9 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.
9 Days Lemosho Route Itinerary
Day One: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA), if you’ve arranged airport transport with Tanzania & Kilimanjaro Adventures for 35 US dollars, we’ll be there to pick you up and transfer you to the hotel in Moshi, situated at 840 meters above sea level. Here, you’ll meet your guide to check your mountain gear and have the opportunity to ask any last-minute questions before your Mount Kilimanjaro climb the next day.
Day Two: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Departing from Moshi at 8:30 am, the journey to Lemosho Gate takes about 3 hours. After completing registration, meet your crew and commence your hike through the mountain rainforest. Enjoy the diverse flora and fauna along the way and have lunch en route. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa camp, where our camp services await. After dinner, there will be a briefing about the day and the following day’s plans.
Day Three: Mti Mkubwa to Shira One
Starting from Mti Mkubwa camp at 2650 meters, hike through the upper mountain forest for an hour before transitioning to the moorland zone en route to Shira One at 3610 meters. Enjoy a hot lunch upon arrival and relax for the remainder of the day.
Day Four: Shira One to Shira Two
After breakfast at Shira One, hike through the emerging giant heather zone and fine open moorland to Shira Two at 3850 meters. Explore the fascinating geological features of the old volcanic caldera before settling into camp. This day aids in acclimatization.
Day Five: Shira Two to Barranco Camp
Departing Shira Two after breakfast, trek through the alpine desert towards the main peak, Kibo. Stop at Lava Tower for lunch and acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp in the sheltered Barranco valley at 3900 meters.
Day Six: Barranco Camp to Karanga
Begin the day with a challenging ascent up the steep Barranco Wall, followed by a descent into Karanga Valley. Arrive at Karanga Camp at 3960 meters for lunch and relaxation, with the option for acclimatization if weather permits.
Day Seven: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast at Karanga Camp, hike through the alpine desert to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. Enjoy lunch and breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak before preparing your summit gear for the midnight ascent.
Day Eight: Barafu Camp to Summit, then Descent to Mweka Camp
Embark on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, starting around midnight. The demanding hike takes approximately 5 hours to Stella Point on the crater rim, followed by another hour to Uhuru Peak. Enjoy the sunrise and panoramic views before descending to Barafu Camp for a rest and lunch. Continue the descent to High Camp or Mweka Camp for the night.
Day Nine: Descent to Mweka Gate
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, begin the descent through the mountain forest, observing wildlife and vegetation along the way. Reach Mweka Gate, where a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi. From there, you can prepare for safari, day trips, or your flight home.