Day 1: Moshi to Starting Point (2,300m) to Mti Mkubwa (2,750m)

Lemosho Route - Begin your adventure with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before heading from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (1,800m). The three-hour journey on a bumpy, unpaved road through Boma N’gombe and Sanya Juu village offers a close encounter with the local culture. After completing park registration, you’ll be transported to the trek’s starting point at 2,350m. The forest reveals its beauty in the sunlight, with almond-brown trees glowing softly and amber gems adorning their bark. Green canopies provide shelter for exotic blue monkeys. A short trek through the rainforest leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m).

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)

Lemosho Route - As the trail progresses towards Shira Camp 1, the scenery shifts dramatically from lush rainforest to barren heather moorland. The dry landscape is dotted with giant lobelias, contrasting white flora, and dusty sand dunes. The journey ascends steep ridges to the Shira Plateau, offering magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and the setting sun over Mount Meru in the west. Several tranquil streams are crossed as the path continues over the Shira Ridge (3,600m) and descends to Shira Camp 1.

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)

Lemosho Route - Start the day with a delicious breakfast and trek through an exposed moorland zone. This less-traveled route offers tranquility and untouched beauty. Reaching Shira Plateau reveals stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s peak. The thrill of seeing the summit is magical. A hot lunch is served at Shira Camp 2 (3,810m). Your guide will lead brief acclimatization excursions, after which you can relax.

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower

Lemosho Route - The Lemosho Route joins the Machame Route before reaching the Lava Tower. The gentle ascent to Barranco Camp is surrounded by beautiful scenery and vivid desert shrubs (6-7 hour hike). Shark’s Tooth, a massive, jagged rock ejected by a volcano thousands of years ago, signals the need to travel south and cross light valleys to the towering Lava Tower (4,600m). Snow gradually appears on the landscape, and as you descend to Barranco Camp, the frosted Western Breach emerges. The ashen Barranco Wall is etched with extraordinary indents, and olive foliage is scattered across the ‘Breakfast Wall’.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,930m)

Lemosho Route - The day begins with a straightforward trek up the impressive Barranco Wall (200m high). For a short time, you’ll need to use both hands and feet to scramble up the wall. Upon reaching the top, enjoy the breathtaking views of Kibo. The trail undulates with various shallow streams leading to the shimmering streams of the Karanga River. A delicious lunch is served at the Karanga campsite (3,930m). The short trek aids in acclimatization.

Day 6: Karanga Camp (3,930m) to Barafu Camp (4,700m)

Lemosho Route - The rocky terrain provides an uphill path with landscapes bathed in the crystal glow of the Southern Glaciers. Intersecting with the Mweka route offers splendid vistas. A one-hour climb up a steep, rocky Lava Ridge leads to Barafu Camp (4,681m). Reaching the camp signifies conquering the Southern Circuit of the mountain, with the summit view submerged in clouds. The campsite’s terrain resembles an unfinished painting, blanketed in a thin layer of snow with sparse vegetation. A hearty, warm meal is served, and it’s recommended to rest early. The summit journey begins at midnight.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5,895m) (midnight start) descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Lemosho Route - You’ll be awakened at 11:00 pm for a light snack and hot tea before starting the 5km trek to the summit. This extended hike lasts about 16 hours, making it the most challenging day on the 8-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route. Temperatures range from -5°C to -10°C. The gradual incline near the tranquil scree fields passes between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, offering views so stunning that the cold is forgotten. At Stella’s Point (5,672m), brilliant gold and orange hues illuminate the rocks. The first sliver of the sun appears, turning the snow into liquid gold and silver. After an hour, you’ll reach Africa’s highest point, Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Take photos and admire the surrounding scenery, glistening ice cliffs, and jagged Mawenzi Peak.

Lemosho Route - The descent involves retracing the trail to Barafu Camp for a brief rest. The vast, spectacular plains of Kilimanjaro make the 9km route to Mweka Camp (3,100m) feel swift. The moderate route lasts four to five hours. As you descend the rocky trail, the scenery begins to flourish, and the ice melts away. The barren moorland landscapes are the first milestone, with dense vegetation and exotic wildlife emerging as you approach the forest habitat. Proceed to the campsite for a delicious, hot dinner while enjoying the last chance to gaze at the Milky Way.

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m) to Moshi

Lemosho Route - The sound of your porters celebrating fills the air as you enjoy a tasty breakfast. The 1,300m descent to Mweka Gate is an easy trek, lasting only a few hours. Gold Summit Certificates are awarded to each group member as a memento. Our drivers are a short walk to Mweka village away and will transport you to the hotel, where a refreshing hot shower, comfortable bed, and clean clothes await. Our driver will take you to the airport for your flight home. If you’ve opted for a safari, that’s another adventure we’ll arrange for you!

• Park, camping & rescue fees
• Professional English-speaking guide(s); porters & cook
• Breakfasts; lunches; dinners
• Tent & mattress

• • Flights • Travel insurance
• • Increases in park fees where applicable
• • Soda and Alcoholic beverages
• • Sleeping bag

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.