8 Days Lemosho Route

After completing registration at Londorossi Gate (2,100m), you drive through the rainforest to the starting point at around 2,360m. The trek begins through pristine montane forest on the western slopes of Kilimanjaro, an area that sees fewer trekkers. The trail is gentle and winding, passing through areas rich with wildlife including blue monkeys and various bird species. The forest is lush and atmospheric, with ancient trees draped in moss and lichen. You arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m), also known as "Big Tree Camp," named after the massive camphor trees in the area.

The trail continues upward through thinning forest as you emerge from the rainforest zone into the moorland. The path becomes rockier and more exposed as the giant heather gives way to alpine desert vegetation. You cross the Shira Ridge and enter the spectacular Shira Plateau, one of the world's largest high-altitude plateaus. The landscape opens up dramatically with expansive views across the plateau and of Kibo Peak in the distance. Shira Camp 1 (3,500m) offers stunning sunset views and your first real sense of being high on the mountain.

Today is a gentle acclimatization hike across the beautiful Shira Plateau. You trek eastward across the plateau, passing ancient volcanic formations and crossing several small streams. The relatively flat terrain allows you to acclimatize while enjoying panoramic views of Kilimanjaro's peaks and the surrounding landscape. You may spot wildlife including eland and buffalo. The afternoon at Shira Camp 2 (3,850m) gives your body time to adjust to the altitude. This camp has spectacular views of the Western Breach and Kibo Peak.

This is a critical acclimatization day following the "climb high, sleep low" principle. You leave the Shira Plateau and trek through increasingly barren alpine desert towards Lava Tower (4,630m), a massive volcanic rock formation. The air becomes noticeably thinner as you gain altitude. After lunch and acclimatization at Lava Tower, you descend through the Senecio and Lobelia-filled Barranco Valley to Barranco Camp (3,960m). This descent helps your body adjust to the high altitude while you sleep lower.

The day starts with the thrilling ascent of the Great Barranco Wall, a 257-meter scramble that looks more challenging than it actually is. No technical climbing skills are needed, but you'll use your hands to pull yourself up in places. From the top, the trail continues along an up-and-down path through alpine desert, crossing several ridges and valleys with spectacular views of the southern glaciers. Karanga Camp (3,995m) sits in a sheltered valley, providing good protection from the wind and a perfect acclimatization stop.

You leave Karanga Valley and climb steadily through increasingly barren landscape. All vegetation disappears as you enter the high-altitude desert zone. The terrain becomes rockier and more exposed as you approach Barafu Camp (4,673m), meaning "ice" in Swahili. The camp is perched on a narrow rocky ridge with steep drops on either side and spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit above. You arrive early afternoon for rest, final equipment checks, and early dinner before the midnight summit attempt.

Summit day begins around midnight. You climb slowly through the darkness, following a zigzag path through heavy scree and loose volcanic gravel. The altitude makes every step challenging, and the cold and wind can be intense. You reach Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim as the sun rises, revealing spectacular views of the glaciers and the crater. The final hour along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, requires mental strength but the reward is immense. After celebrating at the summit, you descend to Barafu for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100m) in the forest zone.

The final descent takes you through beautiful montane rainforest. The trail is well-defined but can be muddy and slippery after rain, so trekking poles are recommended. As you descend, you'll feel the air becoming warmer and richer in oxygen. The forest is alive with birds and monkeys, a stark contrast to the barren summit zone. At Mweka Gate (1,640m), you'll sign out and receive your summit certificate - gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Stella Point. Transportation awaits to take you back to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration.