checked before you leave to ensure you have all the gear for your perfect climb. The rest of the day is spent getting ready for your life-changing adventure.

2. Day 2: Starting Point (2,300m) to Mti Mkubwa (2,750m)

   After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate for three hours. After registration, you will still climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp, where you will be spending the night.

   Trekking Time: 3 hours | Distance: 7 km | Altitude Gain: 450m

3. Day 3: Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)

   Today, you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Our destination for today is the Shira 1 Camp, where views of Kibo Peak are often floating on the clouds. We will stop for lunch and head to Shira Two Camp. On the way, we will view the Northern Ice fields from the mountain's western side with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatisation, and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon, you will take an acclimatisation walk, then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.

   Trekking Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 10 km | Altitude Gain: 800m

4. Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)

   The moorland landscape remains with its dusty, rocky ground and low grasses and shrubs. The bright everlastings erupt from the ground, and the concentric rings of leaves on the celestial lobelias are astonishing. The scenic views of the towering mountain are best observed from this area, and the path is generally flat. A steaming hot lunch will be served at Shira Camp, and after the short excursions for acclimatisation are complete, you will rest for the remainder of the day. In the evening, the stars twinkle from the infinite arch of darkness.

   Trekking Time: 3-4 hours | Distance: 8km | Altitude Gain: 290m

5. Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) to Barranco camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower

   Today, the Lemosho route connects with the Machame route before approaching Lava Tower. The landscapes are magnificent, and the trail begins with a gentle incline toward the beautiful sights of Kibo Peak. The first milestone is a jagged ridge named the Shark’s Tooth (4,400m), and after crossing the mysterious shadow valleys, we will come across the protruding Lava Tower (4,600m). Thousands of years ago, enormous volcanos erupted and spat the remains of the once-molten rocks. The gradual descent to the Barranco Camp features incredible views of the bleached Western Breach and the striking Barranco or ‘Breakfast’ Wall. This day follows the mountaineering principles of walking high and sleeping low, making it an ideal acclimation day.

   Trekking Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 11km | Altitude Gain: 110m

6. Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Barafu Camp (4,700)

   The day begins with a moderate trek up the Barranco Wall. It is steep, but the climbing only requires your hands and feet for a short period (200m). Feelings of satisfaction will begin to emerge once you witness the beautiful landscape that includes the smoothed edges of Kibo Peak and a vantage point of the frosted scenery. The trail fluctuates as we cross various small streams and the Karanga River that excitedly hops over the rocks. We will stop at the Karanga Campsite for a delicious lunch (3,930m). An hour's climb up a steep granite lava ridge will lead us to the Barafu Camp. This signifies that you have conquered the mountain's South Circuit, and the summit's views will shift. The infertile grounds at the Barafu Campsite tend to freeze over, and the temperatures shift dramatically. A warm, hearty meal will be prepared, and we suggest that you rest early as the midnight climb to the summit (1188m) is only a few hours away.

   Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours | Distance: 9km | Altitude Gain: 750m

7. Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5895m) (Midnight start), Descent to Mweka Camp (3100m)

   You will be awoken at 11:00 pm to ensure you have a light snack and a hot beverage before you embark on your 5km trek to the summit. Sixteen hours are needed to complete the trek; this is the most taxing day on the 9-day Lemosho Route. The temperatures will dip to lows of up to -10°C. The trail along the stunning valley on the edge of scree fields will gradually increase. Stella’s Point (5,672m) is the first milestone, and you will pass the glowing Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Illuminating rays of orange, red and purple burst from the sky as you reach the southern rim of Kibo (marks an hour until the summit). Upon reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), you will attain an intangible reward: the heaven-touching mountain apex drenched in a shroud of clouds and splotches of gleaming snow impale the lush floor. Across the horizon, you will see the glaciers protruding like a row of thorns. Swaddled around them are necklaces of powdery snow, frosty ice fields and Mawenzi Peak. We will begin descending towards the Barafu Camp, where we will have a short break before proceeding to the Mweka Camp (3,100m). The 9km trail features stunning views of the magnificent Kilimanjaro plains. A hot meal will be served at the campsite, and you can snuggle in your sleeping bag.

   Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours | Distance: 5km | Altitude Gain: 1195m

8. Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m)

   You will have breakfast before descending to the Mweka Gate (1,300m). The stroll provides you with beautiful scenery. A Gold Summit Certificate will be awarded upon reaching the gate, a token to symbolize successfully tackling the 9-day Lemosho Route. From the Mweka Village, you will be driven back to your hotel, where our guides will sing joyous Swahili songs that you have made to the top.

   Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hours | Distance: 10km | Altitude Loss: 1300m

9. Day 9: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport

   Today, our driver will pick you up from the hotel to the airport, where you will connect your flight back home. If you’ve chosen to continue on a safari, we will be happy to arrange that for you as well.