9 day climbing adventure lemosho route

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport / Other Pickup Destination, where you will meet a Morning Glory driver, and be transferred to the hotel. In the evening there will be a briefing with our guide, who will also make sure you are prepared to trek Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho Route for 7 days by checking your gear and giving you a brief breakdown of the trip.

Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM

You will then embark on a 3-4 hour drive to Londorossi Gate (2,200 m), the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park. After completing the necessary formalities with park rangers, continue driving for another hour to the Lemosho Gate. Enjoy a light snack before starting the 3-4 hour hike towards Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m). Raincoats are recommended as you will be trekking through the rainforest, where sightings of the large Colobus monkeys are common. Upon reaching the camp, our professional mountain crew will have prepared everything, including setting up tents and cooking lunch. After lunch, embark on an acclimatization hike towards Shira I Camp, gaining 300 meters in altitude, before returning to Mti Mkubwa Camp for a hot dinner.

TDistance: 4.8 km (3 mi)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
Elevation: 2,389 m (7,838 ft) to 2,785 m (9,137 ft)
Altitude Gained: 396 m

*Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m) Destination point en route to Shira 1 Camp (3,095 m)

Hiking distance: 2 km

Hiking time: 1 hour

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and ascend through the moorland to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. The trail provides expansive views and cooler temperatures as you climb steadily. At Shira I Camp, situated on the plateau, you'll have an opportunity to acclimatize and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Distance: 17 km (10.5 mi)
Duration: 6-8 hours
Terrain: Moorland
Elevation: 2,785 m (9,137 ft) to 3,895 m (12,779 ft)
Altitude Gained: 1,110 m

Explore the Shira Plateau with a day hike eastward to the base of Kibo Peak. Continue to Shira II Camp for lunch, and then hike to Moir Hut. Moir Hut is an excellent spot for acclimatization and offers spectacular views of Mount Meru, weather permitting. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the camp, taking in the serene surroundings and preparing for the days ahead.

Distance: 6.9 km (4.3 mi)
Duration: 5-7 hours
Terrain: Moorland
Elevation: 3,504 m (11,496 ft) to 3,895 m (12,779 ft)
Altitude Gained: 391 m

Ascend to the Lava Tower, also known as the "Shark's Tooth," situated at 4,630 m. Spend some time here for acclimatization and lunch. Afterward, descend to Barranco Camp, where you will be surrounded by the impressive Barranco Wall. This area is known for its striking scenery and offers a great place to rest.

Distance: 10.1 km (6.3 mi)
Duration: 4-6 hours
Terrain: Semi-desert
Elevation: 4,139 m (13,579 ft) to 3,960 m (12,992 ft)
Altitude Gained: 91 m

Note: Although you end the day at the same elevation you began at, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help you prepare for the summit day. If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters, getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters.

After breakfast, tackle the Barranco Wall, an exciting and visually dramatic climb. Continue to Karanga Camp, located in the Karanga Valley. This day offers stunning views and the chance to see the skill and agility of your guides as they navigate the wall. Enjoy a warm dinner and a restful night at Karanga Camp.

Distance: 5.2 km (3 mi)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3,960 m (12,992 ft) to 4,035 m (13,238 ft)
Altitude Gained: 75 m

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Kosovo Camp (4,800 m)

Hiking distance: 2 km

Hiking time: 1 hour

Ascend to Barafu Camp, completing the Southern Circuit with diverse and spectacular summit views. Prepare for the challenging summit night with an early dinner and rest. Overnight at Barafu Camp, where you will get ready for the final push to the summit.

Distance: 3.3 km (2 mi)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4,035 m (13,238 ft) to 4,640 m (15,223 ft)
Altitude Gained: 628 m

A very early wake-up call between midnight and 2 a.m. marks the start of your summit attempt. Depart from Barafu Camp and begin the ascent between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Each pair of climbers will have a personal guide to monitor physical and mental conditions throughout the climb. This is the most challenging portion of the trek due to the high altitude.

Continue your ascent toward Stella Point (5,669 m), where you will take a short rest and witness one of the most magnificent sunrises, weather permitting. If you are a fast hiker, you may even catch the sunrise from Uhuru Peak. From Stella Point, it is another hour's climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), where you will likely encounter snow along the way.

CONGRATULATIONS!! You have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, begin the descent to Mweka Hut. Stop at Barafu Camp for a rest and a warm lunch. The descent to Mweka Camp can be challenging due to loose gravel; gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, where mist or rain is common. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Distance: 16.5 km (10.2 mi)
Duration: 10-13 hours
Terrain: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
Elevation: 4,640 m (15,223 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
Altitude Gained: 1,233 m
Descent: 11.5 km (7.1 mi)
Altitude Lost: 2,789 m

After breakfast, descend to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate. The terrain becomes warmer and muddier—gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. A vehicle will transport you from the gate to your hotel in Moshi, where you can celebrate your achievement and relax.

Distance: 9.1 km (5.7 mi)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
Elevation: 3,106 m (10,190 ft) to 1,650 m (5,413 ft)
Altitude Lost: 1,456 m

As your adventure comes to an end, it's time to say goodbye. Check out of your accommodation by 11 am, and enjoy a seamless transfer to the airport provided by one of our friendly Morning Glory team members. We hope you had an unforgettable experience and look forward to welcoming you back soon! Safe travels!