Traverse Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho Route In An 8 Day Ascend

Today, we will embark on a hike through a vast expanse of heather-dotted plateau and unique volcanic rock formations. Our goal for the day is to reach the Shira 1 Camp at an elevation of 3550m/11,646ft, offering stunning views of the majestic Kibo peak. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to acclimate to the altitude as we trek through the heather and moorland zones, taking in the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. The journey to Shira 1 Camp on Kilimanjaro covers a distance of 8km / 5 miles and will take approximately 6-7 hours, traversing through the diverse habitats of heather and moorland.

Day 3 offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of the Northern Icefields and admire the stunning views of Kibo. As we trek through the moorland terrain, it not only aids in acclimatization but also provides a chance to soak in the panoramic scenery. Our goal for today is to reach the Shira 2 camp at an altitude of 3840m/ 12,598ft where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night. The journey continues through the heather and moorland habitats, allowing you to adjust to the altitude and marvel at the breathtaking vistas of Kibo Peak. The distance covered today is 8km/ 5 miles, with a walking time of 4-5 hours.

Start your adventure with breathtaking panoramic views and the opportunity to traverse through the highland desert and across the lava ridges. Your journey will lead you to the impressive Lava Tower at 4550m/ 14,927ft, where a delicious lunch awaits. Later in the day, you will descend to the Baranco camp at 3900m/ 12,795ft, nestled at the foot of the magnificent Barranco Valley. Trek to the Lava Tower for its captivating vistas, then make your way into the Barranco Valley to reach the Barranco Camp on Kilimanjaro. Covering a distance of 11km / 6 miles, this leg of the journey will take approximately 5-7 hours to complete, showcasing the habitat of the Alpine Desert.

Day 6 will involve descending to the Great Barranco area and tackling the imposing Great Barranco wall. Climbing over the rocky terrain will be both lengthy and demanding. The journey continues towards Karanga Valley, leading to the night's accommodation at Karanga camp, situated at 4100m/13,451ft. The day will include descending into the Great Barranco, navigating the Barranco Wall - a tough segment, and finally reaching Karanga Camp on Kilimanjaro. The distance covered will be 5km/3 miles, taking approximately 4-5 hours, within the Alpine Desert habitat.

Following your morning meal, you will commence your journey towards Barafu camp, where you will encounter the challenging ascent. Upon reaching Barafu camp at an altitude of 4600m/15,091ft, we will spend the afternoon enjoying lunch and resting before the long night ahead. Subsequently, an early dinner will be served, allowing for a restful sleep in preparation for waking up between 11 pm and 12 am to begin the final ascent to the summit. The hike to Barafu Camp will be steep as you acclimatize to the high altitude in Kilimanjaro's Alpine Desert. Total distance covered will be 4km / 2 miles, with an estimated walking time of 3-4 hours.

Embark on a journey towards the summit glaciers and revel in the breathtaking elevation after 5 to 6 hours of trekking. Here, you will be treated to awe-inspiring panoramic views. As you reach Stella Point at 5735m/ 18,815ft, you will be greeted by the encircling ice cliffs within the crater. After a few more hours of walking, you will finally reach the summit, Uhuru Peak at 5895m/19,340ft. Descend back to Stella Point before making your way to Barafu Camp for a well-deserved breakfast. Following a brief rest, continue your descent to Mweka Camp at 3100m/10,170ft where you will spend the night. Commence the summit climb around midnight, reaching Stella Point on Kilimanjaro at 5735m before pushing on to the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak at 5895m. Descend to Mweka Camp Kilimanjaro. Covering a distance of 13km/8 miles, expect to spend 11-14 hours in the Summit Zone habitat.

Next, it's time to head towards Mweka Gate, located at an elevation of 1650 meters or 5,413 feet. Here, we will wrap up all the necessary procedures and collect our certificates. After that, we'll follow the instructions to return to our hotel in Moshi. This marks the conclusion of our 8-day adventure along the Lemosho route. We will descend to Mweka Gate on Kilimanjaro at 1650 meters, go through the exit formalities, and obtain our summit certificates before being transferred back to our accommodation in Moshi.