Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Approximate duration: 4 hours

Guests will be collected from their hotel around 8:00 am and transported to the Lemosho Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western side. Following registration, the climb begins through the lush forests of the Lemosho Glades, leading to Big Tree Camp for an overnight stay.

Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Today, trekkers will journey across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather, dotted with volcanic rock formations. The destination is Shira 1 Camp, offering frequent views of Kibo Peak floating among the clouds. A significant altitude gain is achieved today, with some sections being quite steep.

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Trekkers will have the opportunity to view the Northern Ice Fields from the mountain’s western side, providing unique perspectives of Kibo. The steady ascent across the Shira Plateau’s moorland aids acclimatization, with stunning panoramic views. The goal is Shira 2 Camp, where an afternoon acclimatization walk is followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - The trek begins with an ascent offering expansive panoramic views, entering the upland desert climatic zone and traversing the lava ridges beneath the Western Breach glaciers.

The trek reaches the prominent Lava Tower (4640 m), the day’s high point and a perfect lunch spot. A steep descent follows to the night’s camp at the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs with extensive views of the plains below.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - The day starts with a descent into the Great Barranco, a vast ravine. The route then ascends steeply up the Great Barranco Wall, separating trekkers from Kibo’s southeastern slopes. The climb is over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing beneath the Heim and Kersten Glaciers, the path leads to the Karanga Valley. A steep climb from the valley reaches Karanga Camp at 3963m. For those feeling strong, a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek to around 4200m is available before returning to camp for the night.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - After a restful night and breakfast, the journey continues to Barafu Camp at 4640m. The climb traverses barren scree slopes devoid of vegetation. It’s a challenging, steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. Upon arrival at camp, trekkers eat and rest in preparation for the long night and day ahead. Staying hydrated and warm is crucial. An early dinner is followed by sleep, as the climb to the summit begins between 11 pm and 12 am.

Barafu Camp to Crater Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Awaken before dawn to commence the summit approach. Uhuru Peak is reached in the early afternoon, when few groups are present. A short descent leads to Crater Camp, nestled in soft sands near the renowned Furtwangler Glacier. Crater Camp is not a standalone route but a challenging extension that can be added to any route, involving an overnight stay in the crater’s bowl. This extraordinary experience is enjoyed by only the most adventurous climbers.

Crater Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - After an early breakfast, the descent begins by returning to Stella Point, then descending the scree slope past Barafu Camp for a brief break before continuing to Millennium Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro - The final section of the mountain is covered by trekking down through the forests to the gate, where a vehicle awaits to transport guests back to Moshi.

Remember to tip the guides, cooks, and porters, as this is where they will be left. A vehicle will return guests to their hotel in Moshi, where a celebration is certainly in order.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Lemosho Route

The 9-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho route itinerary is uniquely crafted for those who wish to reach the summit during daylight and at sunrise. This journey offers breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley, Mt Meru, and includes an option to camp at the crater.

The Lemosho route can be completed in as few as six days (five nights) on the mountain.

However, it is best undertaken over eight days (seven nights) to allow for better altitude acclimatization. The trek starts at Londorossi Gate, situated at the western base of the mountain, amidst its lush, fertile rainforest. The path crosses the Shira Plateau, then follows the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, providing climbers with stunning views from all directions. The summit is approached from the east, with the descent via the Mweka trail. This route is particularly scenic.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.