8-Day Small-group Lemosho Kilimanjaro Summit Trekking

7,742’~2,360m ∙ 3 mi~4.8 km ∙ 3-4 hrs After a restful night at the hotel, we begin our trek from western side checking in at the Londorossi gate. The trail with gently ascend through the montane forest until you are welcomed into camp under the Climb Kili banner with tents set up and your personal belongings inside. Tonight’s camp is nestled in the Kilimanjaro rain forest at the Mti Mkubwa which in Swahili means Big Tree.

11,500’~3,505m ∙ 4.9 mi ~ 8km 5-6 hrs 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. In the afternoon we follow the Shira ridge the vast high altitude desert plateau where the first views of Mt Kilimanjaro open on the horizon and the landscape is a magnificent contrast from the departed rain forest.

13800’ ~ 4206m ∙ 8.7 mi ~ 14km∙ 5-7 hrs Today we have a full day exploration of the Shira plateau. We trek east toward Kibo's glaciated peak with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro's three volcanoes. We arrive at Moir Camp situated in a huge gorge at the end of a dormant lava flow.

13000’ ~ 3962m ∙ 4.3 mi ~ 7km∙ 4-6 hrs Today we take an acclimatization trek to the Lava Tower at 15,000’~4,500m. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier. Following our rest at the tower, we decend upon the enormous Senecio forest reaching waterfall prior to finishing at Barranco Camp. Tonight’s camp is in the shadow of the massive Barranco wall with the breeze often carrying clouds from the Barranco Valley.

13100’ ~ 3992m ∙ 2.2 mi~3.2 km ∙ 4-5 hrs Today the group conquers the great Barranco Valley and up the Barranco wall, and adventurous stretch that ushers us into the arctic zone of Kili. We continue the trek on the South Circuit path through the Karanga Valley. We camp tonight at Karanga Camp.

16,000’ ~ 4876m ∙ 2.6 mi~3.5 km ∙ 5-6 hrs Today we take a slow pace to Kosovo Camp. You will pass Barafu camp where you will have excellent views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Kosovo Camp is situated on an exposed ridge, so it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark. We continue to acclimatize, rest, relax and make necessary preparation for the summit day ahead.

19,340’~5,895m ∙ 13 mi~21 km (5 km ascent/ 12 km descent) ∙ 6-7 hrs ascent~4-6 hrs descent Tonight is the night! A midnight start to conquer the highest point in Africa. This section of the route is considered one of the steepest on the non-technical paths of Kilimanjaro. It is a 6-7 hour hike to Stella Point in order to see the sunrise. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This can be the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. From Stella Point you can see the summit; just 1 hour to Uhuru Peak and the rooftop of Africa! We then descend down to Mweka Camp for dinner and celebration.

5,400’~1645m) ∙ 6.4 mi ~10.3 km ∙ 3-4 hrs A morning walking to Mweka gate reflecting of the past weeks experience with our Climb Kili vehicle waiting to transfer you to your hotel for a very welcomed shower at the hotel.