Mount Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Route

Elevations (ft);7800ft to 9500ft

Distance; 6km

Hiking time; 3-4hours

Habitat; Rain Forest

We leave Arusha or Moshi and travel for roughly 4 hours to Londorossi Gate, where you must fulfill entry procedures, and make our way to Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead) where we will eat our lunch before starting the winding journey through untouched woodland to the first campsite.

Elevation(ft);9500ft to 11500ft

Distance; 8km

Hiking time; 5-6 hours

Habitat; Moorland

We keep moving down the track that emerges from the woods and enters a savannah of high grasses, heather, and volcanic rock covered in lichen beards. We will reach the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 camp as we ascend through the verdant undulating hills and cross various streams. From over the plateau, there is a breathtaking view of Kibo

• Elevation(ft);11500ft to 13800ft
• Distances; 10 km
• Hiking time; 6-8 hours
• Habitat; Moorland

We'll spend the entire day exploring the Shira plateau (one of the highest plateaus on earth). Shira 2 camp, a little-used location at the foot of the Lent Hills, is reached after a stroll east toward Shira Peak and across a plateau. Lent Hills offers a wide range of treks, making this a fantastic chance to acclimate.

•  Elevation; 13800ft to 13000ft
• Distance; 10 km
• Hiking time; 5-8 hours
• Habitat; Semi Desert

We proceed eastward from the Shira Plateau along a hill, past the intersection that leads to Kibo's peak. As we go on, our course shifts to the southeast, in the direction of the "Shark's Tooth" lava tower. We'll reach the second junction, which leads us to the Arrow Glacier at a height of 16,000 feet, shortly after passing the tower. Moving on, we'll descend to the Barranco Camp, which is 13,000 feet above sea level, where we'll take a nap, eat dinner, and spend a night there. Although we start and end the day at the same altitude, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will assist your body to be ready for summit day.

This day will be your 1st real taste of mountain climbing, as you challenge yourself to a bit of old-school rock climbing through the Barranco wall.

After this fearless challenge, you will carry on for 3 to 4 hours towards the great Karanga Valley, where you will rest and stop for Lunch. You will have the night to relax and adapt to the weather Conditions on the Mountain.

• Elevation; 13100ft to 15300ft
• Distance; 4 km
• Hiking time; 3-4 hours
• Habitat; Alpine desert

We depart Karanga after breakfast and arrive at the intersection with Mweka Trail where we'll keep going up to Barafu Hut which will be the end of the South Circuit, which offers a variety of perspectives from the top. We'll set up camp here, take a nap, dine, and get ready for the summit day. From here, one can see Mawenzi and Kibo, the two summits.

• Elevation; 15300ft to 19345ft and down to 10000ft
• Distance; 6 km ascent /12km descent
• Hiking time; 7-9 ascent/ 4-6 hours descent
• Habitat; Arctic

We'll proceed to the peak between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers quite early in the morning (between midnight and two in the morning). We travel northwest and make our way over steep scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The hardest part of the walk both physically and mentally is this section.

We'll take a brief break at Stella Point (18,600 feet), where you will be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). On our hour-long journey to the summit from Stella Point, we might run into snow through the entire way and later arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest peak on both Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. The sunrise can be seen from the peak by more rapid hikers.

We'll begin our descent from the summit, going straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite while pausing at Barafu for lunch. Due to the loose gravel going down, gaiters and trekking poles are recommended and since Mweka camp is located in the upper forest, we may experience late-afternoon mist or rain and have our final meal on the mountain later in the evening before a well-earned rest.

• Elevation;10000ft to 5400ft
• Distance; 10km
•  Habitat; Rain Forest
• Hiking time; 3-4 hours

We continue the descent to the Mweka Park Gate to pick up your summit certificates after breakfast where it could be muddy and damp at lower altitudes, trekking poles and gaiters will be useful. Most likely, there will be enough to wear; shorts and t-shirts (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

We'll continue with our travel for an hour to Mweka Village and meet a diver who will take you back to your accommodation in Arusha.