Lemosho Route 8 days – Kilimanjaro Trek

Welcome to your adventure with Williamson Adventures! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly representative will be there to greet you. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi, which is situated at an elevation of 890m/2,920ft.

Once settled in, you’ll meet with your guide for a comprehensive climb briefing. This session will cover the upcoming trek, ensuring you are well-prepared and informed. After the briefing, we’ll conduct an equipment check to make sure you have everything needed for a successful and safe climb. Any missing gear can be rented or purchased at our Store.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Moshi, relax, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, where you can rest and acclimate to the local climate.

• Distance: 4.8 km / 3 mi
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
• Altitude Gained: 396m

Departing from Moshi, a 3-hour drive will take you through charming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, we will wait patiently for our permits to be issued, taking in the bustling activity as numerous crews prepare for their journeys. Enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery and winding trails as your guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery, so we highly recommend using gaiters and trekking poles.

• Distance: 7.9 km / 5 mi
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
• Altitude Gained: 719m

After breakfast, the trail ascends through the rainforest and transitions to moorland. The path steadily climbs, offering wide views as you approach the Shira Plateau, where temperatures begin to drop.

• Distance: 6.9 km / 4.3 mi
• Duration: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
• Altitude Gained: 391m

This day involves exploring the Shira Plateau with a gentle walk east towards Kibo’s peak. The route crosses moorland meadows, leading to Shira 2 Camp by a stream, then continues to Moir Hut at the base of Lent Hills, an excellent area for acclimatization.

• Distance: 10.1 km / 6.3 mi
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert
• Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
• Altitude Gained: 91m

This day is crucial for acclimatization despite ending at a similar elevation. The trail ascends to the Lava Tower (4650m/15,250ft), a notable rock formation. After reaching the tower, the path descends to Barranco Camp.

• Distance: 5.2 km / 3 mi
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
• Altitude Gained: 48m

The day begins with a steep climb up the Barranco Wall, followed by a descent into the Karanga Valley. The route then meets the Mweka Trail. This segment showcases the crew’s skill and agility as they navigate the challenging terrain.

• Distance: 3.3 km / 2 mi
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
• Altitude Gained: 628m

The trail continues up to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit. This camp offers various perspectives of the summit. An early dinner and rest prepare you for the summit attempt.

• Distance Up: 4.86 km / 3 mi
• Duration Up: 5-7 hours
• Distance Down: 13 km / 8 mi
• Duration Down: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
• Elevation Up: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
• Altitude Gained: 1233m
• Descent to: 3106m/10,190ft
• Altitude Lost: 2789m

Starting between midnight and 2 a.m., the final ascent involves climbing between glaciers to Stella Point, followed by a push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. After celebrating, you’ll descend to Barafu for a brief rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.

• Distance: 9.1 km / 6 mi
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
• Altitude Lost: 1473m

The final descent takes you through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will then transport you back to Arusha/Moshi for a well-deserved shower, dinner, and this marks the end Lemosho Route 8 days – Kilimanjaro Trek