Lemosho Route 8 days

Representative of kilibackpackers will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Moshi. As local Tanzania’s our guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land to the moment you leave. Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast Overnight: Salinero Hote

Early morning after having your breakfast, the crew will pick you up from the hotel and you will all departure from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, it will take 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 at Mti Mkubwa and overnight there. Elevation: 7,742 ft. to 9,498 ft. Distance: 6 km/ 4 miles Hiking Time; 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest

In the morning after the breakfast, we will 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 will reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp. Elevation: 9498 ft. to 11,500ft. Distance: 8 km/ 5 miles HikingTime: 5-6 hours Habitat: Heath

After the breakfast, we explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Elevation: 11500ft. to 13,800ft. Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Heath

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft. tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization. Overnight at Barranco Camp. Elevation: 13, 800 ft. to 15, 190 ft. Distance: 7 km/4 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation: 15,190 ft. to 13,044 ft. Distance: 3 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization. Elevation: 13,044 ft. to 13,106 ft. Distance; 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

We leave to Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position Elevation: 13,106 ft. to 15,331 ft. Distance: 4 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft.), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Elevation: 15,331 ft. to 19,341 ft. Distance: 5 km/ 3 miles Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Elevation: 19341 ft. to 10,065 ft. Distance: 12 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. 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 Moshi. Elevation: 10,065 ft. to 5,380 ft. Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 3-4hours Habitat: Rain Forest Meal Plan: Lunch Overnight: Salinero Hotel

Sadly, it is already the end of your vacation, the time to go home has arrived. So, enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and take you to the airport. After this vacation you will go home with a backpack full of memories and a lot of beautiful pictures. They will forever remind you of the fantastic moments. We will do everything in our power to make this the most special dream vacation! This is what we did and will continue to do.