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Climbing Specialist

Drive to Lemosho Gate (2,385 meters) for registration.
Begin trekking through the lush rainforest.
Pass through vibrant flora and possibly spot wildlife like monkeys.
Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750 meters).
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, depart Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Trek through the moorland with scenic views of Kilimanjaro.
Cross the Shira Plateau, a vast expanse of high-altitude desert.
Arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,810 meters) for dinner and overnight stay.
Hiking time: 6-7 hours.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Leave Shira 2 Camp and ascend towards the Lava Tower.
Reach Lava Tower (4,600 meters) for acclimatization.
Descend to Barranco Camp (3,950 meters) via the Barranco Wall.
The Barranco Wall is challenging but exhilarating.
Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Dinner and overnight stay at Barranco Camp.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

Start the day with a hearty breakfast.
Climb the Barranco Wall, assisted by your guide and porters.
Traverse through the Karanga Valley, a relatively short trek.
Arrive at Karanga Camp (3,995 meters) for lunch.
Spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing.
Dinner and overnight stay at Karanga Camp.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Depart Karanga Camp after breakfast.
Ascend to Barafu Camp (4,600 meters), the final base camp.
The terrain becomes more rocky and barren as you near the summit.
Rest and hydrate at Barafu Camp, preparing for the summit push.
Enjoy an early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Wake up around midnight for a light snack and hot beverage.
Start the summit attempt under the starry sky.
Trek up steep switchbacks to Stella Point (5,685 meters).
Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa.
Witness the breathtaking sunrise from the summit.
Descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and brunch.
Continue descending to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters).
Enjoy your last evening on the mountain, celebrating your achievement with your team.
Hiking time: 12-14 hours to the summit, 4-6 hours descent to Mweka Camp.

Day 7: Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest.
Arrive at Mweka Gate (1,650 meters) where you'll receive your summit certificates.
Bid farewell to your guides and porters.
Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Celebrate your successful climb with a hot shower and a well-deserved meal.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing via Lemosho route

Razan Safaris

After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge past the Shira 1 camp and on to the Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 16km/10mi
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. 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.


Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Climbing Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

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).

Razan Safaris vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

Kilimanjaro Climbing 6 days Lemosho route

Horizon Seeker Adventure

Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp.
Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft.
Distance: 6 km.
Hiking Time:3-4 hours.
Habitat: Rain Forest.
Full board at Forest camp Know as {Big tree Camp}
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Londorossi National Park gate, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho road head. We often have our lunch in the glades before starting to walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. This area has a variety of game, including buffalo. We camp at Lemosho Forest Camp Know as {Big tree Camp} 7,800 ft.

KILIMANJARO – FOREST

Forest Camp to Shira One Camp.
Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft.
Distance: 8 km.
Hiking Time 5-6 hours.
Habitat: Moorland.
Full Board at Shira One Camp
We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in! We camp in the center of the plateau at Shira One (11,500 ft).

FOREST CAMP – SHIRA 1

Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut.
Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft.
Distance: 14 km.
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.
Habitat: Moorland.
Full Board at Shira 2 camp.
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we Stay at shira 2 camp or continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity.
Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. You might have an option of spending the night at Shira 2 camp or Moir Hut a relatively long hike and significant altitude gain, today is a short day and you arrive in Shira 2 camp in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatization with the option of an afternoon walks with your guides.

SHIRA 1 – SHIRA 2 OR MOIR HUT.

Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp or Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco.
Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft.
Distance: 7 km.
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.
Habitat: Semi Desert.
Full Board at Shira 2 or Moir Hut camp
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower (14,900 ft), we descend to the bottom of the Barranco Valley to camp at Barranco Camp (12,790 ft), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below.

SHIRA 2 – BARRANCO CAMP VIA LAVA TOWER.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft.
Distance: 5km.
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Full Board at Karanga Camp.
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to Karanga Camp (13,100 ft), the last water point on the way to the summit.

BARAFU CAMP – KARANGA

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.
Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft.
Distance: 4 km.
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Full Board at Barafu Hut Camp.
We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch. There is a short acclimatization walk to the plateau at the bottom of the southeast valley. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the early morning final ascent.

KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP

Barafu Camp to Crater camp.
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft.
Distance: 6 km ascent / 12 km descent.
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent.
Habitat: Arctic.
Full Board at Mweka hut Camp.
Unlike other routes with a night time ascent, your hike selection affords you a day time ascent to Kibo crater. The going is slow but with constant encouragement from your climb team the rim of Kibo is reached before descending a little way into the caldera to Crater camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing and short walks can be taken with one of your guides.

