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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Approach Mount Kilimanjaro from the west on the Lemosho Route, a difficult but rewarding trek favoured by reputable Kili outfitters for its smaller crowds, scenic variety, and high success rates. Over 8 days, hike through rainforest, moorland, semi-desert, alpine desert, and arctic terrain as you make your way to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This route offers excellent acclimatisation opportunities and magnificent views of Kilimanjaro's glacier peak along the way.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, weather permitting.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 4 hours, and complete the entry formalities.
Continue with your Kilimanjaro trekking guide to the Lemosho trailhead, which takes another hour.
On arrival at the trailhead, have lunch before commencing the trek through undisturbed forest that winds to the first campsite.
Elevation (ft): 6,825ft to 9,100ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
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 you ascend through lush rolling hills and cross several streams, reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
Elevation (ft): 9,100ft to 11,500ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glacier peak, across the plateau that leads to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
Continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatisation opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
From the Shira Plateau, continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo.
As you continue, change direction to the southeast toward the Lava Tower called the "Shark's Tooth."
Shortly after the tower, come to the second junction, which leads up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft.
Continue down to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft.
Rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight.
Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatisation.
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, leave Karanga and head to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
Continue up to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
Make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 am, continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), stop for a short rest and be 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 your 1-hour ascent to the summit.
At Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, begin your descent straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the way down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
After breakfast, continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help.
From the gate, continue for another hour to Mweka Village.
Meet the vehicle at Mweka Village for the drive back to your hotel in Moshi.
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Where this trip takes you
Shira Plateau, Lava Tower "Shark's Tooth", Stella Point, Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
Transfers from and to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Hut or camping fees
All park fees
Salaries for the Kilimanjaro crew (guide(s), porters, and cook)
English-speaking Kilimanjaro guide
Rescue fees
Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinking water)
Two nights' accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis (one night before the climb and one night after the climb)
Tent, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
Oxygen cylinder and ox-meter
All government tax (VAT)
Tips for the crew (guide(s), porters, and cook)
Personal climbing equipment, although equipment is available for rent
Lunch and dinner at the hotel
Extra personal needs (cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, etc.)
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Moshi.
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