The Lemosho route is one of the best options for acclimatization, offering a scenic and less-traveled path to the Shira Plateau.
On the first day, groups may be accompanied by an armed ranger, as the forests near the Lemosho Glades are home to buffalo, elephants, and other wildlife.
While the minimum duration for the Lemosho route is six days, we highly recommend extending the trek to seven days. The additional day allows your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and providing extra rest before the summit attempt.
Inclusions
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Clean, purified drinking water
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Sleeping Mattress
All meals while on the Mountain
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Exclusions
Tanzania Visa
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
International and domestic flights
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
If you have opted for optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
A pre-trek briefing will be held at your Moshi hotel. Plan to arrive at least one day before the trek begins. During the briefing, we will review your equipment and arrange rentals for any necessary items.
After breakfast and a briefing, drive to the Lemosho Park Gate. From there, a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Begin trekking along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Continue trekking as the trail steepens gradually and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Cross several streams and traverse the Shira Ridge, passing Shira 1 Camp before arriving at Shira 2 Camp near a stream.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 16km/10mi
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascend from the Shira Plateau up a ridge, passing the junction toward Kibo Peak. Continue southeast toward Lava Tower (known as "Shark’s Tooth") at 4650m/15,250ft. Afterward, descend to Barranco Camp. This day aids acclimatization despite ending at a similar elevation to the start.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, ascend the steep Barranco Wall. Trek along ridges and trails to Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek uphill to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit. This section provides panoramic views of the summit. Rest and prepare for the summit attempt the next day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the ascent to the summit between midnight and 2 am, trekking toward Stella Point on the crater rim. Witness a breathtaking sunrise at Stella Point or Uhuru Peak. After reaching Uhuru Peak, descend to Barafu for lunch, then continue to Mweka Camp.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Uhuru Peak), then to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up, 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up, 5–6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, descend to Mweka Gate to collect summit certificates. Expect wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations. A vehicle will pick you up and transfer you to your Moshi hotel.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
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