7 Nights
The 8-day Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a scenic and gradual ascent, starting from the Londorossi Gate. Trekkers pass through lush rainforests, the Shira Plateau, and the Barranco Wall before reaching the summit.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft | Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete park entry formalities. After registration, you’ll drive to the Lemosho trailhead, passing through villages and farmland. The trail starts in the pristine rainforest, rich with biodiversity. As you hike, enjoy the sounds of birds, the sight of blue monkeys, and occasionally the Colobus monkeys. The trail winds gently upward, with the dense canopy providing shade. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, where you’ll settle in for your first night on the mountain amidst lush vegetation.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft | Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Heath
Leave the rainforest behind as the trail ascends into the heather and moorland zone. The landscape transforms into rolling hills covered with tall grasses and heather bushes. The air becomes crisper, and the views expand. Along the way, you’ll cross streams and climb rocky outcrops. Before reaching Shira Ridge, you’ll start to see stunning views of Kibo Peak. Once you crest the ridge, the trail gently descends into the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll enjoy a restful evening under the stars
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft | Distance: 7 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Heath
This day’s hike is relatively short and allows for further acclimatization. The route traverses the expansive Shira Plateau, offering panoramic views of Kibo, Mount Meru, and the rolling plains below. As you hike across the plateau, you may spot wildlife like elands or small antelopes. The landscape is dotted with giant lobelias and groundsel plants, unique to the area. Shira 2 Camp offers even better views of the mountain and a chance to relax in preparation for the challenging days ahead.
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft (Lava Tower), then down to 13,044 ft | Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is a critical acclimatization day as you ascend to the Lava Tower, a 300-ft volcanic rock formation that sits at 15,190 ft. The trail becomes steeper and the vegetation sparser as you enter the alpine desert zone. The ascent is challenging but offers incredible views of the mountain’s rugged landscape. After lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the surreal Senecio Forest with its strange, tree-like plants. The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude, and you’ll arrive at Barranco Camp nestled beneath the impressive Barranco Wall
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft | Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Begin your day with the thrilling climb up the Great Barranco Wall, a nearly 900-ft cliff that looks daunting but is entirely non-technical. The climb rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers. Once at the top, the trail traverses a series of ridges and valleys, offering a mix of ascents and descents. The trail ends at Karanga Camp, located on a ridge overlooking the Karanga Valley. This shorter day allows time to rest and acclimate further before the final ascent to higher altitudes.
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft | Distance: 4 km (2 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s hike is a steady climb through rocky and barren terrain. You’ll leave Karanga and join the Southern Circuit, which provides stunning views of the summit from various angles. The trail becomes more challenging as you approach Barafu Camp, situated on a rocky ridge. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili, and the camp lives up to its name with its cold and windy conditions. Upon arrival, you’ll rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit push.
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 10,065 ft | Distance: 17 km (10 miles)
Hiking Time: 10-12 hours | Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Summit day begins around midnight. You’ll ascend in darkness, following a steep trail with switchbacks. The cold is biting, but the sunrise at Stella Point (18,900 ft) makes the effort worthwhile. From Stella Point, a short but challenging trek leads to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp. The descent is long and taxing, but trekking poles help reduce strain on your knees.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft | Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
On your final day, you’ll trek through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. The trail can be slippery, especially if it’s wet, so watch your footing. At the gate, you’ll be met by a vehicle that will take you back to Moshi, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
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