Lemosho 8 days hike

Day 0: Arrival

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a representative from Pundamilia Traverse & Escapade will greet you. After a brief introduction, they will transport you to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, you'll have a briefing with the guide, who will ensure you are prepared to start the climb.

Accommodation: Ameg Lodge

Alternative Accommodation: Ardhi Africa or Maridadi Hotel

Time From JRO to Moshi: 1 hour

Day 1: Hike from Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

In the morning, a guide and a mountain support team will meet you at the hotel to get ready for the journey. You will then drive to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m). After swiftly completing the formalities for climbing permits and weighing the porters' luggage, you will start your hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m).

Raincoats are essential today, especially since you'll be walking through the rainforest. By the time you arrive at the camp, our professional mountain crew will have everything ready, with tents set up and a hot dinner prepared for you.

Elevation Change: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) to Mti mkubwa Camp (2,650 m)

Hiking distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)

Hiking duration: 2 to 3 hours

Day 2: Hike from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Rising early, having breakfast, and gradually trekking upwards to 3,500 meters will allow you, for the first time, to witness the breathtaking views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano.

Overall, the journey from Mti Mkubwa Camp to the second high-altitude Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m) is relatively straightforward and lasts approximately 4-5 hours.

This approach enables you to begin the acclimatization process gradually, which is essential for successful trekking. Upon arrival at the camp, your team of specialists will prepare lunch for you, and you'll have the opportunity to relax in your tent or explore the surrounding area.

Elevation Change: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)

Hiking distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)

Hiking duration: 4–5 hours

Day 3: Hiking from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Leaving Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m), you'll embark on an easy trek to the next high-altitude destination: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m). The hike is manageable, allowing you to take in breathtaking views of Africa and the distinctive flora of Kilimanjaro and its surroundings. If the weather cooperates, Shira 2 Camp offers the best vantage point on the journey to see Mount Meru, Africa's fifth highest peak.

Upon arriving at the camp, you will have lunch, followed by a two-hour rest. Afterward, everyone will participate in an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp, which includes a 300-meter increase in altitude.

Elevation Change: Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m) — Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)

Hiking distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

Hiking duration: 3–4 hours

Acclimatization hike:

Elevation Change: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) — Point on the way to Lava Tower (4,000 m)

Hiking distance: 2 km

Hiking duration: 1–2 hours

Day 4: Hike from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, Then Descend to Barranco Camp

After breakfast you will leave Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,600 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1 hours here, so this is where lunch will be.

Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,900 m). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry it features a very simple hiking trail.

Elevation Change: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) to Lava Tower (4,600 m) and then to Barranco Camp (3,900 m)

Hiking distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

Hiking duration: 6 to 8 hours

Day 5: Hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga

On this day, it is advisable to start a bit later to avoid crowding on the ascent of Barranco Wall. Although the Wall appears intimidating due to its height and steepness, the climb itself is quite manageable, taking only about an hour. The summit offers a fantastic photo opportunity with Kibo Peak as the backdrop at an elevation of 4,200 meters, serving as our acclimatization point. The remainder of the day involves a series of ascents and descents, with your guides selecting the best route for each climber. After a lunch break at Karanga Camp, you can enjoy an afternoon rest before dinner and an overnight stay.

Elevation Change: Barranco Camp (3,900 m) to Karanga Camp (3,995 m)

Hiking distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)

Hiking duration: 4 to 5 hours

Day 6: Hiking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you head to Barafu Base Camp (4,673 m). Once you arrive, you'll receive a hot lunch and have time to rest. It's recommended to sleep for the remainder of the day to relax your muscles and recuperate before the summit attempt. Dinner will be served early to ensure you get adequate rest, as you'll start around midnight. The guide will give you all the necessary information about the summit attempt to ensure you're ready for the hike.

Elevation Change Karanga Camp (4,035 m) to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

Hiking distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)

Hiking duration: 3–4 hrs.

Day 7: Ascend to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

The adventure kicks at night from Barafu Camp (4,673 m) as you begin the ascent to Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Although the climb is technically simple, the high altitude poses the biggest challenge. Each pair of climbers will have a personal guide to monitor their physical and mental condition during the ascent. Once you reach Uhuru Peak, you will spend a few minutes there based on the guide's instructions, after which you will return to Barafu Camp. Following a 1.5-hour rest, you will continue your descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).

Elevation Change: Barafu Camp (4,673 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

Hiking distance: 17.2 km (10.7 miles)

Hiking duration: 10 to 14 hours

Day 8: Descending from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m). After your descent the whole crew will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions and gratitude's. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.

Elevation Change: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)

Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking duration: 3 to 4.5 hours

Accommodation: Ameg Lodge

Alternative Accommodation: Ardhi Africa or Maridadi Hotel

Departure

Relax at the hotel and then proceed to the airport.

Note: Check-out time at the hotel is 10:00 AM. If you require a late check-out due to an evening flight, you can extend your stay for an additional fee.