8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft Altitude gained: 396m Departing from Moshi a 3 hours drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft Altitude gained: 719m After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.

Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft Altitude gained: 391m 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.

Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft Altitude gained: 91m Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft Altitude gained: 48m After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft Altitude gained: 628m We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Elevation: 4662m to 5895m Altitude Gained: 1233m Descent to: 3106m Altitude Lost: 2789m Summit day begins between midnight and 2 a.m.—the most mentally and physically demanding part of the climb. Ascend between Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers in switchbacks toward Stella Point. Here, witness a breathtaking sunrise before continuing for another hour to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa! Celebrate your achievement at the summit before descending steeply to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and rest. Use gaiters and trekking poles for loose gravel and ash. Enjoy a final evening on the mountain after a long but unforgettable day.

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft Altitude lost: 1473m After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).