10 Days Lemosho Route (Kilimanjaro)

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our friendly driver will warmly greet you. Enjoy a 45 km (40-minute) drive to Kaliwa Lodge. Stay at Kaliwa Lodge Set in the rainforest with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Kaliwa Lodge is the perfect place to acclimate to the time zone and recover from jet lag. The lodge offers beautiful rooms, delicious meals, and a spa, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing start to your adventure.

Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft Altitude gained: 396m Departing for the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate Departing from Kaliwa Moshi, a 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages, offering a glimpse into local life, before reaching the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Preparing for the Journey At the gate, we will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while observing the hustle and bustle of operations as various crews prepare for their journeys ahead. Exploring the Rainforest As we begin our trek, you’ll enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and the windy trails. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the local flora, fauna, and the natural wildlife that thrives in this lush environment. Trail Conditions At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery, so we highly recommend wearing gaiters and using trekking poles to maintain stability and comfort as you navigate the terrain.

Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft Altitude gained: 719m Leaving the Rainforest and Ascending to the Shira Plateau After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path. As we leave the forest behind, the trail climbs steadily, offering expansive views. Our goal is to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau, where the landscape opens up dramatically. Changing Conditions As we ascend, temperatures begin to drop, signaling the shift to higher altitudes and a more challenging environment. The stunning views and changing terrain make this a memorable part of the journey.

Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft Altitude gained: 391m Exploring the Shira Plateau We spend a full day exploring the Shira Plateau, with a gentle walk heading east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak across the plateau. This route leads us to Shira 2 Camp, set amidst moorland meadows by a stream. Acclimatization at Moir Hut From Shira 2 Camp, we continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. Various walks are available on Lent Hill, making it an excellent opportunity for acclimatization while enjoying panoramic views. Shira Plateau: One of the Highest on Earth The Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on Earth, offering an awe-inspiring landscape and an excellent environment to help you adjust to the altitude.

Acclimatization and Lava Tower Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is significant for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo Peak before heading southeast toward the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation: 4650m/15,250ft). Descent to Barranco Camp Shortly after passing the Lava Tower, we come to a second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend, eventually reaching Barranco Camp for the night. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

The Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall, then make our way down into the Karanga Valley. At the junction, we connect with the Mweka Trail. Crew Strength and Agility This is one of the most impressive days, where you’ll witness your crew’s power, agility, and strength as they zip over the Barranco Wall with what appears to be such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft Altitude gained: 628m Ascending to Barafu Camp We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once you have reached it, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. Preparing for Summit Night After arriving at Barafu Camp, we enjoy an early dinner and take time to rest as we prepare for the challenging summit night ahead . Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft Altitude gained: 1233m Descent to 3106m/10,190ft Altitude lost: 2789m The Summit Push Excitement builds as morning arrives, starting early between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. Ascending Through the Glaciers We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the fantastic sense of accomplishment ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, we ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. Reaching Uhuru Peak From here, you will likely encounter snow on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. Congratulations, one step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! Celebrations and Descent After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Final Descent to Mweka Camp We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft Altitude lost: 1473m After Breakfast and Farewell Ceremony After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. Descent to Mweka Park Gate We continue descending to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. The weather is drastically warmer, and the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. Receiving Summit Certificates A vehicle will meet you at the gate, where you will complete the necessary formalities and receive your summit certificates. Farewell to Your Crew and Transfer to Arusha Say farewell to your mountain crew and board the waiting vehicle to transport you to your luxury accommodation in Arusha. Relaxation and Celebration Once you arrive, take a well-deserved hot shower and relax. Then, celebrate your successful climb with a delicious dinner and perhaps share stories and memories of your journey. Also, driving Distance: 135 / km (2 Hours)

Departure and New Adventures Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. However, take with you the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. If you choose to continue your adventure with a Tanzania Safari, we’ll take care of all the details for you—ensuring another unforgettable experience!