Safari Overview

The six day Lemosho route variation is not recommended because it is difficult to cover the distance and elevation in the allotted time. Specifically, on day 2, the journey from Forest Camp to Shira 2, is rather long and has an elevation gain of 3,000 feet. It would not be unusual for climbers to have symptoms of altitude sickness while only on the second day of the climb due to the quick pace.

Secondly, day four combined with day five makes for a very tough schedule. Day four is a full day of trekking from Barranco to Barafu. Then after dinner and a partial night’s sleep, the very long and strenuous summit day begins around midnight. The 6 day Lemosho route requires 19-24 hours of demanding walking, at extremely high elevation, with only 4-6 hours of sleep.

6-Day-Mt-Kilimanjaro-Climbing-Lemosho-Route.

Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time:3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Pick up from your hotel in Arusha and drive to Londorossi Gate, which takes about another 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 12,500ft
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time 8-10 hours
Habitat: Moorland
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. From here, it is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.

Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to Arusha for your overnight at your hotel

End of Tour

Tour Includes

  • Overnight stays in mountain Huts
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
  • Mountain Equipment, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tents, Porters, Guides and Chef
  • Tents, Table and Chairs, Food utensils and so on.
  • All Park fees
  • Rescue fees
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
  • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Crisis management and safety procedures
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters.

Tour Excludes

  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodation in Arusha
  • Tanzania Visa
  • Gratuity
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Meals not listed above
  • Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)