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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Trek the scenic Lemosho Route to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on an 8-day climb designed for better acclimatisation. This longer route offers panoramic vistas from different sides of the mountain as you pass through montane forest, moorland, alpine desert, and the ice-capped summit zone. The journey culminates at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. Experience the incomparable natural beauty of Kilimanjaro on this rewarding trek.
At Stella Point, stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
After breakfast and a briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate, about a 3-hour journey.
From here, continue along a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle to Lemosho Glades.
Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
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
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
A variety of hikes are available on the plateau, making this an excellent acclimatisation day.
Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
From the Shira Plateau, continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo.
As the trek continues, the direction changes to the southeast toward Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth".
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 around the same elevation as where they began, this day is very important for acclimatisation 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
After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley.
Arrive at the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, continue up to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit on the way, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
Arrive 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
Very early in the morning (midnight - 02:00 am), continue 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 the most magnificent sunrise. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way during the 1-hour ascent to the summit.
Arrive at Uhuru Peak, 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. It is advisable to get gaiters and trekking poles to help 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
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.
Meet the vehicle at Mweka Village and transfer back to the hotel in Moshi, about 30 minutes away. Don't forget to tip guides and porters.
End of services.
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 moorlands, Stella Point sunrise, Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
2 nights' accommodation
All nights' accommodation in tents
Professional, experienced, English-speaking Kilimanjaro mountain guides
All park fees and rescue fees
All meals while on the mountain
Arrival and departure transfers
Guides, porters, cook salaries, and park fees
Mess tents with table and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Sleeping mattress
Tanzania visa: $50 per person on arrival
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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