BARAFU CAMP – CRATER

After a night in the crater, you now have the shortest final summit bid of any route. With such a short distance to the summit from the crater (around 1 hour) means that timing arrival with the sunrise is much easier and quite spectacular. The summit of Kilimanjaro is the top of the highest freestanding mountain in the world. After your summit bid you then descend for a final night on the mountain at Mweka Camp passing back through the heath zone. Endemic Proteas, pollinated by Malachite Sunbirds are plentiful.
Overnight Mweka Camp (breakfast- lunch – dinner).

KILIMANJARO – MWEKA

Mweka Camp to Arusha or Moshi.
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft.
Distance: 10 km.
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Rain Forest.
Half Board.
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).
Horizon Seeker Adventure vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.

MWEKA CAMP - ARUSHA Or MOSHI

Kilimanjaro's Lemosho route in 9 days

After breakfast, depart Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Trek through the moorland with scenic views of Kilimanjaro.
Cross the Shira Plateau, a vast expanse of high-altitude desert.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,810 meters) for dinner and overnight stay.
Hiking time: 6-7 hours.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Ascend through the moorland, enjoying expansive views of the Shira Plateau.
Reach Shira 2 Camp at 3,810 meters, situated near the Shira Cathedral.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp toshira 2 Camp

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3,810m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp.
Enjoy stunning views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.
Descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters.
Hiking time: 6-7 hours.

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3,810m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (3,995m)

Climb the Barranco Wall, a challenging yet exhilarating ascent.
Traverse the Karanga Valley to reach Karanga Camp at 3,995 meters.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (3,995m)

Ascend to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt.
The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you approach the high camp.
Rest and prepare for the summit bid.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Day 7: Karanga Camp (3,995m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Start the summit attempt around midnight to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Trek in darkness under starlight and headlamps, following the switchbacks of the steep scree.
Reach the summit at sunrise and celebrate your achievement.
Descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch.
Continue descending to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters.
Hiking time: 11-15 hours.

Day 8: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Descend through the lush rainforest, enjoying the oxygen-rich air and abundant vegetation.
Reach Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificates.
Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved celebration and rest.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Kilimanjaro 9days via Lemosho route

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Simba Camp to Second Cave

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.

Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.

Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you 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 time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Pre-trek Briefing

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Hotel to Simba Camp

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.

Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat:

Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. 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).

A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Horombo Hut to trail head to Moshi hotel

Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

7 days Kilimanjaro Climbing Rongai route

Kitano Tours And Safaris

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
  Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa

Day 1:Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain 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. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Health
  Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

Days 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

You will gain 700m in altitude but descend to sleep at Barranco – 60 m higher than last night’s camp. This will help with acclimatisation as you will go up to 4600 m before descending again. Today begins with a long uphill in the direction of the Lava Tower Hut (4640m) and you will notice how the landscape changes to a rocky alpine desert. Later, the path descends again to the Barranco Valley with its giant Senecias and Lobelias. After six to seven hours you should arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain – the Barranco

Finish: Barranco Camp (3960 m)
Altitude: ↑740m ↓ 680 m
Walking Time: 6-7h
  Accommodation: Shira Camp 2

Days 3: Shira Camp 2 (3900 m)

Today will start with the daunting Barranco Wall. Soon you will realize it looks worse than it actually is, but there are tricky sections where you will need to hold on tight. Admire the views from the top. The rest of the route follows along the mountain ridge into the Karanga valley and out. You reach Karanga Camp after lunch and you will have fantastic views of the southern glacier of Kibo as well as of the Kibo summit.

Finish: Karanga Camp (4035 m)
Altitude: ↑ 100 m ↓ 25 m
Walking Time: 3-4h
  Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Days 4: Barranco Camp (3960 m)

A few hours hiking through desolate and rocky moon-like landscape lies ahead. It will be a relatively easy day leading steadily uphill. The goal for today is the Barafu campsite on a narrow ridge in full view of Mawenzi peak. You will walk along a trail that passes through the afro-alpine dessert until you reach your destination for today –Barafu Camp at 4640 m. Use the rest of the day to relax and pack your daypack for tonight’s summit attempt. Supper will be served early; drink and eat enough if you can and try to sleep. You will be woken up around midnight to start your walk to the summit.

