8 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure via Lemosho Route

We depart from Moshi and drive for approximately 4 hours to reach Londorossi Gate, where we complete the necessary entry formalities. From there, we continue for about an hour to the Lemosho trailhead. Once we arrive at the trailhead, we enjoy lunch before embarking on our hike through the untouched rainforest. The trail winds through this lush habitat, taking us to our first campsite.

Destination: Londorossi Gate To Lemosho Gate To Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp

Accommodation: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Leaving the forest behind, we enter a savannah characterized by tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks covered in lichen. As we ascend the rolling hills and cross streams, we eventually reach the Shira Ridge. The view of Kibo, the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, from across the plateau is truly breathtaking. We then descend gently to Shira I camp where we spend the night.

Destination: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp

Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Today, we spend the entire day exploring the Shira plateau. We start on a leisurely walk towards the glaciered peak of Kibo, enjoying the vastness of the plateau. We pass through Shira II camp, located in moorland meadows beside a serene stream. Our journey continues to Moir Hut, which is situated at the base of Lent Hills. This is a great opportunity for acclimatization, and we can choose from various walks on the Lent Hills. Shira Plateau ranks among the highest plateaus on Earth.

Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp

Accommodation: Shira 2 Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

We start the day by ascending from the Shira Plateau, heading east along a ridge. We pass the junction that leads to the peak of Kibo and continue in a southeast direction, making our way to the Lava Tower, also known as the "Shark's Tooth." After the tower, we reach a second junction that takes us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 feet. Descending from there, we arrive at Barranco camp, situated at 13,000 feet. This day is crucial for acclimatization, despite ending at a similar elevation to the start.

Destination: Shira 2 Camp To Lava Tower To Barranco Camp

Accommodation: Barranco Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

After breakfast, we tackle a steep ridge, including the Barranco Wall, before descending into the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a shorter day dedicated to acclimatization, allowing our bodies to adjust to the altitude.

Destination: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Accommodation: Karanga Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

We leave Karanga after breakfast and join the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. Our path leads us up to Barafu camp, where we complete the South Circuit. This section provides diverse perspectives of the summit from different angles. At Barafu Camp, we set up camp, enjoy dinner, and prepare ourselves for the upcoming summit day. Mawenzi and Kibo, the two peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, are visible from this location.

Destination: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Accommodation: Barafu Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp In the early hours of the morning, around midnight to 2 am, we commence our ascent towards the summit. We head northwest, passing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Ascending through scree, we aim for Stella Point on the crater rim. This stretch is mentally and physically demanding. At Stella Point (18,600 feet), we take a short rest and witness a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting. From Stella Point, it takes about an hour to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. While faster hikers may witness the sunrise from the summit, everyone enjoys the incredible achievement. We then descend to the Mweka campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for the loose gravel during the descent. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest where mist or rain is common. In the evening, we savor our last dinner on the mountain before a well-deserved sleep.

Destination: Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp

Accommodation: Mweka Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

After breakfast, we begin our descent towards Mweka Park Gate to receive our summit certificates. The lower elevations may be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles come in handy. You can dress comfortably in shorts and t-shirts, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing readily available. From the gate, we continue for another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle awaits to transport us back to our hotel in Moshi.