Starts at: 2,250 M
Best for: Intermediate-level hikers
Known for: Stunning views of waterfalls, forest, and Shira Plateau
Hike Lemosho for: Easier acclimatization; relatively flat terrain
You go through all 5 climatic zones. You will witness mountain forest, Shira plateau, waterfalls, and so much more.
This is a 257 meters rock wall that you scramble to climb it. It is one of the best experience on Kilimanjaro.
We recommend that you take at least 9 days to complete this route successfully
More days on the mountains means better acclimatization and high chance of summit success.
Day 1 : Londorossi Gate (7,742 ft) to MtiMkubwa (9,498 ft)
We depart Moshi town for Londrossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours’ drive, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Londorossi Gate to MtiMkubwa
Day 2 : MtiMkubwa (9,498 ft) to Shira 1 Camp (11,500 ft)
We move on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
MtiMkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Day 3 : Shira 1 Camp(11,500 ft) to Shira 2 (12,628 ft)
We sightsee the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Day 4: Shira 2 (12,628 ft) to Lava Tower (15,190 ft)
We start the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Lava Tower to BarrancoCamp
Day 5: Barranco Camp (13,044 ft) to KarangaCamp (13,106 ft)
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. Once more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization. Baranco is among most of climber’s memorable area.
Barranco Camp to KarangaCamp
Day 6: Karanga Camp (13,106 ft) to Barafu Camp (15,331 ft)
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Karanga Camp to BarafuCamp
Day 7: Barafu Camp (15,331 ) to UhuruPeak (19,341 ft) then Uhuru Peak (19,341) to MwekaCamp (10,065 ft)
Very early in the morning (around midnight), The Wildmasters Guide awake you to begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descend continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Barafu Camp to UhuruPeak
Uhuru Peak to MwekaCamp
Day 8: Mweka Camp (10,065 ft) to MwekaGate (5,380 ft)
On our last day, we continue the descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Mweka Camp to MwekaGate
And here will be end of your Kilimanjaro mountain trek.
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