7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro on Lemosho Route Itinerary

Day 0 Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, you will be picked up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi.

Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed. Please note that the accommodation for this day is not included but can be booked for an extra supplement.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 1 Drive to Londorossi Park Gate and start hiking

Your tour starts with a drive from your hotel in Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate. When you arrive at the little wooden village, you’ll have some registration formalities to complete before proceeding. Your hike begins in the beautiful Lemosho Glade, which is inhabited by buffalo and elephants. There is a chance that an armed ranger may accompany you on the first part of your hike in case any of the larger wildlife has been spotted in the area. You’ll follow the forested track up to Mti Mkubwa Campsite.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (2,650m / 8,694’)
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, 6 km, 820m of elevation gain
Meals: Lunch, dinner

Day 2 Trek out of the forest and up Shira Ridge

Today should be a beautiful day as you trek out of the forest and up to the dramatic Shira Ridge. Enjoy the expansive scenery as you walk through the moorland heather through the valley and across several streams to Shira 2 Camp.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,810m / 12,500’)
Distance: 7 to 8 hours, 16 km, 1200m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Adjust to the altitude, hike to the Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

As you trek out of the Shira Plateau you’ll begin experiencing even higher altitudes. Tonight, you’ll be using the hike high and sleep low strategy to get acclimatized to the elevation. You’ll also have a chance to see the Lave Tower, which is a “shark tooth” shaped rock outcropping on your route.
Overnight Location: Camping in Mount Kilimanjaro (3,900m / 12,795’)
Distance: 5 to 6 hours, 8 km, 90m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Climb the Barranco Wall and trek through Karanga Valley

It’s you against the wall today as you challenge yourself to climb over the infamous Barranco Wall. It’s a very steep climb to the top, but you’ll enjoy the view! As you descend into the Karanga Valley, prepare for one more steep hike up to Karanga Camp before you can rest for the night.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,995m / 13,160’)
Distance: 3 to 4 hours, 5 km, 95m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Hike to Barafu Camp

By the end of this morning, you’ll have completed the South Circuit route. This means you’ve been able to see views of the summit from nearly all the angles. When you arrive at camp there will be an early dinner so that you can squeeze in as many hours of sleep as you can before your midnight wake-up call.
Overnight Location: Camping in Mount Kilimanjaro (4,673m / 15,331’)
Distance: 3 to 4 hours, 4 km, 650m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Final hike to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak

Sometime after midnight, you’ll begin your push to the summit! The trail that leads you past Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers and up to Stella Point is steep with heavy scree that makes the footing difficult, so take your time. Your challenging morning will be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise while you rest at Stella Point. From here, it’s about an hour up the snowy track to the top of Uhuru Peak. Celebrate at the summit for a few moments as you take in the sights from Africa’s highest point!

There is still a long day ahead on the trail as you begin your descent down to Mweka Camp, which is at a much more comfortable elevation.
Overnight Location: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3100m / 10,170’)
Distance: 10 to 13 hours, 16 km, 1195m of ascent and 2795m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 Hike to Mweka Gate and return to Moshi

Share your summit stories as you hike back down into the rainforest. Keep your eyes open for monkeys as you walk down to Mweka Gate and receive your summit certificate. A driver will be waiting there for you to take you back to Moshi. Well done!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 3 to 4 hours, 10 km, 1410m of descent
Meals: Breakfast