9 Days Lemosho Route Crater

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa.

We depart Moshi Arusha 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

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp.

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/5 miles
• Hiking Time 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Health

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut.

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail 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 Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch.

• Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
• Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Heath

Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower.

• Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp.

• Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
• Distance: 3 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization. Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization. Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch.

• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch.

• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak.

• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp.

• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

During normal morning hours, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend for several hours at a slow but steady pace while taking frequent, but short, breaks. The trail turns into heavy scree as we make the steep climb to the crater rim. At Stella Point (18,900 ft), we see the summit sign in the distance. We continue the around the crater rim until finally we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

We then descend a short distance to Crater Camp, where the rest of the staff will join us to set up camp. There is an option to hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit, or simply explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. Sleeping at this high altitude can be dangerous. Serious AMS can develop if adequate altitude acclimatization has not been achieved so the guides will monitor you very closely.

Day 8: Crater Camp to Mweka Camp

From Crater Camp, 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 mountain and a well-earned sleep.

• Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Artic

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest