Lemosho Route 8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your lead guide for comprehensive trek briefing covering route details, altitude acclimatization, equipment requirements, and what to expect each day. Equipment check and opportunity to rent any missing gear. Welcome dinner with Q&A session. Rest well before your adventure.

Early departure for scenic 3-hour drive to Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro's western side. Complete registration while crew organizes gear. Drive further through farmland to trail head. Begin trek through pristine montane rainforest - notably quieter and more remote than eastern routes. Wind through dense vegetation with towering moss-covered trees. Excellent wildlife spotting including colobus monkeys and forest birds. Arrive at Forest Camp (Mti Mkubwa) for first mountain night. Distance: 7km, Elevation gain: +650m. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Continue climbing through transitional zone from rainforest to moorland. Vegetation changes dramatically - massive trees give way to heathers and alpine plants. Cross streams and traverse ridges as views open up. Emerge onto western edge of Shira Plateau with spectacular panoramas. This high-altitude plateau is one of highest on earth. From Shira 1 Camp, enjoy sunset views across vast plateau with Kibo Peak rising ahead. Distance: 8km, Elevation gain: +750m. Hiking time: 5-6 hours.

Excellent acclimatization day with gentle trek across magnificent Shira Plateau. Route heads east with stunning 360-degree views. On clear days, see Mount Meru west and Kibo/Mawenzi peaks ahead. Relatively flat terrain with gentle undulations - perfect for altitude adjustment while enjoying spectacular scenery. Cross heart of this collapsed volcanic caldera spanning 13 square kilometers. Explore volcanic formations and unique high-altitude environment. Shira 2 Camp sits at eastern plateau edge with impressive Kibo views. Distance: 7km, Elevation gain: +350m. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Critical "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization day. Leave Shira Plateau trekking east toward imposing Lava Tower (4,630m). Trail climbs through alpine desert with dramatic rock formations and southern glacier views. Reach Lava Tower for lunch - many experience altitude symptoms here, which is normal and expected for acclimatization. After lunch, descend 670m into Great Barranco Valley through surreal Senecio forest with giant groundsels. Sleeping lower after climbing high optimizes acclimatization. Distance: 10km, Elevation: +780m/-670m. Hiking time: 6-8 hours.

Morning begins with thrilling Barranco Wall ascent - 257m rock face providing exciting scramble. Looks intimidating but is non-technical with good handholds. Summit the wall for stunning panoramic views of Kilimanjaro's southern face. Trail continues with ascents and descents through alpine desert, traversing ridges and valleys. Pass lunar-like landscape with volcanic rock and spectacular glacier views above. Karanga Camp is last water point before summit, sitting on ridge with excellent views ahead. Distance: 5km, Elevation gain: +35m. Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Crucial summit preparation day. Trail climbs steadily through barren alpine desert as vegetation disappears completely. Landscape increasingly rocky and exposed with altitude gain. Connect with Mweka descent route before reaching Barafu Camp at 4,673m. Camp sits on exposed ridge - Barafu means "ice" in Swahili. Upon arrival, rest, hydrate, and prepare all summit gear. Early dinner at 5pm and attempt sleep before 11pm wake-up for midnight summit bid. Mental preparation as important as physical. Distance: 4km, Elevation gain: +678m. Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Wake midnight for hot drinks and snacks. Begin demanding ascent through steep volcanic scree toward Stella Point (5,756m) on crater rim. Most mentally and physically challenging section - steep switchbacks, freezing temperatures, thin air. Progress slow with frequent breaks. Reach Stella Point at sunrise - incredibly emotional achievement. Final hour along crater rim past spectacular glaciers to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Roof of Africa! Summit celebration and photos, then long descent to Barafu for rest and lunch. Continue to Mweka Camp through multiple zones. Your excellent acclimatization aids descent comfort. Summit: 5-7 hours, Total: 12-16 hours. Distance: 17km, Elevation: +1,222m/-2,795m.

Celebratory final descent through lush montane rainforest. Trail descends steadily through increasingly thick vegetation as air warms and oxygen enriches. Beautiful moss-covered trees, ferns, bird songs. Spot colobus monkeys in canopy. Trail can be slippery - poles help tired knees. Energy and strength return with altitude loss. Reach Mweka Gate for park sign-out and summit certificate presentation - gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Stella Point. Vehicle transfer to hotel for celebration, hot shower, and rest. Distance: 10km, Elevation loss: -1,460m. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.