Lemosho Route

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by a Serengeti Nexus representative and transferred privately to your hotel in Arusha. This day is dedicated to resting and acclimatizing after your journey. In the evening or early the next morning, you will attend a comprehensive pre-climb briefing. During this session, your guides will go over the details of the Lemosho Route, safety protocols, gear requirements, and answer any questions. This is a great opportunity to prepare mentally and physically for the adventure ahead. You will enjoy your first night at the comfortable Gold Crest Hotel, nestled in Arusha.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred from your hotel to Lemosho Gate, located at 2,360 meters (7,742 feet). The registration process begins here, and your porters will pack supplies as you prepare to start your ascent. The trek begins through a lush rainforest teeming with vibrant birdlife, colobus monkeys, and antelope. The walk takes approximately four hours, covering about 6 km (4 miles), leading you to Mti Mkubwa Camp. Surrounded by jungle serenity, you'll settle into your tents, enjoy your first night in the mountains, and savor a full-board meal.

Today, your journey continues eastward across the breathtaking Shira Plateau. The trail offers spectacular views of moorlands and the iconic Shira Cathedral. As you trek for roughly six hours over 8 km (5 miles), you'll pass through varied landscapes and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Upon reaching Shira 1 Camp at 3,500 meters (11,483 feet), you'll be surrounded by panoramic vistas of glaciers and the Western Breach. Temperatures may drop significantly, so be prepared for the cold night in your tent.

Leaving the moorland zone behind, you ascend into the high-altitude Shira Caldera, crossing rugged terrain and moorlands. The trail steepens, and you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Arrow Glacier and Kilimanjaro’s western slopes. Today’s trek lasts approximately seven hours over 10 km (6 miles), culminating at Moir Huts at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). The environment becomes more arid and rocky, and you'll settle into your tents for the night, preparing for the higher elevations to come.

This challenging but rewarding day involves a significant climb to Lava Tower at 4,600 meters (15,092 feet), providing vital acclimatization. After a hearty lunch at Lava Tower, you'll descend about 650 meters to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters (12,959 feet), located beneath the dramatic Great Barranco Wall. This "walk high, sleep low" strategy helps your body adjust to high altitudes. The day offers stunning scenery and numerous photo opportunities of glaciers and rugged terrain.

Today features an exciting scramble up the iconic Great Barranco Wall, a highlight for many climbers. After conquering the wall, you'll traverse scree slopes and descend into the Karanga Valley, reaching 4,210 meters (13,812 feet). This shorter day, lasting around four hours over 4 km (2 miles), helps with acclimatization while offering spectacular views of glaciers and mountain terrain. You'll spend the night at Karanga Camp, resting well for the final ascent.

From Karanga Camp, you'll trek to the junction with the Mweka trail and then ascend to Barafu Camp at 4,600 meters (15,092 feet). This section marks the beginning of the final push to the summit. The trail provides incredible views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks as you complete the Southern Circuit. You can opt to upgrade to Kosovo Camp for an additional $100, increasing your chances of summit success. Rest early and prepare for the nocturnal climb, as you'll set out around midnight for the summit attempt.

In the early hours, you'll wake at 11:30 PM, enjoy a light snack, and begin your ascent in the dark. The climb involves traversing scree and snow, reaching Stella Point at 5,732 meters (18,813 feet), then continuing to the summit at Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). If the weather cooperates, you'll experience a stunning sunrise from Africa’s highest point and take memorable photos. After summiting, you'll descend back to Barafu Camp for a quick rest and lunch, then continue down through the rainforest to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters (10,170 feet), where you'll sleep comfortably after a long, rewarding day.

After breakfast, you will begin the descent through lush rainforest, arriving at Mweka Gate in about four hours. Here, you'll receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate, commemorating your achievement. A private transfer will take you back to Gold Crest Hotel in Arusha, where you can enjoy a refreshing shower and celebrate your success with your fellow climbers. This evening is perfect for relaxing and sharing stories of your incredible journey.

Following breakfast, you will be transferred privately to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward journey. If you wish, Serengeti Nexus can assist in arranging safaris or Zanzibar trips to extend your Tanzanian adventure.