The Lemosho route is one of our top choices for Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking. It offers breathtakingly diverse scenery along the way, and its excellent acclimatization profile contributes to a high summit success rate, making it a popular option.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our friendly driver will warmly greet you. Enjoy a 45 km (40-minute) drive to Kaliwa Lodge.
Set in the rainforest with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Kaliwa Lodge is the perfect place to acclimate to the time zone and recover from jet lag. The lodge offers beautiful rooms, delicious meals, and a spa, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing start to your adventure.
Departing from Kaliwa Moshi, a 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages, offering a glimpse into local life, before reaching the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.
At the gate, we will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while observing the hustle and bustle of operations as various crews prepare for their journeys ahead.
As we begin our trek, you’ll enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and the windy trails. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the local flora, fauna, and the natural wildlife that thrives in this lush environment.
At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery, so we highly recommend wearing gaiters and using trekking poles to maintain stability and comfort as you navigate the terrain.
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path. As we leave the forest behind, the trail climbs steadily, offering expansive views. Our goal is to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau, where the landscape opens up dramatically.
As we ascend, temperatures begin to drop, signaling the shift to higher altitudes and a more challenging environment. The stunning views and changing terrain make this a memorable part of the journey.
We spend a full day exploring the Shira Plateau, with a gentle walk heading east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak across the plateau. This route leads us to Shira 2 Camp, set amidst moorland meadows by a stream.
From Shira 2 Camp, we continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. Various walks are available on Lent Hill, making it an excellent opportunity for acclimatization while enjoying panoramic views.
The Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on Earth, offering an awe-inspiring landscape and an excellent environment to help you adjust to the altitude.
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is significant for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo Peak before heading southeast toward the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation: 4650m/15,250ft).
Shortly after passing the Lava Tower, we come to a second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend, eventually reaching Barranco Camp for the night.
Overnight at Barranco Camp.
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall, then make our way down into the Karanga Valley. At the junction, we connect with the Mweka Trail.
This is one of the most impressive days, where you’ll witness your crew’s power, agility, and strength as they zip over the Barranco Wall with what appears to be such ease.
Overnight at Karanga Camp.
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once you have reached it, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles.
After arriving at Barafu Camp, we enjoy an early dinner and take time to rest as we prepare for the challenging summit night ahead.
Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Excitement builds as morning arrives, starting early between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the fantastic sense of accomplishment ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, we ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From here, you will likely encounter snow on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Congratulations, one step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest.
We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye.
We continue descending to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. The weather is drastically warmer, and the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
A vehicle will meet you at the gate, where you will complete the necessary formalities and receive your summit certificates.
Say farewell to your mountain crew and board the waiting vehicle to transport you to your luxury accommodation in Arusha.
Once you arrive, take a well-deserved hot shower and relax. Then, celebrate your successful climb with a delicious dinner and perhaps share stories and memories of your journey.
Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. However, take with you the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. If you choose to continue your adventure with a Tanzania Safari, we’ll take care of all the details for you—ensuring another unforgettable experience!
Kaloleni, Arusha, Tanzania.
Condo Building 1st Floor, Office no. 105