Finish: Barafu Camp (4640 m)
Altitude: ↑ 605 m
Walking Time: 3-4h
  Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Days 5: Karanga Camp (4035 m)

It is dark and cold as you set off just after midnight. You will climb the frozen volcanic dust by headlamp going towards Stella Point on the crater rim – about six hours. The sun should be rising when you arrive here. Just an hour or two more and you will be standing on the highest point of the crater: Uhuru peak. On top of the world! Take a short break for pictures and celebratory hugs before you tackle the steep and dusty descent. By now the volcanic ash will have thawed… You will stop for a short tea break at Barafu and then continue downhill for about three hours to Mweka camp (3080 m). This is your overnight stop. Refuel by drinking lots of fluids and have a good helping at supper time.

Days 6: Barafu Camp (4640 m)

A traditional farewell ceremony from the porters begins the day. After about three hours of comfortably descending through the greenness of the forest, you should reach Mweka gate where the driver will be waiting. Back at the lodge, a hot shower, cold drinks, a debrief and your certificate of achievement are waiting. Well done!

Finish: Mweka Gate (1630 m)
Altitude: ↓ 1450 m
Walking Time: 2-3h
  Accommodation: Moshi

Days 7: Mweka Camp (3080 m)

7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro group Join climb

Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time:3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Full board at Forest camp Know as {Big tree Camp}.
We depart from Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 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, and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site which is Forest camp Know as {Big tree Camp}.

Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Full Board at Shira One Camp
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.

Forest Camp to Shira One Camp

Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Full Board at Shira 2 camp
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we Stay at shira 2 camp or continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
Full Board at Shira 2 or Moir Hut camp
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.

Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp or Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco.

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Full Board at Karanga Camp.
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Full Board at Barafu Hut Camp.
After breakfast, 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.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

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
Full Board at Mweka hut Camp.
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 the 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

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Half Board
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).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.

Mweka Camp to Moshi

Kilimanjaro's Lemosho route in 8 days

Elevation: 2,800 ft (850 m)
Arrive in Moshi and transfer to your hotel. Meet your guides and fellow climbers for a briefing and gear check. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Arrival in Moshi

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft (2,360 m to 2,895 m)
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, rich in wildlife, to reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft (2,895 m to 3,505 m)
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Leave the rainforest and enter the heather and moorland zone. Enjoy the expansive views as you trek across the Shira Plateau to Shira 1 Camp.

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft (3,505 m to 3,810 m)
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Continue across the Shira Plateau, soaking in stunning vistas of Kibo Peak and the Great Rift Valley. Reach Shira 2 Camp for an afternoon of rest and acclimatization.

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft (3,810 m to 4,630 m) to 13,580 ft (4,130 m)
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trek towards the Lava Tower, a significant altitude gain, followed by a descent to Moir Hut, aiding in acclimatization. Optional hikes around the Lent Hills in the afternoon.

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut

Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft (4,130 m to 4,025 m)
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Journey through the remote northern slopes, enjoying the solitude and spectacular views. The trail includes several ascents and descents, perfect for acclimatization. Arrive at Buffalo Camp.

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft (4,025 m to 3,870 m)
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Continue through the northern circuit with gradual ascents and descents, aiding acclimatization. Arrive at Third Cave, a quiet campsite.

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft (3,870 m to 4,750 m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Ascend steadily to School Hut, the final camp before your summit attempt. The terrain becomes more barren and the air thinner. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the midnight summit push.

Third Cave to School Hut

Elevation: 15,600 ft (4,750 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Take an extra day at School Hut for further acclimatization. Explore the area with short hikes to help your body adjust to the altitude. Rest and prepare for the summit night.

Acclimatization Day at School Hut

Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft (4,750 m to 5,895 m) to 10,065 ft (3,070 m)
Distance: 17 km (6 km ascent, 11 km descent)
Hiking Time: 12-15 hours (7-8 hours to Uhuru Peak, 5-7 hours to Mweka Camp)
Habitat: Arctic to Rain Forest
Begin your final ascent around midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak at dawn, the highest point in Africa, and enjoy the breathtaking sunrise. Celebrate and take photos before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.

School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft (3,070 m to 1,640 m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Complete your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Collect your summit certificates and enjoy a farewell lunch. Transfer back to Moshi for a relaxing evening.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

11 days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route

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Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

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