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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Ascend Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, an unspoiled, remote, little-used, and beautiful approach across the Shira Plateau. This scenic 8-day trek passes through forest, moorland, alpine desert, and the ice-capped summit zone before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. On the first day, groups may be accompanied by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephant, and other wildlife. Experience the incomparable natural beauty of Kilimanjaro on a route designed for strong acclimatization and a rewarding summit attempt.
Ascend Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, an unspoiled, remote, little-used, and beautiful approach across the Shira Plateau.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: L, D
Budget Lodging: Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone.
After crossing several streams, continue over the Shira Ridge, then descend gently to Shira 1 Camp, located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: B, L, D
Budget Lodging: Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, enjoy a gentle hike across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp, set on moorland meadows by a stream.
A variety of hikes are available on the plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: B, L, D
Budget Lodging: Shira 2 Camp
From the Shira Plateau, continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo.
Along the way, the route turns southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth" (elevation 4650m/15,250ft).
Shortly after the tower, reach the second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier.
Continue down to Barranco Camp.
Although climbers end the day at nearly the same elevation as where they began, this day is very important for acclimatization and helps the body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: B, L, D
Budget Lodging: Barranco Camp
After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: B, L, D
Budget Lodging: Karanga Valley Camp
Continue up to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
At Barafu, set camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: B, L, D
Budget Lodging: Barafu Camp
Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 am, trek toward 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, stop for a short rest and be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, snow may be encountered all the way during the 1-hour ascent to the summit.
Once at Uhuru Peak, rejoice in reaching the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, begin the descent by continuing straight down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles will help climbers navigate the loose gravel on the way down.
Arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy your last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: B, L, D
Budget Lodging: Mweka Camp
After breakfast, continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates.
At lower elevations, it can get wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be enough to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village.
A vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Village to drive trekkers back to their hotel in Moshi, about 30 minutes away.
Do not forget to tip guides and porters.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking
Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: B
Where this trip takes you
Lemosho Glades, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
2 nights' accommodation at Keys Hotel or Parkview Inn in Moshi
Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
Professional, experienced, English-speaking Kilimanjaro mountain guides
All park fees
Rescue fees
All meals while on the mountain
Arrival and departure transfers
Guides', porters', and cook salaries and park fees
Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Crisis management and safety procedures
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Sleeping mattress
Tanzania visa: $50 per person on arrival (United States citizens must pay $100)
Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Optional tours (short safari after your climb, etc.)
Tips and any items of a personal nature
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Moshi.
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