Lemosho approaches Kilimanjaro from the quieter western side, starting in thick rainforest before crossing the wide open Shira Plateau. It’s one of the least crowded routes on the mountain for its first few days, and its route profile, with a dedicated acclimatization day built in before the final push, gives it one of the stronger success rates among Kilimanjaro’s main routes. All nights on the mountain are spent in tents.
You’re transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Your guide meets you in the evening to brief you on the climb and check your gear, with rental equipment available if needed. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
After breakfast, you’re driven to Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue by 4WD to Lemosho Glades, the trailhead. From here you trek through rainforest, where black-and-white colobus monkeys are often spotted. Dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp. Hiking time: around 3 to 4 hours.
The trail steepens as you leave the forest behind and enter moorland, crossing streams and the Shira Ridge before reaching the wide Shira Plateau. Dinner and overnight at Shira 1 Camp. Hiking time: around 4 to 5 hours.
A gentler day crossing the plateau, with clear views of Kibo Peak and, on a good day, Mount Meru in the distance. Dinner and overnight at Shira 2 Camp. Hiking time: around 4 to 5 hours.
You climb to Lava Tower for a rest and lunch, then descend into the Barranco Valley. Despite ending the day at a similar altitude to where you started, this is an important acclimatization day, since climbing high and sleeping lower helps your body adjust. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp. Hiking time: around 6 to 7 hours.
You start with the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble where you’ll use your hands for grip, with your guide close by throughout. The trail then crosses a series of ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp, a shorter day built in specifically for further acclimatization ahead of summit night. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp. Hiking time: around 4 to 5 hours.
A shorter trek across exposed, rocky terrain brings you to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. Dinner is served early, and you’ll be encouraged to rest as much as possible before the night ahead. Overnight at Barafu Camp. Hiking time: around 3 to 4 hours.
You’re woken around midnight for tea and a light snack before setting off on the final ascent. Reaching Stella Point, on the crater rim, typically takes several hours, with a further stretch to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After time at the summit, you descend back through Barafu for a rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.
After breakfast, you descend through the forest to Mweka Gate, where certificates are issued, and a vehicle takes you back to your hotel. Hiking time: around 3 to 4 hours.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your trip with a safari or time in Zanzibar.
Safari rates change with the season, number of travellers and available accommodation.
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