7 Days Lemosho Route

Day 01: Londorossi gate to Mti mkubwa (big tree camp)

After breakfast, you will be picked up and transported to the town of Boma N’gombe, passing via the settlement of Sanya Juu. You will have a 15-minute pause in Boma Ng’ombe for the crew to have breakfast, and if you like, you may do some food shopping here. Then you’ll travel up the rocky road to the Londorossi gate.

The customary paperwork will be performed at the gate, and you will ultimately sign the KINAPA book before commencing your first day of the Kilimanjaro climb.

You will have your picnic lunch before beginning, then you will walk for around 3 hours to complete your day. The route takes you largely through the rainforest, with enormous tree roots and a lush environment, so be prepared for rain, chaos, and fog. Arrive at your camp in the late afternoon.

Porters are significantly speedier, so by the time you get to the camp, they will have already arrived and made all of the necessary preparations. On the mountain, we recommend being warm at all times. Stay at the camp till supper time. Overnight in Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa Camp), 2,750 m.

• Elevation: 2,100 m – 2,750 m
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 02: Big tree camp (mti mkubwa) to Shira 1 camp

We ll go through the forests and onto the big heather moorland savannah. We will rise over lovely undulating hills and cross multiple streams before reaching Shira Ridge and dropping to Shira 1 Camp. From the plateau, the view of Kibo is breathtaking.

• Elevation: 2750 m – 3510 m
• Distance: 8km
• Hiking Time: 7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Day 03: Shira camp 1 to Shira camp

Today we take an easy approach to the peak of Shira Cathedral before continuing on to Shira Camp 2. The camp is located close to a stream and provides a breathtaking view of the Western Divide and its glaciers to the east. When you arrive at the camp, the processes will be the same as the first day. Prepare for a frigid night as temperatures at this exposed camp plunge below freezing.

• Elevation: 3510 m – 3890 m
• Distance: 10km
• Hiking Time: 5 hours
• Habitat: Health

Day 04: Shira camp 2 to Barranco camp

We proceed eastward from the Shira Plateau, past that juncture, towards the summit of Kibo. Our journey now heads east, towards the Lava Tower, also known as the Shark’s Tooth. We reach the second intersection shortly after crossing the Lava Tower, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. From here, we will descend to the Barranco Hut, where we will relax, eat, and spend the night. Despite the fact that we did not alter elevation from where we began, this day is critical for acclimatisation and will assist your body in preparing for the summit.

• Elevation: 3,850 m – 3,900 m
• Distance: 7km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert

Day 05: Barranco camp to Karanga camp to Barafu camp

Our day begins with a short ascent to the crest of the Great Barranco, followed by a walk through scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley, nestled under the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. We take a little rest at Karanga and then continue on to the intersection of the Mweka Trail, which will be our route back down the mountain. It is from here that we will ascend to the Barafu Camp. We’ll spend the night here, eat, and get ready to tackle the mountain the next day. The two volcanic cones of Mawenzi and Kibo may be seen from Barafu. It would be best to not miss the vista since it is pretty breathtaking.

• Elevation: 3,900 m – 4,680 m
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 06: Barafu camp to Uhuru peak and back to Mweka camp

We start our ascent at the crack of dawn (about midnight). This section of the journey presents the most significant test of your willpower and stamina. At this altitude and time of day, the wind and cold may be rather severe. Between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, we continue our ascent to the peak, layering up against the cold and visualising the incredible feeling of achievement that awaits us at the top. For many hours, we climb throughout the night, often pausing for brief rests. The dawn above Mawenzi Peak from near Stella Point (18,900 ft) is among the most spectacular sights you’ll ever witness. Early risers on the trail can be rewarded with a sunrise atop the mountain. We’ve reached the summit of Uhuru Peak on Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak.

“Congratulations! One step at a time, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!”

We break for lunch at Barafu and then continue our trek straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite. The terrain is quite rough and may be difficult on the knees; bring walking poles. Due to its location in the higher forest, Mweka Camp often experiences mist or light rain in the late afternoon. When night falls, we have our final meal on the mountain and turn in for a restful night’s sleep.

• Elevation: 15,331 ft (4,680 m) to 19,341 ft (5,895 m) Back (3,100 m)
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic
• Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Day 07: Mweka camp to Mweka gate and Moshi

It’s time to part ways with the group after a touching farewell meal and a ceremony of thanks and team building. Since you are departing today, it is important to leave gratuities for your guides, chefs, and porters. Next, we’ll go back down to Mweka Gate to pick up your summit certificates. Gaiters and trekking poles are essential due to the slick, muddy, and steep terrain caused by the recent weather change. Once we get through the gate, we’ll travel for another hour before reaching Mweka Village. You will be met in Mweka Village by a vehicle that will take you to your Moshi, Tanzania, accommodation. Take that nice shower, eat that delicious meal, and celebrate like it’s been ages!

• Elevation: 10,065 ft (3,100 m) to 5,380 ft (1,640 m)
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest