Lemosho Route

Arrive at the airport, where you will be greeted by our agent and sent to your accommodation in Moshi. You will meet our expedition leader in the evening for a tour briefing.

Distance: 6 km, Hours: 3-4, Habitat: Rainforest, Elevation (ft): 7,800 to 9,500

The adventure begins with an hour's drive from your lodge in Moshi to Londorossi gate for registration and permit verification. Our porters will make the final preparations by checking your luggage and supplies before we begin our ascent along the forest trail to Mti Mkubwa campsite.

En route, you will enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife that you might encounter.

Distance: 16 km, Hours: 7-8, Habitat: Rainforest, Elevation (ft): 8700 to 12,600

After breakfast, we leave the rainforest glades and continue ascending along a steep, rocky ridge covered in heather, crossing a small valley before the ridge comes to an end. The route then turns west, leading into a scenic river gorge. Upon arrival at the Shira campsite, you will have time to rest, enjoy dinner, and settle in for the night.

The vegetation initially consists of lush forest, but as you climb higher, you will encounter the first of the giant groundsels. The morning ascent before your midday picnic lunch is steep, but the reward is breathtaking views of Kibo and the southern landscape, which you can savor while you eat. Thanks to the early start and relatively short distance, you can expect to reach camp by 14:00 hrs, where you will witness the striking moorland lobelias and the distinctive dark obsidian rock of the Shira Plateau for the first time. Once at camp, there will be ample time to take in the stunning natural scenery, including the remarkable ‘Shira Cathedral’ and distant views of Mount Meru, before enjoying a well-earned dinner at around 18:00 hrs.

Distance: 10 km, Hours: 6-8, Habitat: Rainforest, Elevation (ft): 12,600 to 13,000

From the Shira Plateau, we continue eastward along a ridge, passing a junction that leads toward Kibo’s peak. As we progress, our route shifts southeast toward the Lava Tower, a striking rock formation known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after passing the tower, we reach a second junction that leads up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 feet.

From here, we begin our descent to Barranco Hut, situated at 13,000 feet. Upon arrival, we rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same elevation as where you started, this stretch of the journey plays a crucial role in acclimatization, helping your body adjust to the altitude in preparation for summit day.

Distance: 5 km, Hours: 4-5 Habitat: Alpine Desert, Elevation (ft): 13,000 to 13,000

The hike involves a steep ascent, followed by a steep descent into the Barranco Valley. Along the way, you'll cross several ridges and valleys. As you proceed, our path will take you to the southeast, towards the "Shark's Tooth" Lava Tower. Shortly beyond the tower, you will come to the second junction, which will take you to the Arrow Glacier, which is located at an elevation of 16,000 feet. You will ascend Kilimanjaro's southwest flank, passing beneath the Lava Tower and the final portion of the Western Breach before arriving at Barranco Camp.

Distance: 4 km, Hours: 4-5, Habitat: Alpine Desert, Elevation (ft): 13,100 to 15,300

The trek from Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp is a short yet crucial stage of your Kilimanjaro adventure, preparing you for the final summit push. After an early breakfast, you set off on a steady ascent, covering approximately 5 km (3 miles) in 3.5 to 4 hours. As you climb higher, the landscape becomes increasingly barren and rugged, with breathtaking views of the Decken and Kersten glaciers to your left. Reaching the junction with the Mweka Trail, you complete the scenic South Circuit, offering panoramic vistas of the towering Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

Arriving at Barafu Camp (4,673 m) around midday, you are rewarded with a hot lunch and time to rest before an early dinner at 17:30. The final preparations begin for the ultimate challenge—summiting Uhuru Peak. With the icy Rebmann Glacier in sight and the anticipation building, you get to bed early, ready for the toughest and most exhilarating climb of your journey.

Distance: 5km, Hours: 7-8, Ascent. Distance: 12km, Hours: 7-8, Descent. Habitat: Arctic, Elevation (ft): 15,300 to 19,341 to 10,000

The journey from Barafu Camp to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and down to Mweka Hut is the most challenging yet rewarding day of your adventure. The ascent begins at midnight after a quick snack of tea and biscuits, as you climb through the freezing night toward Stella Point (5,756 m). The steep, scree-covered slopes push your endurance to the limit, but the breathtaking sight of the sunrise over Africa ignites your determination. From Stella Point, a final 45-minute trek leads you to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Standing at the summit, you take in the awe-inspiring views, capture unforgettable photos, and celebrate your incredible achievement.

After cherishing the moment, you begin your descent back to Barafu Camp (4,673 m) for a well-earned rest and brunch. The journey then continues downward to Mweka Hut (3,100 m), where the air becomes richer and the terrain softens, providing much-needed relief to your weary legs. Arriving by late afternoon, you enjoy a warm dinner and a well-deserved night’s sleep, reflecting on the unforgettable triumph of conquering Kilimanjaro.

Distance: 10 km, Hours: 3-4 Habitat: Rain Forest, Elevation (ft): 10,000 to 5,400

Still exhilarated by your achievement, you will have breakfast at 07:00 hrs, followed by the opportunity to show appreciation to your trekking team during the ‘Tipping Celebration’ at 08:00 hrs.

After a restful night, you will enjoy a scenic downhill walk to the finish at Mweka Gate. Be sure to take a moment to look back and soak in your final views of the majestic mountain. Although you still have 10 km (6 miles) to cover, the descent begins at a relaxed pace at 09:00 hrs, leading you down to Mweka Gate at an altitude of 1,640 meters. Upon arrival, you will be served a well-deserved hot lunch at midday and receive your hard-earned summit certificate.

Your transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can unwind and relax—or, if you still have energy left, celebrate your incredible accomplishment!

Rest day / Transfer to the airport for your next destination.

• Roundtrip from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to your accommodation in Moshi.

• Roundtrip from your accommodation in Moshi to the park gate.

• Two nights in Moshi, before and after the trek. Bed and breakfast (Double or Twin occupancy).

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek (Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free upon request)

• Water, coffee, tea.

• Camping/hut.

• Rescue, conservation, and taxes

• Nungunungu qualified guides, porters, chefs.

• Sleeping bag, tent (Double occupancy), mats, duffel bag, and pillow

• Camping chairs

• Portable private toilets

• Boiled water

• Emergency Oxygen

• Daily routines check for altitude sickness

• Oximeter