Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Welcome to Tanzania! Arrive Arusha and transfer to your accommodation at Nagare Sero. This evening, you’ll have a comprehensive safety briefing and equipment check with your climbing guide.

Drive to the Londorossi Gate from Arusha. Approaching Kili from the west, the Lemosho Route starts in a rainforest, which is the first of four different ecological zones you encounter on Kilimanjaro. Here you’ll meet your climbing crew and set off at a leisurely pace while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife like monkeys and baboons. After a picnic lunch, camp is reached by mid-afternoon.

7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, 4 miles, approx. 3-4 hours

From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through a juniper forest and then emerge onto a zone of heather and lichen-covered volcanic rock and the expansive Shira Plateau, which used to be Kilimanjaro’s third peak before it collapsed. A picnic lunch is taken on the trail and you arrive in camp mid-afternoon. The view of Kibo (the main peak of Kilimanjaro) is breathtaking from this vantage point.

9,498 ft to 11,500 ft, 5 miles, approx. 5-6 hours

The Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on Earth and this will be one of the most scenic parts of your trip. Crossing the moorland takes three to four hours to get to the lunch point. After lunch, ascend to Moir camp, arriving in the mid-afternoon. If you have the energy, a hike in the late afternoon is possible in the surrounding Lent Hills, an excellent acclimatization opportunity to climb high and then sleep low.

11,500 ft to 13,800 ft, 7 miles, 5-7 hours

From Moir Camp, you will traverse the slopes of Kibo, the highpoint of Kilimanjaro. Relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme conditions of this zone. Lunch is normally taken nearby Lava Tower, an impressive volcanic rock formation. If you feel very strong there is an optional ascent of the 300-foot-tall Lava Tower before descending down to Barranco camp in the afternoon. You’ll encounter giant groundsels and lobelias forming a veritable garden of other-worldly plants. Camping in the Barranco Valley is one of the prettiest sites on the entire trail.

13,800 ft to 15,223 ft (Lava Tower), down to 13,044 ft, 7km, 4-6 hours

Today is a relatively short day to Karanga Camp, but you have to get over the intimidating Barranco Wall first. A steep track leads up and over this imposing ridge and you might just have to use your hands. Once on top, its not so far to Karanga Camp and you should arrive by mid-afternoon. From camp, sunsets here are particularly spectacular, with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering nearly 3000 feet above camp.

13,044 ft to 13,123 ft, 3 miles, 4-5 hours

Today is another shorter day allowing you to fully acclimatize and rest up before your upcoming summit bid. The desolate, high alpine zone feels lunar in character and strong winds often blow right through this camp. When the clouds part, there are often exceptional views of Mawenzi Peak towering above. Dinner is served early to allow plenty of rest ahead of an early summit push.

13,123 ft to 15,288 ft, 2 miles, 4-5 hours

Summit day! Depart high camp just after midnight for your summit push. Patience and a slow pace are key to success. Climbing through the darkness, this will be the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. As the first rays of light streak across the Tanzanian sky, you crest the rim at Stella Point, at 18,652 ft and are rewarded with a glorious sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. From Stella Point there is still some work to do to get to Uhuru Peak, the very Roof of Africa! After a celebration at the summit, begin the long trek down. 15,288 ft to 19,341 ft, 3 miles ascent, 7-8 hours ascent

Go slowly down the scree fields of the upper mountain and enjoy the verdant rainforest as you descend to Mweka Camp, arriving before dusk. With every step the air has more and more oxygen so although your legs will be totally spent your sense of accomplishment will propel you onward. 19,341 ft to 12,467 ft, 7 miles descent, 4-6 hours descent

After a final breakfast on the mountain, you’ll continue to descend through the thickening montane forest. Eventually, you’ll reach Mweka gate where you’ll bid farewell to your climbing crew, and transfer back to your hotel for a hard-earned shower and a dinner celebration!

12,467 ft to 5,380 ft, 6 miles, 3-4 hours

Today is your last day in Arusha that you can spend doing a bit of curio shopping and getting prepped for your international departure home or extended adventures in Africa.