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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
This 7-day Kilimanjaro climb follows the Lemosho route, renowned for its scenic diversity and heightened summit success rates of about 90%. Covering approximately 70 kilometres, the trek allows for gradual acclimatization as you pass through lush rainforests, expansive moorlands, and the iconic Shira Plateau. Along the way, witness highlights such as the enchanting Shira Cathedral, Barranco Wall, and the glaciered slopes leading to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. The journey ends at Mweka Gate, leaving you with a strong sense of accomplishment and breathtaking views.
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.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead, which takes another hour. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we eat lunch and then commence through undisturbed forest, winding to the first campsite.
Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
We 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 amazing.
Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2. Shira 2 Camp sits on moorland meadows by a stream.
Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we 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 the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley Campsite. Then we leave Karanga and hit the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to Barafu Hut.
At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2am, we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You 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 (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. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way 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. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite and 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 sleep.
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we 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. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.
Where this trip takes you
Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
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Your 7 days finish where they began, in Mt Kilimanjaro.
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