Mt. Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Route

Meet your trekking guide for a group briefing and comprehensive gear check. The rest of the day is free to explore Moshi and take care of any last-minute shopping or gear rentals.

Depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate to complete park formalities. After lunch, begin the trek through lush rainforest along the Lemosho Route, known for its dense vegetation and wildlife. Hike to Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Camp.

Leave the rainforest behind and enter open moorland as you climb toward the Shira Ridge. The route follows exposed ridgelines and crosses several false summits before descending slightly onto the Shira Plateau to reach Shira Camp 1. Expect a more challenging day, rewarded with your first clear views of Kilimanjaro.

After breakfast, hike east across the Shira Plateau and past the Shira Cathedral. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, and the hike to camp takes about four hours. Along the way, pass the first of many giant senecios—Kilimanjaro’s distinctive, otherworldly high-altitude plants—and enjoy wide-open views as the mountain draws closer.

From the Shira Plateau, continue east along a ridge toward Kibo before turning southeast to the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Stop here for a hot lunch and time to acclimatize before descending to Barranco Camp. Although you finish the day at a similar elevation to where you began, this day is key for acclimatization and helps prepare your body for summit.

After breakfast, leave camp and follow a steep ridge toward the Karanga Valley, passing the famous Barranco Wall. The early ascent of the Wall can look intimidating from below, but the climb is manageable, with well-worn paths and guidance from your trekking team. Many hikers find it a fun and rewarding change of pace. After reaching the top, descend slightly before a series of gentle ascents as you make your way to Karanga Camp.

This morning, leave Karanga Camp and reach the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail before ascending to Barafu Camp. Having completed the South Circuit, enjoy changing views of the summit along the way. At this altitude and exposure, temperatures drop noticeably, and there are clear views of both Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive in the afternoon to rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit night.

Very early in the morning, begin the summit push, climbing steadily through switchbacks between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Reach Stella Point at sunrise before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After time at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and continue down to Mweka Camp in the upper forest.

After breakfast, continue the descent through lush forest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. Enjoy a final walk on the mountain, with chances to spot wildlife along the way. Expect wet and muddy trail conditions as you exit the park.

Departure for airport for international flight home or add-on safari.