9 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

After breakfast, we start the climb cross the remaining rain forest towards the giant moorland zone. Today is a full day trek with an altitude gain of 2,000 ft. You will have hot lunch at the camp. After lunch we cross into the Shira Caldera, a high altitude desert plateau that is rarely visited. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro volcanic cones, and is filled with lava flow from Kibo Peak . The crater rim has been decimated by weather and volcanic action. Today you will get your first close views of Kibo – the dramatic summit of Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at Shira one campsite.

After breakfast, we start the climb cross the remaining rain forest towards the giant moorland zone. Today is a full day trek with an altitude gain of 2,000 ft. You will have hot lunch at the camp. After lunch we cross into the Shira Caldera, a high altitude desert plateau that is rarely visited. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro volcanic cones, and is filled with lava flow from Kibo Peak . The crater rim has been decimated by weather and volcanic action. Today you will get your first close views of Kibo – the dramatic summit of Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at Shira one campsite.

After breakfast, we start the climb cross the remaining rain forest towards the giant moorland zone. Today is a full day trek with an altitude gain of 2,000 ft. You will have hot lunch at the camp. After lunch we cross into the Shira Caldera, a high altitude desert plateau that is rarely visited. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro volcanic cones, and is filled with lava flow from Kibo Peak . The crater rim has been decimated by weather and volcanic action. Today you will get your first close views of Kibo – the dramatic summit of Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at Shira one campsite.

On the eastern side of the valley, across the stream is the Barranco Wall – a 9,500 ft. barrier of volcanic rock. Although it is tall and looks steep, it is very easy to climb. This is our first challenge of the day. The views from the wall are nothing less than magnificent. The rest of the day is spent skirting the base of Kibo peak over our left shoulder. We descend down into the Karanga Valley , where we rest up for the night before the tough climb up to Barafu hut. Dinner and overnight ata Karanga camp.

After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects to the famous Mweka Trail. You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s therefore worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.

Dress warmly, because we start climbing around midnight, on the steepest and most demanding part of the mountain. The moon, if out, will provide enough light, and we will reach the crater rim by sunrise, after a 7 hour hike, and welcome a new dawn. From the crater rim, rugged Mawenzi Peak is a thrilling sight, with the Kibo saddle still in darkness beneath you, and the crater’s ice-walls looming ahead. We now continue to Uhuru Peak (1-2 hrs.) This is the highest point in Africa , and the world’s highest solitary peak (19,300 ft). It is the best view in Africa . The descent is invigorating. It is a good idea to have a little rest once in awhile as you continue down back to Barafu camp (4 hours), and then down the Mweka route to Mweka camp (5 hours). This is where we spend our last night on the mountain. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.

In the morning we walk down to the gate of Mweka. This takes about 4hrs. After a welcome lunch, it is time to say thanks and tipping the potters and guides, then drive to Moshi or Arusha for your next destination.