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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
An improved variation of the Shira route, the Lemosho Route begins with a long drive from Moshi to Lemosho Gate and starts with a few hours of walking at a lower altitude, giving a high chance of acclimatization. Approaching Kilimanjaro from the west, the route crosses the Shira Plateau with amazing panoramic vistas, then traverses beneath Kilimanjaro's southern ice field before summiting from the southeast via Barafu Camp. It is considered one of the most beautiful routes on Kilimanjaro and is highly recommended for its varied beauty, amazing scenery, and high success rate.
You should reach the crater rim at Stella Point (5,739 m) as the first rays of the sun hit, with spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surrounding you and breathtaking views of the jagged Mawenzi Peak and beyond.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
You will be picked up from your hotel at around 08:00 am and transferred to the Lemosho Route at Londorosi Gate, located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process, you will begin your climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree Camp, where you will spend the night.
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Habitat: Rain Forest
Today you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Your destination for the day is Shira 1 Camp, from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. After stopping for lunch, you will continue on to Shira 2 Camp.
Along the way, you will have the chance to view the Northern Ice Fields from the western side of the mountain, along with some unusual views of Kibo. The steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization, and you will enjoy great panoramic views. In the afternoon, you will take an acclimatization walk before heading back to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Distance: 12 km/8 miles
Hiking Time: 10-12 hours
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 12,631 ft
Vegetation: Heath
Your trek starts with an ascent offering far-reaching panoramic views as you walk into the climatic zone of the upland desert and onto the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of Lava Tower (4,640 m), the high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch.
In the afternoon, you will make a steep descent to your camp for the night, located at the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3,960 m). The camp is sheltered by towering cliffs and offers extensive views of the plains below.
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Vegetation: Alpine Desert
Your day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. You then climb steeply up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rock that is not technical, but it is long and tiring.
Passing beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, you will head towards the Karanga Valley. From here, there is a steep climb up from the valley to your overnight stop at Karanga Camp, set at 3,963 m. For those feeling strong, there will be a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4,200 m before descending back to camp for the night.
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Vegetation: Alpine Desert
After a good night's rest and breakfast, you will set off on your walk to Barafu Camp at 4,640 m. The climb takes you across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around you at all. It is a tough, steep walk made more difficult by the altitude.
On arriving at camp, you will eat and spend the afternoon resting as you prepare for the long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. You will have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep, as you will be getting up between 11:00 pm and 12:00 am to start the climb to the summit.
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Vegetation: Alpine Desert
You will start at around midnight and walk steeply upwards toward the summit glaciers. The climb over scree takes 4 to 5 hours, but you gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should reach the crater rim at Stella Point (5,739 m) as the first rays of the sun hit, with spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surrounding you and breathtaking views of the jagged Mawenzi Peak and beyond.
Another hour of walking takes you to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). You then begin your descent by returning to Stella Point and continuing down the scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down for a long, well-earned rest.
Distance: 5 km/3 miles and 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours and 2-4 hours
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft and 12,434 ft
Vegetation: Arctic to Heath
A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you complete park formalities and receive certificates that you can hang up with pride. You are then met by your vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a welcome shower and celebrate with cold drinks. Overnight at your arranged hotel.
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Elevation: 12,434 ft to 5,380 ft
Vegetation: Rain Forest
The route
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