8 Day Private Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where we will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site. Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

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.

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 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on 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. Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

Moir Hut to Lava Tower Elevation: 4,206m/13,800ft to 4,630 m/15,190ft Distance: 7km/4miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation: 4,630 m/15,190ft to 3,976m/13,044ft Distance: 3km/2miles Hiking Time: 2-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb a steep cliff nearly 274m/900ft. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization. Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp Elevation: 3,976m/13,044ft to 3,995m/13,106ft Distance: 5km/3miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Zone: Alpine Desert

We leave Karanga and reach the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, we have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp Elevation: 3,995m/13,106ft to 4,673m/15,331ft Distance: 4km/2 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Zone: Alpine Desert

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 4,673m/15,331ft to 5,895m/19,341ft Distance: 5 km/3miles Hiking Time: 7-9 hours Zone: Arctic From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, 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. Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Elevation: 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,068m/10,065ft Distance: 12km/7miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Zone: Rainforest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting for us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Elevation: 3,068m/10,065ft to 1,640m/5,380ft Distance: 10km/6 miles Hiking Time: 3-5 hours Zone: Rainforest