Lemosho Route

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. In the afternoon, meet your lead guide for a full briefing, equipment and health checks, and time to ask questions. Enjoy a welcome dinner before an early night ahead of the trek.

• Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort (Moshi)
• Meals: Dinner

Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, approximately 3–4 hours through villages and farmland. Complete park registration and enjoy lunch while the crew prepares the loads. Begin walking through the rainforest, looking for colobus monkeys, turacos, hornbills and giant ferns. Settle into Forest Camp for dinner in the mess tent and an early night.

• Elevation: 2,100 m → 2,650 m
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking time: 3–4 h
• Accommodation: Forest Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Leave the forest after breakfast and climb into open moorland with giant heather, lobelias and groundsels. The trail rises through rolling hills, with views back across the plains and towards Mount Meru when skies are clear. Stop for a picnic lunch before reaching Shira 1 on the wide Shira Plateau. Rest at camp, with an optional short walk before dinner and sunset views.

• Elevation: 2,650 m → 3,550 m
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking time: 5–6 h
• Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

A shorter walking day allows more time to adjust to the altitude. Cross the Shira Plateau with views towards Kibo, taking lunch along the way or at camp. At Shira 2, spend the afternoon resting and hydrating. Your guide may lead a short acclimatization walk before dinner and preparations for the next stage.

• Elevation: 3,550 m → 3,850 m
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking time: 3–4 h
• Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today follows the climb-high, sleep-low approach. Ascend through increasingly rocky terrain to Lava Tower at 4,600 m for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960 m. The valley is dotted with giant groundsels, with the Barranco Wall rising above camp. Keep your guide informed about how you feel as the route gains altitude.

• Elevation: 3,850 m → 4,600 m → 3,960 m
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking time: 6–7 h
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, tackle the Barranco Wall: a steep scramble where your guide helps you find the route and handholds. Allow approximately 1–2 hours for the wall, with wide valley views from the top. Continue across alpine terrain and several small valleys to Karanga Camp. Rest in the afternoon and discuss the coming summit stages with your guide.

• Elevation: 3,960 m → 4,050 m
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking time: 4–5 h
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Climb steadily to Barafu Camp on its rocky, exposed ridge. This shorter stage leaves time to rest before summit night. Your guide will explain clothing layers, headlamps, snacks, water and the slow pace of the ascent. Eat an early dinner, around 5 pm, and try to sleep early; preparations for the summit begin late tonight.

• Elevation: 4,050 m → 4,640 m
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking time: 4–5 h
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Wake around 11:30 pm for tea and biscuits, then set off around midnight by headlamp. Climb slowly over scree towards Stella Point at 5,756 m, then follow the crater rim towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Summit timings depend on your pace and conditions. After a short stop, descend to Barafu for rest and a light lunch, then continue to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight rest.

• Elevation: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
• Distance: 15 km
• Hiking time: 12–16 h
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, make the final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Complete the park formalities and collect your summit certificate if eligible. Your driver will transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for a shower, a proper bed and an evening celebration. Confirm the final meal arrangements in your personal proposal.

• Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,650 m
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking time: 3–4 h
• Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort (Moshi)
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch; dinner to be confirmed

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Alternatively, continue your Tanzania journey with a safari or a Zanzibar extension arranged with our team.

• Meals: Breakfast