Experience the optimal Kilimanjaro climb with our 8-day private Lemosho route. Break up the trek for better rest and tackle the summit with more energy. Highly recommended by top operators.
Experience the optimal Kilimanjaro climb with our 8-day private Lemosho route. Break up the trek for better rest and tackle the summit with more energy. Highly recommended by top operators.
Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
•Distance: 6 km
•Hiking Time:3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart 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…
Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
•Distance: 6 km
•Hiking Time:3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart 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, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1
Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
•Distance: 8 km
•Hiking Time 5-6 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.
Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
•Distance: 14 km
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
•Habitat: Moorland
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 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.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
•Distance: 7 km
•Hiking Time: 4-6 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.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
•Distance: 5km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
•Distance: 4 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro - •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 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.
Mweka Camp to Moshi
Mount Kilimanjaro - •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 hotel in Moshi.
- Private transportation
- Camping items
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Private transportation
- Camping items
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Pick up from Arusha per person 50$
- Personal Expenses
- Pick up from Arusha per person 50$
- Personal Expenses
The eight-day Lemosho path option is highly recommended as an ideal plan for this route. With the 8-day Lemosho itinerary, the journey from Barranco to Barafu is divided into two days, providing a shorter day just before the challenge of the summit attempt. This is significant because the summit day commences very early, approximately at midnight,…
The eight-day Lemosho path option is highly recommended as an ideal plan for this route. With the 8-day Lemosho itinerary, the journey from Barranco to Barafu is divided into two days, providing a shorter day just before the challenge of the summit attempt. This is significant because the summit day commences very early, approximately at midnight, causing climbers to be sleep-deprived on the most difficult day of the climb. By incorporating a shorter day ahead, climbers can get better rest. Most esteemed Kilimanjaro operators strongly endorse this eight-day Lemosho route.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.