7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek with Summit Sunrise

• Hikers depart from Arusha / Moshi for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 3 to 4 hours, where you will complete entry registration and formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead, which takes another hour. Upon arrival at the trailhead, hikers eat lunch and then commence the trek through undisturbed forest winding to the first campsite.

Rising (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Stretch: 6 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Climatic Habitat: RainForest

• Hikers continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is phenomenal, extraordinary, and amazing.

Rising (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
Stretch: 8 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Climatic Habitat: Moorland

• Hikers and the team explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glaciered summit across the plateau, leading to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then continue to Moir Camp, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. The various Lent Hills offer different walks, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.

Rising (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800ft
Stretch: 14 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Climatic Habitat: Moorland

• From the Shira Plateau, hikers and the team continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower called the "Shark's Tooth". Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to Barranco Camp at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight, although you end the day at nearly the same elevation as when you started. This day is significant for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Rising (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Stretch: 7 km
Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Climatic Habitat: Semi-desert

• After breakfast, hikers and the team leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley camping ground. Then we leave Karanga and take the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to Barafu Camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two beautiful peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi can be seen from this position.

Rising (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Stretch: 9 km
Hiking time: 8-10 hours
Climatic Habitat: Alpine desert

• From midnight to 2 am, hikers and the team continue very early in the morning to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Hikers on the Lemosho hiking route head northwesterly 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 (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, weather permitting. You may encounter snow from Stella Point on your 1-hour ascent to the summit.
• At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa; congratulations. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now descend, continuing straight down to the Mweka campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned and fulfilling sleep.

Rising (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft and down to 10,000ft
Stretch: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Climatic habitat: Arctic

• After breakfast, hikers continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help, while shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, though keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. From the gate, hikers continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet the hikers at Mweka Village to drive them back to the hotel in Arusha / Moshi.

Descend (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Stretch: 10 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Climatic Habitat: Rain Forest