Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
The journey begins with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, taking approximately 4 hours, where entry formalities are completed. Following this, a drive to the Lemosho trailhead takes about an hour. Upon arrival, lunch is served before embarking on a hike through pristine forest leading to the first campsite.

Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
The trail continues out of the forest into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock adorned with lichen. As the ascent progresses through lush hills and across streams, the path reaches Shira Ridge before gently descending to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo across the plateau is breathtaking.

Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
• Distance: 14 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
A full day is spent exploring the Shira plateau. The walk eastward towards Kibo’s glaciered peak is gentle, crossing the plateau to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. The journey continues to Moir Hut, a less frequented site at the base of Lent Hills. Various walks on Lent Hills offer excellent acclimatization opportunities. Shira is among the highest plateaus on earth.

Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, the path leads east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo’s peak. The route then shifts southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” After the tower, the second junction leads to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000ft. The descent continues to Barranco Hut at 13,000ft, where rest, dinner, and overnight stay occur. Despite ending at the same elevation as the start, this day is crucial for acclimatization, aiding preparation for summit day.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, the journey continues from Barranco along a steep ridge past the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. This short day is designed for acclimatization.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
Following breakfast, the trek proceeds from Karanga to the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail, continuing up to Barafu Hut. At this point, the South Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from various angles. Camp is set up here, with time to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this location.

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
• Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic
In the early morning (midnight to 2am), the ascent to the summit begins between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The route heads northwest, ascending through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), a short rest is taken, offering the chance to witness a magnificent sunrise (weather permitting). From Stella Point, snow may be encountered on the 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and the African continent is reached. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit.

The descent from the summit proceeds directly to Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch.

Mweka Camp to Moshi

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, the descent continues to Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. Lower elevations may be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are likely sufficient (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, the journey continues for another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle awaits to drive back to the hotel in Moshi.

• Private transportation
• Camping items
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast

• Personal Expenses

The eight-day Lemosho route variation offers the perfect itinerary for this journey. On this route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is divided into two days, providing a shorter day right before the summit attempt. This is crucial as the summit day starts very early, around midnight, leaving climbers sleep-deprived on the most challenging day of the climb. By having a shorter day beforehand, climbers can rest more effectively.

The eight-day Lemosho route is highly recommended and favored by most leading Kilimanjaro operators.

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