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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Trek the scenic Lemosho Route, widely considered one of the best trails to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 8-day climb passes through forest, moorland, alpine desert, and dramatic volcanic landscapes, while allowing ample time for altitude acclimatisation. Regarded as one of the mountain's most scenic routes, it offers panoramic vistas from different sides of Kilimanjaro and culminates with a sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
This 8-day climb passes through forest, moorland, alpine desert, and dramatic volcanic landscapes, while allowing ample time for altitude acclimatisation.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer by 4WD with your guide to Londorossi Gate for registration procedures at the national park.
Arrive at the starting point and begin the trek.
Hike through the rainforest, crossing Lemosho Glades and looking out for Colobus monkeys.
Have lunch along the way.
Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp for dinner and your overnight stay.
18 km, 4-5 hours; Montane Forest
After breakfast, commence hiking upwards.
Walk through the moorland to enjoy different views of flora and fauna, as well as varied geographical features.
Stop for lunch halfway through the trek.
After lunch, continue hiking to Shira 1 Camp. The camp is situated on the plateau, offering a nice view of the mountain and Shira Cathedral.
Arrive at Shira Camp for rest, acclimatisation, dinner, and your overnight stay.
5 hours; Moorland
After breakfast, start trekking and pass through Shira Cathedral.
Proceed to Shira 2 Camp for a hot lunch.
After lunch, rest and later take a short walk to acclimatise.
Dinner and overnight stay at Shira 2 Camp.
6 km; 2 hours; Alpine Desert
After breakfast, hike east up a steepening path above the highest vegetation.
After several hours, walk through a rocky landscape to reach the prominent landmark called Lava Tower at 15,190 ft/4600m. This chunky remnant of Kilimanjaro's earlier volcanic activity is several hundred feet high, and the trail passes right below it. For extra credit, the sure-footed can scramble to the top of the tower.
After a lunch stop near Lava Tower, descend for 2 hours below the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall to Barranco Camp at 12,960 ft/3950m.
There are numerous photo opportunities on this hike, especially if the walls are festooned with ice.
Barranco Camp lies in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Walls, allowing climbers to enjoy a memorable sunset.
Upon arrival, be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness and take the necessary precautions.
Dinner and overnight stay at Barranco Camp.
7 hours; Semi-Desert
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast and begin climbing beside the Barranco Wall. (45 minutes to 1-hour climb)
From there, hike up and down to Karanga Camp. (2 hours)
Upon arrival at the camp, enjoy a hot lunch, rest, and acclimatise for the duration specified by the guide.
Dinner and overnight stay at Karanga Camp.
7 kilometres
After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp.
On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo's glaciers, Mawenzi Peak, as well as the junction that connects to the descent route, the Mweka Route.
Although the trail to Barafu passes through an alpine desert with little vegetation, the camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Upon arrival, it is advisable to sleep soon after dinner so you can wake before midnight to hike towards the summit.
Carry all warm gear for the hike to Uhuru Peak.
6 kilometres
At midnight, wake up around 11:30 pm-12:00 am and have a light breakfast before climbing towards the summit.
Trek for 5 hours to reach Stella Point at 14000 ft/5730m, which is at the rim of the crater.
Continue trekking from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro. (One-hour hike along the rim of the crater)
Reach the summit at sunrise, around 6:00 am to 7:00 am, and have enough time to enjoy the moment and take pictures.
Later, start descending towards Barafu Camp for a packed lunch.
Continue descending further to Mweka Camp for dinner and your overnight stay.
18 kilometres
In the morning, start descending towards Mweka Gate, crossing the rainforest once again.
Be careful while hiking down, as the trail can get slippery.
Arrive at the gate to collect certificates.
Transfer to the hotel in Moshi, where climbers can relax or spend some time with the guide and crew.
End of tour.
10 kilometres
Where this trip takes you
Lemosho Glades, Shira Cathedral, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
Oxygen cylinder
Medically qualified, English-speaking Kilimanjaro guides
Twice-daily medical health check-ups, with monitoring by pulse oximeter and stethoscope
2 nights at a hotel in Moshi (before and after the climb)
Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check
Pick-up and drop-off at the airport
Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, and rescue fees
3-4 porters per climber, including porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear
4-season mountain tents, double occupancy
Mess tent, tables, chairs, 2.5-inch-thick sleeping pad, and trekking poles
All meals while on the climb, plus evening tea with popcorn or peanuts
As much treated water as you can drink while climbing
Hot water for washing up daily
Tips for your guides, porters, and cook
Personal expenses
Costs of additional services:
Single supplement for a single tent per trip: $40
Small private party supplement for private climbs of one or two people, per trip: $150
Extra porter for excess gear, per day: $15
Extra hotel night, check-in at 11 am and check-out at 10 am, per room: $55 for a double room with bed and breakfast
Private toilet for private climbs, per trip: $150
The recommended tip is $20 for the head guide per day, $15 for each assistant guide per day, $15 for the cook per day, and $10 per porter per day. This can be split between each client on the climb.
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Moshi.
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