8-Days Lemosho Route
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day trek to the roof of Africa via the scenic Lemosho Route. This journey takes you through lush rainforests, vast moorlands, and high-altitude deserts, offering breathtaking landscapes and excellent acclimatization. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll conquer Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak at 19,341 ft, experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Itinerary
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your accommodation in Arusha. Relax and enjoy a welcome dinner as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Depart from Arusha for Londorossi Gate (4-hour drive) to complete formalities. From there, we’ll drive to the Lemosho trailhead and begin hiking through a lush rain forest to the first camp at Mti Mkubwa.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
We exit the rain forest and move into a savannah with tall grasses and volcanic rock. After crossing streams and reaching the Shira Ridge, we descend to Shira 1 Camp, where we get our first view of Kibo.
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
Explore the Shira Plateau, walking east across moorland meadows. We divert to Moir Hut, situated at the base of Lent Hills, for acclimatization with optional hikes.
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,200 ft down to 13,000 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We hike towards Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation, then descend to Barranco Camp, crossing the unique Senecio Forest on the way.
Elevation: 13,000 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We tackle the Great Barranco Wall and continue along the southern circuit to the scenic Karanga Valley for an overnight stay.
Elevation: 15,091 ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Arctic
We ascend to Barafu Camp, situated in the high desert of Kilimanjaro, preparing for the summit push.
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft, then descend to 10,065 ft
Distance: 18 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 13-14 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Starting around midnight, we make our summit push. After reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, we descend to Mweka Camp for the night.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We complete the descent to Mweka Gate and collect our summit certificates before driving back to Arusha.
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Depending on your flight time, you may have a chance for some last-minute shopping or relaxation before your departure.
