Kilimanjaro Trekking – Lemosho Route (8 Days/7 Nights)

After breakfast, depart for Lemosho Gate (about a 2-hour drive) to start your Kilimanjaro journey. Once registration is complete, begin trekking through the lush rainforest, surrounded by vibrant plant life and sounds of nature. The hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 meters) takes about 5-6 hours.

• Elevation: 2,100m (Lemosho Gate) to 2,780m (Mti Mkubwa Camp)
• Habitat: Rainforest

Set up camp upon arrival, enjoy a hot meal, and rest under the starry skies. (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Following a hearty breakfast, continue the trek toward Shira 1 Camp (3,600 meters). This 5-6 hour hike offers breathtaking views as you move from rainforest to open moorland. Along the way, admire unique vegetation such as giant lobelias and senecios.

• Elevation: 2,780m (Mti Mkubwa Camp) to 3,600m (Shira 1 Camp)
• Habitat: Moorland

Arrive at Shira 1 Camp and take time to acclimate while soaking in panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Begin your day trekking across the Shira Plateau, heading towards Lava Tower (4,630 meters), the highest point for the day and a critical acclimatization stop. After a lunch break, descend to Barranco Valley Camp (3,950 meters), following the "climb high, sleep low" strategy to aid acclimatization.

• Elevation: 3,600m (Shira 1 Camp) to 4,630m (Lava Tower), then down to 3,950m (Barranco Valley Camp)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert and Valley

(Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Start with a challenging ascent up the Barranco Wall, which involves some hand scrambling, then continue on terrain covered with loose scree. Descend to Karanga Valley Camp (3,930 meters), offering a shorter yet vital trek for altitude acclimatization.

• Elevation: 3,950m (Barranco Camp) to 3,930m (Karanga Valley Camp)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

(Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Departing from Karanga Valley, trek along a steady incline to reach Barafu Hut (4,600 meters). As the final camp before the summit attempt, Barafu Hut marks the end of the Southern Circuit. Rest here in preparation for the early morning summit climb.

• Trekking Distance: 6 km
• Trek Duration: Approximately 3 hours
• Terrain: Alpine Desert
• Elevation: 3,930m (Karanga Valley Camp) to 4,600m (Barafu Hut)

(Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today is the most challenging yet rewarding part of the journey. Your summit attempt begins around 1:00 AM, as you ascend through volcanic scree towards Stella Point (5,752 meters). The ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), Kilimanjaro's highest point, takes around 5-6 hours, with a magnificent sunrise welcoming you at the summit. Along the crater rim, you’ll pass ice cliffs and glaciers, adding to the breathtaking views.

After reaching Uhuru Peak, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters), your final camp on the mountain.

Key Details:

• Highest Point: 5,895 meters (Uhuru Peak)
• Trekking Distance: 20 kilometers (7 km ascent, 13 km descent)
• Trek Duration: 12-15 hours (6-8 hours ascent, 6-7 hours descent)
• Environment: Alpine desert, volcanic scree, ice-capped summit
• Elevation Change: 4,600 meters to 3,100 meters

(Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After a restful night at Mweka Camp, begin your final descent through the lush rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. The scenic trail leads to Mweka Gate (1,800 meters), marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure. From the gate, a short drive through coffee plantations and banana farms brings you back to Moshi for a well-deserved celebration.

Key Details:

• Trekking Distance: 8 kilometers
• Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
• Environment: Montane forest
• Elevation Change: 3,100 meters to 1,800 meters

(Meal Plan: Breakfast)