8 Days lemosho route

From Arusha we drive for 3 hours to Lendorossi gate, after completing the necessary registration formalities at the Lendorossi 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.

• Altitude: 6,890ft (2100m) - 9,200ft (2804m)
• Distance: 3 miles (5 km)
• Trekking Time: 3-4 Hours
• Overnight at Big Tree 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 will have hot lunch mid afternoon on the way, Our camp is located at the center of the plateau, Shira one (11,450 ft)

• Altitude: 9,200ft (2804m) - 11,450ft (3500m)
• Distance: 6 miles ( 10km)
• Trekking Time: 6-8 Hours

An easy day to help acclimatization and to explore the volcanic rock formations of Shira Plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira plateau before reaching the next camp, after lunch you will have the option of the afternoon walk with your guides. We camp at Shira Hut camp (12,600 ft) or if you would like we will go a little bit higher to Moir camp.

From Shira or Moir hut we climb towards the main peak, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert to volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing Western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for mid – way camp at 3,950m/12,900ft. (You will have the options of camping Lava tower or Baracco).

You climb the Great Barranco Wall, which looks more intimidating than it really is, and down into the Karanga Valley. This day has many ups and downs and crosses many small streamsbefore crossing the Karanga River just before camp.

• Hike time: 3.5 hrs.
• Elevation change: +100 m/+328 ft
• Estimated distance: 4km/2.5 miles
• Final elevation: 3,963 m/13,000 ft

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Kossovo camp through Barafu camp where by all other climbers will camp. (Kossovo is our special camp 200m higher than Barafu camp . At this point, you have completed the the Western Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit normally 12.00 Am mid night. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

• Hike time: 3.5 hrs.
• Elevation change: +600 m/+1,968 ft
• Estimated distance: 4km/2.5 miles
• Final elevation: 4,600 m/15,091 ft

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.

We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site , stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. 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 mountainand a well-earned sleep.