Mt Kilimanjaro Trek - Lemosho Route

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Register at the gate office, and start the hike with a gradual ascent and a slight descent into the Lemosho Glades. Enter the lush rainforest and listen to the sounds of many exotic birds. Spot monkeys such as the black and white colobus - these monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. Spend the day in the gorgeous and fascinating forested slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro, most of which is considered to be a rainforest zone. End the day at the Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite, within the upper reaches of the montane forest zone.

Rise early and tackle a steep climb to head out of the montane forest zone and into the moorland zone. Admire trees such as the Giant Heather and Erica. Embark on a challenging hiking day with a trek over the Shira ridge at 3,500m (11,483 ft), where, on a clear day, have direct views of Kibo, the peak and ultimate goal of the adventure. From there, descend to the Shira plateau and set up at Shira 1 Camp, located next to a stream.

Traverse the Shira plateau. Ascend gently through the lower alpine moorland, which is notable for beautiful wild alpine flowers and the unique giant lobelia and giant groundsel (senecio kilimanjari) plants.

Climb slowly through the rocky terrain to the Lava Tower (4600m, 15,092 ft) from the Shira 2 Camp. The route becomes increasingly challenging and steep. Some hikers might start to feel weak or short of breath from the altitude so go slowly— “pole pole” as they say in Swahili—to avoid exasperating the symptoms.

Descend from the Lava Tower 650m (2133 ft) to the Great Barranco Valley. Hike about 2 hours to reach the valley, acclimate to the elevation and take in the view of the Western Breach and Breach Wall along the way. Reach the Barranco Camp and enjoy the beautiful landscape as a reward for the day’s difficult hike. The Breach Wall surrounds the Camp on three sides and the area has an amazing view of hanging glaciers and the Kibo massif.

Start the steady hike up the eastern side of the Great Barranco Wall. On the way to the Karanga Camp (4100m, 13,451 ft), pass below the Heim Glacier and through the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. Depending on the weather, enjoy the fantastic view of Mt. Kilimanjaro from the Heim Glacier.

Trek through the Karanga Valley to the Barafu Camp at 4600m (15,092ft). The trail through the alpine desert is dry, barren, and temperatures will get colder after leaving the valley camp. The Barafu Camp is on a narrow ridge with no barriers from the wind, but with a beautiful view of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Take some time before dark to get familiar with the camp area to avoid any accidents later.

Wake up call today is at 11pm in order to reach Stella Point (5756m, 18,885 ft) in time for the spectacular view of the sunrise (depending on weather). Enjoy a snack and warm drink and get ready for the ascent in the dark up the northwest scree. Go slowly as the terrain is rocky and difficult, pass between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers before arriving at Stella Point.

Start the 1 hour, gradual ascent to Uhuru peak (5895m, 19341 ft) along the snow-covered trail. Temperatures near the summit can range from -23° C (-9°f) in the morning to just below freezing overnight. Arrive at the summit at last! Take a deep breath and celebrate a successful climb.

Begin the descent from the summit towards the Barafu camp, where the group will pack up and enjoy a quick rest. The route down will use the same rock and scree path as the ascent and will pass back through moorland and forest terrain. Reach Mweka hut in the late afternoon.

Hike downhill to the Mweka Gate. Enjoy the lower altitude and the view of the forested slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. The route can be muddy underfoot so take care. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village for lunch, normally a muddy 1 hour hike. Upon arrival to Moshi in the afternoon, relax, or opt to have that much-deserved shower and congratulatory beverage.

Walk back to the Mweka village for lunch. The route is typically muddy but doesn’t take long.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

This project is supported by the Planeterra Foundation and G Adventures. Women and girls are often the first to be excluded from educational programs in Tanzania, with most girls being pulled out of school by Grade 3 to help out around the home. Our ground partners provide free adult business education for women in Moshi, and Planeterra and G Adventures have rented a cooperative space to allow these students to practice their academic skills and save income to start their own business. Feel free to shop for for souvenirs and speak to the women who run the cooperative about their lives and how the project has assisted in building a brighter future.