Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro Via The Lemosho Route In A 9 Day Adventure

Leave Arusha by 7:30 am and head towards Londorossi gate, which is approximately a 4-hour drive away. Upon reaching the gate, you will need to complete the necessary entry procedures. Following this, continue driving for another hour until you reach the starting point of the Lemosho trail. Once at the trailhead, enjoy your lunch before embarking on a trek through the serene forest towards the first camp. This trek usually takes about 3-4 hours to complete.

After emerging from the dense forest, follow a challenging path that leads you into an expansive savannah filled with towering grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks covered in lichen. Climb up through the vibrant undulating hills beneath the Shira plateau, until you arrive at the camp situated on the plateau's fringe after a trek lasting 5-6 hours. The sight of Kibo looming in the distance from the plateau is truly breathtaking.

You will enjoy a full day exploring the Shira plateau, heading east towards Kibo’s glaciered summit. You can also choose to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, which is the eldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Your destination is Camp at an altitude of 12,600 feet. Shira stands as one of the highest plateaus globally. The trekking duration, excluding any additional side trips, is approximately 3 hours. The elevation ascends from 3860m to 4200m, or 12,700ft to 13,800ft, covering a distance of 7km in about 4 hours. This leg of the journey takes you through the Alpine desert habitat. Following breakfast, we will depart from Barranco and proceed along a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall en route to the Karanga Valley.

Altitude (m): Starting at 3840m, climbing to 4630m, then descending to 3860m. Altitude (ft): Equivalent to 12,950ft. Hiking Duration: Approximately 6-7 hours. Environment: Alpine desert terrain. Departing from the Shira Plateau, our path leads eastward along a ridge, passing the intersection towards the summit of Kibo. Progressing further, we alter our course to the southeast, heading towards the Lava Tower, known as the "Shark's Tooth." Following the tower, we reach a second crossroads, guiding us upwards to the Arrow Glacier at an elevation of 4876m/15,997ft. Descending next, we arrive at the Barranco region situated at an altitude of 3860m/12,664ft. This campsite is distinguished by the abundance of senecio and lobelia plants in its vicinity, creating a distinctive atmosphere.

Altitude: From 3,860 meters to 4,200 meters. Altitude in feet: From 12,700 feet to 13,800 feet. Trek Distance: Covering a 7-kilometer stretch. Estimated Hiking Time: Approximately 4 hours. Terrain: Alpine desert. Following breakfast, we'll depart from Barranco and proceed along a challenging ridge, including navigating the Barranco Wall, until we reach the Karanga Valley. Upon arrival at the campsite, lunch will be served, and you can unwind in the evening as dinner is prepared in readiness for the next day's trek.

Altitude: 4,630 meters. Estimated hiking duration: 4-5 hours. Departing from Karanga, the journey progresses along a moraine ridge, allowing for a leisurely pace to fully appreciate the breathtaking vistas of the southern glaciers and winding glacial valleys cascading down the slopes of the mountain. The concluding stretch to Barafu involves a notably steep climb, necessitating a cautious and deliberate approach. Similar to the previous day, arrival at the campsite is anticipated around midday, affording ample time for relaxation and preparation. Later in the evening, your guide will provide a briefing in readiness for the ultimate ascent. (Accommodation includes full board.)

Begin your day early by witnessing the sunrise from the peak, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours from Crater Camp. Following a brief stay at the top, make your way down the gently inclining crater rim towards Stella Point, situated at 19,000 feet (5,790 meters). From there, descend via the Mweka Route, navigating a steep scree slope until you reach Barafu at 15,100 feet (4,600 meters) for a well-deserved lunch break. Later in the day, continue your descent through the heather zone until you reach Mweka Camp, where you will spend the night. The entire trekking duration spans from 8 to 10 hours.

After leaving the camp, you can look forward to a leisurely 4 to 5-hour trek to reach the gate. Once you arrive at the gate, you have the option to either take a scenic drive to Arusha town or head directly to the airport. Another exciting possibility is to consider joining our guided safari tours to Serengeti and Ngorongoro, which are scheduled to depart the following day.