Kilimanjaro Summit via the Lemosho Route

All participants must arrange their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival at JRO, our team will meet you and transport you to Moshi, where our cozy pre and post-trek accommodations await, offering serene views of the mountain. Take some time to unwind by the pool before your briefing with our knowledgeable guides, who will equip you with the necessary details for your journey to the summit of Africa.

Following breakfast at your hotel, your guide will provide a briefing for the day ahead. You will then drive from Moshi town to Londorossi Park Gate. Upon reaching the village near Londorossi, you will complete entry formalities before proceeding to the Lemosho trailhead (an additional hour's drive). Upon arrival at the trailhead, lunch will be served, after which you will begin your trek through pristine forest terrain that leads to the first campsite.

Distance Traveled: 6 kilometers Duration: 3-4 hours Meals Provided: Lunch, Dinner Habitat: Rainforest Accommodation Type: Camping

We proceed along the trail, transitioning from the forest to a savannah landscape characterized by towering grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks adorned with lichen. As we ascend through verdant rolling hills and traverse numerous streams, we arrive at the Shira Ridge before descending gradually to Shira 1 camp. The vista of Kibo from the plateau is truly breathtaking.

Hiking Duration: 5.5 hours Habitat: Moorland Distance Covered: 8 kilometers Accommodation Type: Camping Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we journey to the remarkable camp nestled beneath the Northern Ice Fields of Kilimanjaro. We embark on a gentle eastward stroll towards Kibo's glacier-capped peak, traversing the plateau en route to Shira 2 camp, nestled amidst moorland meadows alongside a serene stream. Continuing onward, we reach Moir Hut, a lesser-traveled site situated at the base of Lent Hills. Various walking trails on Lent Hills offer an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. Shira stands as one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Hiking Duration: 5-7 hours Distance Covered: Approximately 15 kilometers Habitat: Moorland Accommodation Type: Camping Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Moir Hut, our journey continues eastward along a ridge, passing the junction leading to the peak of Kibo. Progressing further, our path veers southeast towards the imposing Lava Tower, known as the "Shark's Tooth." Afterward, we reach a second junction that ascends to the Arrow Glacier at an elevation of 16,000 feet. Descending from there, we make our way to Barranco Hut, situated at 13,000 feet. Here, we rest, savor dinner, and spend the night. Although we end the day at the same altitude as the beginning, this stage is crucial for acclimatization, preparing our bodies for the upcoming summit day.

Hiking Duration: 7 hours Distance Covered: Approximately 7 kilometers Habitat: Semi-Desert Accommodation Type: Camping Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's hike is designed for acclimatization and is relatively short. After an early breakfast, we set out to conquer the Great Barranco Wall! Despite its imposing appearance, hikers often find this Class 2 climb to be more manageable than expected. Once atop the Wall, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Heim Glacier and find yourself above the clouds. The trail then meanders through the Karanga Valley, with gentle ups and downs. Tonight, we'll rest at Karanga Camp (3950m), where dinner and washing facilities await.

Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours Distance Covered: Approximately 5 kilometers Habitat: Alpine Desert Accommodation Type: Camping Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast, your ascent begins. The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, utilized for the final descent on the last two days. Continuing for about an hour, you'll arrive at Barafu Hut, the final water point for porters as there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4550m). In Swahili, "barafu" means "ice," and this camp sits on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents are susceptible to wind and rocks, so it's crucial for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before nightfall. An early dinner will be served to allow hikers ample rest before their summit attempt later that night. Your guide will provide detailed instructions on preparing for summit night. Aim to be asleep by 19:00!

Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours Distance Covered: Approximately 4 kilometers Habitat: Alpine Desert Accommodation Type: Camping Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your guide will rouse you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits, signaling the start of your summit attempt. The route veers northwest, leading you up over stone scree. Many find this ascent to be the most mentally and physically demanding part of the climb. After approximately 6 hours, you'll reach Stella Point (5685m) on the crater rim. Witnessing the breathtaking sunrise, you'll then push onward for about 2 more hours along a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro—an achievement of a lifetime! You'll have a brief window to capture photos and savor tea before beginning the descent back to Barafu.

The journey down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours. At camp, you'll rest and relish a hot lunch under the sun's warmth. Afterward, the descent continues towards Mweka Hut (3100m), following the Mweka Trail through scree and rocks, then transitioning into moorland and eventually the rainforest. Mweka Camp (3100m) sits within the upper rainforest, where fog and rain are common. Here, you'll enjoy dinner, freshen up, and rest peacefully.

Hiking Duration: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka Distance Covered: Approximately 7 kilometers ascent and 23 kilometers descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Accommodation Type: Camping Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying a well-deserved breakfast, your dedicated staff will host a lively celebration filled with dancing and singing. It's during this mountain-top gathering that you'll have the opportunity to express your gratitude by presenting tips to the guide, assistant guides, chefs, and porters. Following the festivities, you'll embark on a three-hour descent back to Mweka Gate. The National Park mandates that all hikers sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Those who reached Stella Point (5685m) are awarded green certificates, while those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. Once certificates are received, hikers will trek for approximately one hour (3 kilometers) to descend into Mweka village. Here, you'll be treated to a hot lunch before driving back to Moshi, where refreshing showers and further celebrations await at your hotel.

Meal Provided: Breakfast Hiking Duration: 3 hours Distance Covered: Approximately 15 kilometers Habitat: Forest Accommodation: Hotel Meals Provided: Breakfast

This day marks the departure for your onward journey. If you have a safari planned, you can proceed with your safari adventure, or alternatively, you may choose to fly to Zanzibar or return home. Our vehicle will be prepared to transport you to the airport at your convenience.

Meal Provided: Breakfast Included