9-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Lemosho Route with Crater Camp

Elevation (ft): 7,800 ft to 9,500 ft.

Distance: 6 km.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Rain Forest.

Full board at Forest Camp, known as Big Tree Camp.

After completing the necessary registration formalities at Londorossi National Park Gate, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho roadhead. We often have lunch in the glades before starting the walk. It is an easy day of hiking up a small path through beautiful, lush forest. This area has a variety of game, including buffalo. We camp at Lemosho Forest Camp, known as Big Tree Camp.

Elevation (ft): 9,500 ft to 11,500 ft.

Distance: 8 km.

Hiking time: 5-6 hours.

Habitat: Moorland.

Full board at Shira One Camp.

We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if the afternoon mists roll in. We camp in the center of the plateau at Shira One Camp (11,500 ft).

Elevation (ft): 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft.

Distance: 14 km.

Hiking time: 5-7 hours.

Habitat: Moorland.

Full board at Shira 2 Camp.

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glaciered peak, across the plateau, leading to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream. You may then stay at Shira 2 Camp or continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of the Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on the Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity.

Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. You might have the option of spending the night at Shira 2 Camp or Moir Hut. Although there is a relatively long hike and significant altitude gain, you arrive at Shira 2 Camp in time for lunch. It is a good day for acclimatization, with the option of an afternoon walk with your guides.

Elevation (ft): 13,800 ft to 13,000 ft.

Distance: 7 km.

Hiking time: 4-6 hours.

Habitat: Semi Desert.

Full board at Shira 2 or Moir Hut Camp.

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views takes us away from the moorland plateau and onto lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near Lava Tower (14,900 ft), we descend to the bottom of the Barranco Valley to camp at Barranco Camp (12,790 ft), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below.

Elevation (ft): 13,000 ft to 13,100 ft.

Distance: 5 km.

Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Full board at Karanga Camp.

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Ice Fields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to Karanga Camp (13,100 ft), the last water point on the way to the summit.

Elevation (ft): 13,100 ft to 15,300 ft.

Distance: 4 km.

Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Full board at Barafu Hut Camp.

We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views, gaining altitude steadily to reach Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch. There is a short acclimatization walk to the plateau at the bottom of the southeast valley. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the early morning final ascent.

Barafu Camp to Crater Camp.

Elevation (ft): 15,300 ft to 19,345 ft.

Distance: 6 km ascent / 12 km descent.

Hiking time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent.

Habitat: Arctic.

Full board at Mweka Hut Camp.

Unlike other routes with a nighttime ascent, this hike selection affords you a daytime ascent to Kibo Crater. The going is slow, but with constant encouragement from your climb team, the rim of Kibo is reached before descending a little way into the caldera to Crater Camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing, and short walks can be taken with one of your guides.

After a night in the crater, you now have the shortest final summit bid of any route. With such a short distance to the summit from the crater - around 1 hour - timing your arrival with the sunrise is much easier and quite spectacular. The summit of Kilimanjaro is the top of the highest freestanding mountain in the world. After your summit bid, you descend for a final night on the mountain at Mweka Camp, passing back through the heath zone. Endemic proteas, pollinated by Malachite Sunbirds, are plentiful.

Overnight at Mweka Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Elevation (ft): 10,000 ft to 5,400 ft.

Distance: 10 km.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Rain Forest.

Half board.

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.

APPLE SAFARIS vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.