Lemosho Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be taken to your accommodation in Arusha.  In the evening, join a pre-trek briefing led by your guide, who will review the Lemosho Route in detail, covering safety protocols, high-altitude acclimatization techniques, and essential gear.  This orientation is essential to ensure you’re well-prepared and to answer any last-minute questions.

Accommodation: Comfortable lodge in Arusha

Meals: Dinner included

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and permits.  Start the trek through a beautiful rainforest filled with lush vegetation and chances to spot Colobus monkeys and diverse bird species.  The trail is lush and green, with the rich aroma of the forest enveloping you as you make your way toward Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Elevation Gain: 450 m

Trail Conditions: Moist and shaded, typical of rainforest terrain

Highlights: Rich rainforest, chance to see Colobus monkeys and exotic flora

Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp, tents

Note: The forest is an ideal location to adapt to trekking conditions and establish a steady pace.

Leaving the dense rainforest behind, the trail rises through lush heather and moorland zones.  The change in vegetation is apparent as the trees give way to open vistas.  The trek today involves steeper sections but rewards with stunning views across the Shira Plateau.

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Elevation Gain: 850 m

Trail Conditions: Open moorland with occasional rocky paths

Highlights: First views of Kibo Peak, Shira Plateau’s unique landscape

Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp, tents

Tip: Hydrate well and avoid quick ascents to allow your body to adjust.

Today’s trek continues across the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most fascinating geological features.  The landscape is marked by its vast openness, and as you gain altitude, you’ll get closer views of the Kibo volcanic cone.  The terrain is more moderate today, making it ideal for acclimatization.

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Elevation Gain: 350 m

Trail Conditions: Flat with some rocky terrain, open landscape

Highlights: Spectacular views of Kibo and the open Shira Plateau

Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp, tents

Health Tip: Guides will monitor altitude symptoms; it’s normal to feel slight fatigue as your body adjusts.

Today, trek to Lava Tower for acclimatization at a higher elevation, then descend to Barranco Camp.  The hike takes you into Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude desert, characterized by volcanic rocks and scattered vegetation.  Reaching Lava Tower, enjoy a break before descending, as “climb high, sleep low” is crucial for acclimatization.

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Elevation Gain/Loss: +780 m (up), -680 m (down)

Trail Conditions: Rocky trails through alpine desert

Highlights: Lava Tower, acclimatization benefits, views of the Western Breach

Accommodation: Barranco Camp, tents

Altitude Advisory: Some climbers experience mild altitude symptoms at Lava Tower; guides are trained to assist if needed.

Begin the day with an exhilarating climb up Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding rock scramble.  The ascent provides breathtaking views of the valley below and the towering Kibo above.  Once over the wall, the trail undulates through scenic valleys to Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest and acclimate.

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Elevation Gain: 85 m Trail Conditions: Rocky and steep up  Barranco Wall, moderate terrain thereafter

Highlights:  Barranco Wall climb, panoramic valley views, acclimatization benefits

Accommodation: Karanga Camp, tents Preparation  Note: Enjoy steady breathing and careful pacing to make the climb smooth.

Today’s climb is shorter but leads to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt.  The route passes through the alpine desert with increasingly cold temperatures as you ascend.  Rest upon arrival, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit push.  After an early dinner, it’s time for rest to conserve energy.

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Elevation Gain: 638 m Trail Conditions: Rocky and cold as altitude rises

Highlights: Views of the summit route, anticipation builds for summit night

Accommodation: Barafu Camp, tents

Summit  Night Preparation: Lay out necessary gear for the midnight ascent, and try to sleep early.

The climb begins around midnight, following a steep and rocky path up to Stella Point on the crater rim.  From Stella Point, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, reaching the summit around sunrise.  After taking in the spectacular views, start your descent back to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp.

Distance: 16 km (up and down)

Total Hiking Time: 12-14 hours Elevation Gain: 1,222 m (up)

Elevation Loss: 2,827 m (down)

Trail Conditions: Steep and rocky; snow possible near summit

Highlights: Stunning sunrise at Uhuru Peak, personal triumph of reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit

Accommodation: Mweka Camp, tents

Summit Advisory: Guides will support you through the difficult ascent, monitoring your health closely.

Your final day on the mountain takes you through the lush rainforest, where you may spot Kilimanjaro’s unique wildlife, including tropical birds and rare plants.  At Mweka Gate, celebrate your achievement with a certificate ceremony before being transferred back to Arusha for a much-deserved rest.

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Elevation Loss: 1,428 m

Trail Conditions: Gradual descent through rainforest

Completion Ceremony: Receive your certificate of accomplishment at Mweka Gate

Post-Trek: Return to your hotel in Arusha for relaxation and a celebratory farewell dinner.