Kilimanjaro Trek Lemosho Route and Crater Camp 9 Days

We depart 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.

Meal Plan: LD Budget

Elevation: 7,742ft to 9,498ft

Distance: 6km / 4miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

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.

Meal Plan: BLD

Elevation: 9,498ft to 11,500ft

Distance: 8km / 5miles

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Heath

We climb from Moir Camp (13,779ft or 4,200 m) to Lava Tower Camp (15,091ft or 4,600 m) in the Alpine Desert Zone. This trek takes approximately 3 hrs. We will spend some time having lunch at Lava Tower Camp. After lunch, we proceed to make our descent towards Barranco Camp (13,066ft or 3,983 m). We have spectacular view of the Barranco Wall. We camp overnight at Barranco Camp.

Meal Plan: Full board

Elevation: 3900miles

Hiking Time: 3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb from Barranco Camp (13,066ft or 3,983 m) to Karanga Camp (13,255ft or 4,040 m).To get to Karanga Camp, we must cross over the Barranco Wall. This climb is not technical and you will have the guides to assist you. This trek takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete. Afterwards we will rest for the remainder of the day. We camp overnight at Karanga Camp.

Meal Plan: Full board

Elevation: 4040m

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb from Karanga Camp (13,255ft or 4,040 m) to Barafu Camp (15,239ft or 4,644 m). This trek takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete. Afterwards we will rest for the remainder of the day. We camp overnight at Barafu Camp.

Meal Plan: Full board

Elevation: 4644m

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Starting at Barafu Camp (15,239ft or 4,644 m) we will begin our summit trek to Uhuru Peak (19,341ft or 5,895m). This trek takes approximately 7 hours to complete. From here onwards, the climbing group has 2 options which will be decided in cooperation by the head guides, and all the climbers on the trek. Option #1: We wake up at 6:00 AM and avoid trekking in the darkness. We will have a short break for lunch when we are nearby the summit. The trek to the summit takes approximately 7 hours. Congratulations on reaching Uhuru Peak (19,341ft or 5,895 m). Spend a few minutes taking pictures and savouring the accomplishment of climbing to the Roof of Africa. After we have spent time at the summit, we will make our descent to Crater Camp (18,800ft or 5,730 m).You will be able to see the Furtwangler Glacier next to Crater Camp. Overnight at Crater Camp. This descent portion takes approximately 1-1.5 hours to complete. The benefit of Option #1 is that we get to reach the summit during the mid-day, when there are the least crowds at the summit. You also get to sleep at Crater Camp next to the Furtwangler Glacier, which is situated next to Kibo’s Ash Pit (the heart of the volcano). Option #2: We wake up at 11:00 PM the night before to prepare for our summit day. We eat breakfast and begin our trek around 12:00 AM (midnight). It takes approximately 7 hours to reach the summit Uhuru Peak (19,341ft or 5,895m). You will be reaching the peak around sunrise. After you have reached the summit and had a snack, you will begin to make your descent back to Barafu Camp. This descent portion takes approximately 3-4 hours.

Meal Plan: Full board

Elevation: 4644m

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Option #1 Continued: Wake up at Crater Camp (18,800ft or 5,730 m) in the Arctic Zone and begin making our descent to Mweka Camp (10,204ft or 3,110 m). This descent portion takes approximately 6-8 hrs. Option #2 Continued: Wake up at Barafu Camp (15,239ft or 3,983m) and continue making our descent to our next camp – Mweka Camp (10,204ft or 3,110 m). This descent portion takes approximately 4-5 hrs. Overnight at Mweka Camp in the Moorland/Heather Zone.

Meal Plan: Full board

Descending Time: Option 1 (6-8 hrs.) Option 2 (4-5 hrs.)

Habitat: Arctic Zone

After breakfast, we continue to climb down to Mweka Gate (5,423ft or 1,653m) where we sign the Official Kilimanjaro National Park Register, have a cold drink, and get presented our official Kilimanjaro Certificate by our Head Guide. This last descent to the gate should take approximately 3-4 hrs.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 Arusha.

Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Arusha town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport. *Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania End of Kilimanjaro & Crater Camp.