Climb Kilimanjaro by Lemosho Route

This route is the least busy route. It is also one of the more expensive routes as it has long transfers and you have to pay forest fees because,at the start of the climb, you pass through a forest reserve.

Bellow is an itinerary for climbing Kilimanjaro by the Lemosho Route.

Day 1: On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night (a range of hotels are available dependent on your budget). In the evening you will meet your guide and have a Mountain Briefing to prepare you for the climb. You will also be able to hire equipment if required. Dinner at the hotel followed by an early night.

Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2000 m) to Mti Mkubwa (2650 m)

* Hike time: 4 hrs
* Elevation change: +650m
* Final elevation: 2650m

A three hour drive from Moshi, around the mountain, brings you to the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. At the gate, you pick up a game ranger who will protect you from elephants and buffalo during the trek. After a short drive to the trail head at Lemosho Glades you will start your trek through the pristine rain forest. Today you will hike to Mti Mbubwa, which means 'Big Tree; in Kiswahili. Overnight camping.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa (2650 m) to Shira One (3610 m)

* Hike time: 5 hrs
* Elevation change: +950m
* Final elevation: 3610m

After a good breakfast, you start the climb through the remaining rain forest toward the giant Erica moorland zone. You will enjoy a great lunch stop in a beautiful valley just outside the Shira Crater. Today you will get your first close views of the summit. Overnight at Shira one campsite.

Day 4: Shira One (3610 m) to Shira Two (3850 m)

* Hike time: 6 hrs
* Elevation change: +240m
* Final elevation: 3850m

After an early breakfast, you hike east across the Shira Plateau past the Shira Cathedral toward Shira Two camp. We only gain 240m in elevation which allows you to acclimatize slowly to the altitude. The views of the plateau are spectacular. Overnight at Shira Two Camp.

Day 5: Shira Two (3610 m) to Lava Tower (4650 m)

* Hike time :6 hrs
* Elevation change: +700m
* Final elevation: 4650m

You will head up to Lava Tower, traversing the southern flank of Kibo. This is one of the most valuable days for acclimatization. If you prefer we can substitute Lava Tower for Barranco Camp, but this makes the walk a few hours longer.

Day 6: Lava Tower (4650 m) to Karanga Valley (4000 m)

* Hike time: 7 hrs
* Elevation change: -650m
* Final elevation: 4000m

After leaving Lava Tower, you descend into the stunning Barranco Valley which is adorned with giant lobelia and senecia plants. There are good views of Kibo peak from here. After the Barannco Wall, we descend down into the Karanga Valley, where we rest for the night before the hard climb to Barafu Hut

Day 7: Karanga Valley (4000 m) to Barafu Camp (4600 m)

* Hike time: 4 hrs
* Elevation change: +600m
* Final elevation: 4600m

This is a tough, steep, climb uphill to the rocky, craggy slopes at the camp. 'Barafu' means, 'Ice'in Swahili, and it is extremely cold at this altitude. You will get a half day rest before you begin the final summit ascent at midnight.

Day 8: Barafu to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Mweka Camp Barafu Camp (4,600m) to the Summit (5896 m) and then to Mweka Camp (3100 m)

* Summit time: 7 hrs
* Elevation change: +1300m
* Final elevation: 5896m
* Descent time: 5 hrs
* Elevation change: -2800m
* Final elevation: 3100m, 10,170 ft

This is a 17 hour day, commencing at midnight and hiking until the next afternoon. You will begin your summit ascent around midnight, and will arrive at the Kilimanjaro summit before sunrise. After the sunrise, you will head back down the mountain, stopping at Barafu Camp to rest, and heading to Mweka Camp, just a few hours from the gate.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Moshi

* Descent time: 4 hrs
* Elevation change: -1250m
* Estimated distance: 10km
* Final elevation: 1828m

In the morning you will hike for about 3 hours through lush forest to the gate. After a welcome lunch, you will get your climb certificate and say goodbye to your crew and porters. We will then you back to your hotel in Moshi.
For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris

For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris