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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Embark on an exhilarating 7-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Lemosho Route, starting from Lemosho Gate and crossing diverse landscapes from lush rainforest to grassy moorland, upland desert, and volcanic ridges. This scenic route offers panoramic views, lower crowds, and strong acclimatization opportunities as you trek through Shira, Barranco, Karanga, and Barafu camps. Reach Uhuru Peak for breathtaking views of glaciers and Mawenzi Peak, then descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate to celebrate your successful climb.
You should reach the crater rim at Stella Point (5739 m) as the first rays of the sun hit.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Get picked up from your hotel at around 08:00 am and transfer to Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process, start your climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree Camp, where you will spend the night.
Distance covered: 7 km
Time to be used: 4 hours
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Big Tree Camp
Cover a lot of ground as you trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations.
Trek through Shira 1 Camp, from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds, as you head towards your destination at Shira 2.
Gain a reasonable amount of altitude as you head towards Shira 1, and note that parts of the route are fairly steep.
Proceed towards Shira 2 for the chance to view the Northern Ice Fields from the western side of the mountain, along with some unusual views of Kibo. Your steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization, and you will enjoy great panoramic views.
Distance Covered: 16.5 kms
Time to be used: 9 - 11 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shira Campsite
Start with an ascent featuring far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and onto the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach.
Reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), the high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch.
In the afternoon, make a steep descent to your camp for the night, located at the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
Start by descending into the beginning of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. Then exit steeply up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rock - not technical, but long and tiring.
Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, head towards the Karanga Valley. From here, make a steep climb up from Karanga Valley to your night's camp at Karanga Camp, set at 3963 m.
For those feeling strong, there is the option of a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200 m before descending back to camp for the night.
Distance Covered: 5.5 km
Time to be used: 5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
After a good night's rest and breakfast, set off on your walk to Barafu Camp at 4640 m. The climb takes you across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around at all. It is a tough, steep walk made more difficult by the altitude.
Arrive at camp, then eat and spend the afternoon resting as you prepare for the long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm.
Have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep, as you will be getting up between 11 pm and 12 pm to start the climb to the summit.
Distance Covered: 3 km
Time to be used: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Start off at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. Climb scree for 4 to 5 hours, gaining incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should reach the crater rim at Stella Point (5739 m) as the first rays of the sun hit. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you, and the views to jagged Mawenzi Peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour's walk takes you to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895 m).
Begin your descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long, well-earned rest.
Go for a gentle trek that takes you down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you complete park formalities and receive certificates that you can hang up with pride.
Reach your vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower, and perhaps a cold beer or two, before the big celebration.
Distance Covered: 12.5 km
Time to be used: 6.5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Where this trip takes you
Lava Tower, Stella Point sunrise, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Gate rainforest descent
The route
The fine print
Logistics
Your 7 days finish where they began, in Lemosho Rte.
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