Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet our mountain guide for a briefing and mountain gear check. Then, drive to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. We then proceed to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin the hike through an undisturbed forest that winds its way to the first camp, Ready to start your 7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Lemosho Route
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp
Altitude: 9,498 to 11,500 feet.
Distance: 8km/ 5miles
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Health
We continue on the trail that leads out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks draped with lichen barbs. Climbing through the lush hills and crossing several streams, we reach Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira Camp 1. Here we get our first glimpse of Kibo on the other side of the plateau.
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp
Altitude: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Walking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
From the Shira Plateau, we continue eastwards up a ridge, passing the junction to Kibo Peak.
Continuing, our direction changes to the southeast towards the lava tower, called “Shark’s Tooth” (altitude 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we reach the second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to Barranco Camp. Although you end the day at about the same altitude as you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance to climb: 5km/3mi
Climbing time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction to the Mweka Trail.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance to go: 4km/2mi
Climbing time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
We continue to Barafu Camp. You have completed the southern circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we set up camp, rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for summit day.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Descent to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Rocky scree and ice-covered summit
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Early in the morning (midnight to 2 a.m.) we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head northwest and climb through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point you will take a short break and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you have ever seen. Faster hikers can see the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow throughout your hour-long climb to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent!
From the summit, we begin our descent by continuing straight down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want to wear gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the way down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain ending the 6th day of your 7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Lemosho Route
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we continue downhill to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower altitudes, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will be useful. Shorts and t-shirts will probably suffice (keep rain gear and warmer clothes handy). Meet our guide at the gate for transfer to Arusha for dinner and overnight or late flight according to your budget and schedule Marking the end of your 7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Lemosho Route