Climb Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to hotel

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Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you will be greeted by one of our team and then driven to your lodge in Arusha where you can freshen up and relax into Tanzania.

After breakfast in your hotel you will be given an overall briefing from your guide. At 9am you will be met by our staff, who will drive you several hours to the Western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro and to the Londrossi Gate, where our guides and porters will prepare and pack the equipment and supplies Once at the gate you will be given a packed lunch and after registration with the Kilimanjaro Park office, we will drive for another 45mins to Lemosho Glades where your trek will begin with ascending into the rainforest. You will ascend for approx. 3 hours in dense rain forest which could be very wet and muddy so be ready with your gaiters and trekking poles. During the trek we will have a break and you can enjoy the rest your packed lunch. We will reach the Mti Mkubwa Camp also known as 'Big Tree' Camp in late afternoon. After arrival, you will be taken to your camp and tent which has already been set up by the porters who ran ahead, where you will be greeted with boiled drinking water and hot washing water. Once you have freshened up and settled in, a hot dinner will be served in the mess-tent.  

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• Elevation: 2.360m to 2.895m
• Distance: 6km
• Trek time: 3-4 hours
• Climate: Mountain Forest

Today's hike is a long one.  There are some steep stretches as you traverse around and over the lava flows that make up the outer flanks of the Shira crater. You'll leave the forest zone a short while out of the camp and enter the heathland with the giant heather trees and St John's wort bushes.. The vegetation thins out to moorland habitat at the crater rim. then a short descent followed by a fairly flat stroll to camp. The camp is  on the western side of the Shira plateau. Late afternoons will often bring breath-taking first views of Kibo.  

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• Elevation: 3500m - 4200m
• Distance: 13km
• Trekking time: 6 hours
• Moorland

The first few of hours today' trek are nice and easy, walking over blessedly flat terrain. You'll then leave the busier main trail which heads over to Shira 2 camp. Your guide will take along a very quiet alternative trail that will bring you toward the Lent hills. There's a couple of hours gradual ascent up to Moir camp, tucked in at the head of a valley. The afternoon can be spent taking a further acclimatisation hike up to the top of the lower Lents where you should have fabulous views over the Shira plateau and see Kili's little sister, Mount Meru, poking out through the clouds. Taking this alternative route and camp will aid your acclimatisation.  

• Elevation: 3500m - 4200m
• Trekking time: 5 -6 hours
• Distance: 13km
• Moorland

Leaving this wonderfully quiet camp your trail starts to skirt around the southern slopes of Kibo.  You'll join the trails coming from the Shira camps where Lemosho and Machame  combine as 1 trail. The route passes Lava Tower a basalt plug over 60m high,. Here, if you're lucky, you'll have views of the Western Breach. This is your high point today. After a hot lunch at Lava Tower the trails descends down into the Barranco valley a stunning valley studded with giant groundsels and giant lobelia.

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The morning climb today is a highlight for many. Scaling the Barranco wall. It can look daunting from camp, especially when you see the first porters negotiating the scrambles. It's not a difficult ascent and your guides will give you loads of help on the scrambly bits. Once you reach the top you'll hopefully be rewarded with an awesome view of the Kibo massif which suddenly appears alarmingly close. From here it's an undulating trail that leads you to the Karanga valley. There's just the valley to cross and you'll reach Karanga camp. Should the clouds part, you'll enjoy great views over the plains and of Kibo itself.

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You'll have a short, breathy walk, today following a mostly steady gradient up to Barafu camp. A hot lunch to pack in the energy for the summit bid. Plenty of time to prepare your kit and rest before your dinner and an early night.

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The wake-up tea will be served at 11:30pm with the departure at midnight. After a hot drink and some biscuits we will start the challenge for the summit. Our initial 6 hour climb begins in the dark with only our headlamps and guides to show us the way through the thick scree and winding pathways of Ratzel and Rebmann Glaciers until we reach Stella Point. Many say this is the most challenging part of the entire climb but you will be rewarded with what is perhaps the most emotional and beautiful sunrise you have seen or ever will see in your life.

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After taking some pictures at the sign, and a short rest we will join the last part of the Marangu route to continue 1–2 more hours to reach your ultimate goal – the summit – the highest peak of Africa – Uhuru Peak at 5.985m. Congratulations!! You are now standing on the 'Roof of Africa'. Our guides will take pictures of you at the world famous Uhuru sign and post it on Facebook for your family and friends at home.

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We will descend through sliding scree and winding pathways for about 3 hours back to Barafu Camp. On reaching the camp you will have the chance for a longer break before we start the next descent to Mweka Camp. Trekking poles are very useful in this part of the descent. In the camp you will have a last fantastic view on the summit – finding it hard to believe that only a few hours ago you were stood at the top. And after this long day, you can enjoy your dinner and your last day on the mountain.

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• Elevation: 4.600m to 5.732 to 5.895m to 3.100m
• Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent - 7-8 hours descent
• Distance:  7 km ascent - 23km descent
• Climate: Stone screed and ice field – glaciers

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Feeling refreshed this morning, you'll have time to thank your crew after breakfast. Then it's the final descent down to Mweka Gate. You'll pass back through the heath and forest zones. Look out for colobus monkeys !  At the gate your guide will arrange your certificates and our driver will be ready to whisk you away to your hotel for a lovely long hot shower and an evening of celebration.

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If your time in Africa ends today our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked with KCC for a safari or a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb into your next Tanzanian adventure.