8 Days Lemosho Route
Route Overview
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rain forest to Shira Ridge.
8 Days Lemosho Route Itinerary
Day One: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA)
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA), if you’ve arranged airport transport with Tanzania & Kilimanjaro Adventures, we’ll be there to pick you up and transfer you to the hotel in Moshi, situated at 840 meters above sea level. The airport transfer service costs 35 US dollars. At the hotel, you’ll meet your guide who will assist you in checking your mountain gears. This will also be your opportunity to ask any last-minute questions before embarking on your climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day Two: Londross Gate to Shira
We’ll depart from Moshi at 8:30 am for Londross Gate, a journey that takes approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll meet our guides, cooks, and porters. After completing registration, we’ll drive for another two hours to Simba Point, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before commencing your hike along a narrow trail through the Kilimanjaro moorland towards Shira 1. Here, you’ll find our service camping facilities.
Day Three: Shira One to Shira Two
Starting from Shira One at 3610 meters, after breakfast, you’ll hike through the emerging giant heather zone, traversing fine open moorland to reach Shira Two at 3850 meters. Marvel at the fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera along the way. This gradual ascent aids in acclimatization. Upon reaching Shira Two, enjoy a hot lunch and relax for the remainder of the day.
Day Four: Shira Two to Barranco Camp
After breakfast at Shira Two, embark on a hike through the alpine desert towards the main peak, Kibo. Along the way, you’ll catch sight of the western glaciers across the rugged high altitude desert of volcanic rocks. Stop for a hot lunch and acclimatization at Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp, nestled in the sheltered Barranco valley at 3900 meters.
Day Five: Barranco to Barafu Camp
Beginning from Barranco Camp, ascend the Barranco Wall to reach an altitude of 4200 meters, followed by undulating terrain to Karanga Valley. After enjoying a hot lunch at Karanga Camp, continue the climb to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. Upon arrival, relax, prepare your summit gear, and await dinner.
Day Six: Barafu Camp to Summit and Descent to Mweka
In the early hours of the morning, commence the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The demanding climb takes approximately 5-6 hours to Stella Point on the crater rim, followed by another hour to Uhuru Peak. Enjoy breathtaking views and capture memorable photos at the summit before descending to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and lunch. Continue the descent to Mweka Camp or High Camp for the night.
Day Seven: Descent to Mweka Gate
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, begin the descent to Mweka Gate, marking the end of your trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. Take in the sights of the Mweka forest, observing small animals like monkeys and colorful flowers along the trail. Exercise caution as the trail can be slippery during the descent. We’ll be waiting at Mweka Gate to transfer you back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day Eight: Safari or Day Trips
At the hotel, you have the option to start a safari with us or participate in day trips to destinations such as Materuni, Hot Spring, or a flight back to the airport if arranged with us for 35 US dollars.