8 Days Lemosho Route

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation (m): 2360m to 2895m, Distance: 6 km, Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Montane forest.

We begin our 8-day Lemosho Route itinerary by driving from the hotel in Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Park Gate, early in the morning after a hearty breakfast. Before we begin our trek up the woodland route to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite at 2895m, our porters prepare and carry the food and luggage. We’ll spend the night here.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1

Elevation (m): 2895m to 3500m, Distance: 8 km, Time: 5-6 hours, Habitat: Moorland.

We proceed eastwards, passing via Shira Plateau and Shira Cathedral. We’ll traverse a moorland meadow on our way to Shira 1 camp at 3810 meters for supper and overnight camping. By now, we’ll be able to observe the Western Breach and its magnificent glaciers from an easterly direction. The temperature is expected to drop below freezing tonight, as it was the night before.

We cook dinner on the burners.

Day 3: Shira 1 to Moir Hut

Elevation (m): 3500m to 4200m, Distance: 14 km, Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Moorland.

As we leave the forest behind and approach the moorland zone, the route becomes steeper. Shira Cave, with spectacular views of the Arrow Glacier, is reached through an easy grade trek across the high altitude Shira Caldera. At 4200 meters, we’ll set up camp for the night.

Day 4: Moir Hut via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation (m): 4200m to 4600m to 3950m, Distance: 12 km, Time: 6-7 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert.

Ascending to the base of the Lava Tower at 4600m for lunch and acclimatization, our itinerary continues on a stony and rough eastward trail. This will be our toughest day yet, and you may feel the altitude for the first time. We’ll drop over 650 meters to the Barranco camp after lunch. Acclimatization will be aided by the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, followed by a descent to sleep. Our descent to Barranco camp takes roughly 2 hours and provides excellent photographic chances of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. While you wait for your meal, the camp is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should present you with a magnificent sunset.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation (m): 3950m to 3930m, Distance: 7 km, Hiking Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Today begins with a quick but enjoyable scramble to the Great Barranco Wall’s summit. Then, beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers, we walk on scree to the Karanga Valley (3930m). At Karanga Campground, we’ll spend the night.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (m): 3930m to 4600m, Distance: 6kms, Hiking Time: 3 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.

We leave the Karanga campsite to reach the Mweka descending trail’s junction. We proceed up to the Barafu Hut from here. You’ve finished the Southern Circuit, which gives you a variety of views of the top. We may relax, eat dinner, and get ready for summit day in camp. From this vantage point, the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m), Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent, Time: 6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent, Habitat: Stone screed and ice-capped summit.

At 23:30, you’ll be woken up with a cup of tea and some snacks. Between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, we begin our climb to the top. We’ll take a north-westerly route to Stella Point on the crater rim, ascending via thick scree. This is the toughest portion of the journey, both psychologically and physically. We’ll stop for a short break at Stella Point (5732m) and be rewarded with one of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll ever witness (weather permitting). We will have reached Mount Kilimanjaro’s and Africa’s highest peak, Uhuru Peak (5895m). At these heights, it can get extremely chilly at night, but by the end of the trekking day, it will be rather warm.

We descend from the peak to the Mweka Hut camp site through Barafu for lunch. The rough gravel on the way down to Mweka Camp will necessitate the use of trekking poles (3100m). Later that evening, we’ll have our final meal on the mountain before getting some well-deserved rest.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation (m): 3100m to 1800m, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Forest.

After breakfast, we trek to the Mweka Park Gate, where you will obtain your summit certificates. It might be muddy and damp at lower levels. The use of gaiters and trekking poles will be beneficial. T-shirts and shorts will suffice (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).  This marks the end of our 8 day Lemosho Route tour