8 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

Day Coverage

• Hiking Distance: 6km/4mi
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Zone: Montane Forest

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed, we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Day Coverage

• Hiking Distance: 8km / 5 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Zone: Moorland

After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.

Day Coverage

• Hiking Distance: 8km/5mi
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Zone: Moorland

Today’s journey is long and tough which takes about 5 – 6 hours to complete. The route turns east into a semi-desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower. On arrival at Lava Tower, you will be served your lunch before proceeding for another 2 hours walk to Barranco Camp.

We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

In the evening you will be served dinner before overnight.

Day Coverage

• Hiking Distance: 10km/6mi
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone

Today’s hike is a short one and ideally for acclimatization After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall. At the top of the Wall, you will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds.

The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley up to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

Dinner & Overnight at Karanga Camp

Day Coverage

• Hiking Distance: 7km / 5 miles
• Hiking Time: 7 hours
• Zone: High alpine zone

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Day Coverage

• Hiking Distance: 6km / 4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3 hours
• Zone: High alpine zone

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.

At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Our vehicle will be waiting for you at the Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel

Day Coverage

• Hiking Distance: 9km / 5.5 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
• Zone: Rainforest