8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Breakfast, we leave the hotel one hour later to arrive at the Londorossi Gate (2360 meters) for registration around 12.00, and in time to have our picnic lunch. After Londorossi, we have a short drive to the start-point of today’s walk. Today our walking time will be less than 6km, but with an expected 3 to 4 hours of walking time.

Our approach to the mountain using the Lemosho Route is from the west and some people say this provides the very best views of Kilimanjaro. Our walk, steadily upwards, is a wonderful experience, with fantastic forest and some really colourful flowers. Mti Mkubwa Camp 2895 meters (‘Big Tree Camp’) is normally reached by 18.00 and dinner is served at 19.30.

Accommodation: Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch Boxes and Dinner

Journey time and Altitude: 3 – 4 hours’ walking, from Londorossi Gate at 2360 m to Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2895 m

Our departure time today is at 08.00. Although our walking distance is only slightly longer than yesterday, today we will be ascending from 2895 metres to over 3505 metres and we can expect a longer walking time of between 5 to 6 hours. Today, the trees of our first day’s walk thin out, and we eventually leave the forest environment behind as we move onto the moorland. From here, we are able to get our first view of both the Shira Plateau and mighty Kibo itself. After lunch walking is steep, but then flattens and with the snow-topped Kibo ahead of you, you actually descend slightly to the Shira 1 Camp 3505 meters. Arriving at around 16.00, there will be some welcome resting time before dinner, which will be served at 18.30.

Accommodation: Overnight at Shira 1 Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch Boxes and Dinner

Journey time and Altitude: From Mti Mkubwa at 2895 m to Shira 1 Camp at 3505 m, 5-6 hours’ walking,

Breakfast, departure about one hour later. We say ‘potentially’ as your guide will explain that today we have the option of trekking via the Shira Cathedral, depending on how you are feeling. The standard walking distance we cover today will be about 11km/7 miles. It is a steady, uphill climb and you should expect about 5 to 6 hours of walk time in total. By this standard route, we intend to reach Shira 2 Camp 3804 meters – which is also known as Shira Huts – by 13.00, in time to be served a cooked lunch. Dinner tonight will be 18.00

Accommodation: Overnight at Shira 2 Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch Boxes and Dinner

Journey time and Altitude: From Shira 1 Camp at 3505 m to Shira 2 Camp at 3804m, 5-6 hours’ walking,

Today we are back to our early, 07.00 breakfast time, ready for 08.30 departure. We have around 10km/6 miles to cover, but although we will finish our day only 90 metres higher than we started it, in between we have to climb to the foot of the Lava Tower (4630 metres) before we then descend once more, down to Barranco Camp 3950 meters for our overnight stop.

Accommodation: Overnight at Barraco Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch Boxes and Dinner

Journey time and Altitude: From Shira 2 Camp at 3804 m to Barranco Camp at 3950 m – 6 -8 hours’ walking,

Today is a long day but lots of acclimatization as you climb high, sleep low. We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,190’) for lunch, before descending to the Barranco valley. For those who have energy, and if time and weather permit, there’s the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower itself. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different zones of the mountain. Hiking: 6-8 hours. Dinner will be served.

Accommodation: Overnight at Karanga Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch Boxes and Dinner

Journey time and Altitude: 3950m at Barranco Camp to 4033m at Karanga Camp- 4 – 5 hours’ walking.

Breakfast at 07.30hrs and another 08.30hrs departure. Today we will ascend about 523 metres in a distance of around 4km/2miles and walking time once again is between 4 to 5 hours. We will be aiming to arrive at the Barafu Camp 4556 meters by 13.00, when we will be rewarded with a cooked lunch. (With tomorrow being the summit day, it will be important to relax and prepare for the hard work ahead.) Dinner tonight is served at 17.30hrs, giving you time to get to bed early.

Accommodation: Overnight at Barafu Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch Boxes and Dinner

Journey time and Altitude: From 4033m at Karanga Camp to 4556m at Barafu Camp- 4 – 5 hours’ walking,

Start hiking at around midnight, using your headlamps to lead the way slowly up to Stella Point and then the summit. Due to the altitude, you will hike slowly, and will need to dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating with photos at the summit, descend down to Mweka camp.

Accommodation: Overnight at Mweka Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch Boxes and Dinner

Journey time and Altitude: From 4556m at Barafu Camp to the summit at 5895m, then down to 3100m at Mweka Camp- 11-14 hours’ walking,

Still thrilled by your achievement, breakfast is taken at 07.00hrs and at 08.00hrs you can take the chance to reward your trekking team at the ‘Tipping Celebration.’

Although we still have 9km to walk, departure is at a leisurely 09.00hrs and you descend down to the Mweka Gate which sits at an altitude of 1640 metres. There, you will be served a cooked lunch at midday and be presented with your hard-earned certificate.

Your vehicle transport will be waiting to return you back to your Hotel in Arusha, where you can choose to relax – or, if you have any energy left, to celebrate!

Accommodation: Overnight at Arusha Planet Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast basis

Journey time and Altitude: 3 hours’ walking, from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, descending from 3106m to 1633m; from Mweka Gate to Arusha, 3 hours’ drive.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.