9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Via Lemosho Route

Day 2: Starting point (2,300m) to Mti Mkubwa (2,750m)

Trekking Time: 3 hours | Distance: 7 km | Altitude Gain: 450m

After enjoying your breakfast meal at the hotel, you will have a three-hour drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate. After the registration process you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.

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

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 10 km | Altitude Gain: 800m

Today you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Our destination for today is the Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. We will stop for lunch and head to Shira two Camp. On the way we will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)

Trekking Time: 3-4hours | Distance: 8km | Altitude Gain: 290m

The moorland landscape remains with its dusty, rocky ground and low grasses and shrubs. The bright everlastings erupt from the ground and the concentric rings of leaves on the celestial lobelias are astonishing. The scenic views of the towering mountain are best observed from this area and the path is generally flat. A steaming hot lunch will be served at Shira Camp and after the short excursions for acclimatisation are complete, you will rest for the remainder of the day. In the evening the stars twinkle from the infinite arch of darkness.

Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) to Barranco camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours / Distance: 11km / Altitude Gain: 110m

Today the Lemosho route connects with the Machame route before approaching Lava Tower. The landscapes are magnificent and the trail begins with a gentle incline towards the beautiful sights Kibo Peak. The first milestone is a jagged ridge named the Shark’s Tooth (4,400m) and after crossing the mysterious shadow valleys we will come across the protruding Lava Tower (4,600m). Thousands of years ago enormous volcanos erupted and spluttered the remains of the once molten rocks. The gradual descent to the Barranco Camp features incredible views of the bleached Western Breach and the striking Barranco or ‘Breakfast’ Wall. This day follows the mountaineering principles of walking high and sleeping low, making it an ideal acclimation day.

Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Barafu Camp (4,700)

Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours / Distance: 9km / Altitude Gain: 750m

The day begins with a moderate trek up the Barranco Wall, it is steep but the climbing only requires your hands and feet for a short period of time (200m). Feelings of satisfaction will begin to emerge once you witness the beautiful landscape that includes the smoothed edges of Kibo peak and a vantage point of the frosted scenery. The trail begins to fluctuate as we cross various small streams and the Karanga River that excitedly hops over the rocks. We will stop at the Karanga Campsite for an appetising lunch (3,930m). An hour’s climb up a steep, granite lava ridge will lead us to the Barafu Camp. This signifies that you have conquered the South Circuit of the mountain and the views of the summit will shift. The infertile grounds at the Barafu Campsite tend to freeze over and the temperatures shift dramatically. A warm, hearty meal will be prepared and we suggest that you rest early as the midnight climb to the summit (1188m) is only a few hours away.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5895m) (Midnight start), descent to Mweka Camp (3100m)

Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours / Distance: 5km / Altitude Gain: 1195m

You will be awoken at 11:00pm to ensure that you have a light snack and a hot beverage before you embark on your 5km trek to the summit. Sixteen hours are needed to complete the trek, it goes without saying, this is the most taxing day on the 9 days Lemosho Route. The temperatures will dip to lows of up to -10°C. The trail along the stunning valley on the edge of scree fields will gradually increase. Stella’s Point (5,672m) is the first milestone and you will pass the glowing Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Illuminating rays of orange, red and purple begin to burst from the sky as you reach the southern rim of Kibo (Marks an hour until the summit). Upon reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) you will attain an intangible reward, the heaven touching apex of the mountain drenched in a shroud of clouds and splotches of gleaming snow impale the lush floor. Across the horizon you will see the glaciers protruding like a row of thorns. Swaddled around them are necklaces of powdery snow, frosty ice fields and Mawenzi Peak. We will begin descending towards the Barafu Camp where we will have a short break before proceeding to the Mweka Camp (3,100m). The 9km trails features stunning views of the magnificent Kilimanjaro plains.  A hot meal will be served at the campsite and you will be able to snuggle in your sleeping bag.

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

Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hours / Distance: 10km / Altitude Loss: 1300m

You will have your breakfast before you descent to the Mweka Gate (1,300m). The leisurely stroll provides you with beautiful sceneries. A Gold Summit Certificate will be awarded upon reaching the gate, a token to symbolize successfully tackling the 9 days Lemosho Route. From the Mweka Village you will be driven back to your hotel, where by our guides will be singing joyous Swahili songs that you have made it through to the top.

Day 9: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport

Today our driver will pick you from the hotel to the airport where you will connect your flight back home. If you’ve chosen to continue on a safari– well, we will be happy to arrange that for you as well.