Kilimanjaro Climb – 10 Days via Lemosho Route

Trekkers are expected to arrange their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you to your hotel, allowing time to rest and acclimatise. That evening, or early the next morning, you will meet your local Kandoo representative for a full pre-climb briefing. This session covers essential safety tips, gear checks, packing advice, and health guidelines to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

After a 4WD transfer to Lemosho Park Gate for registration, porters prepare supplies and luggage while you begin your ascent along the forest trail. The path winds gently through lush rainforest, alive with birds and occasional monkeys, before reaching Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp at 2,895 metres. Here, you spend the night surrounded by the tranquil forest, gaining your first taste of the mountain environment.

Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Ascent: 535 metres
Maximum altitude: 2,895 metres
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek continues east across the Shira Plateau, offering breathtaking views of Shira Cathedral. You cross moorland meadows, gradually leaving the forest behind, before reaching Shira 1 Camp at 3,500 metres. Nights at this altitude are colder, often below freezing, highlighting the shift into high-altitude terrain. The surrounding landscape features glaciers of the Western Breach, giving an early glimpse of the mountain’s dramatic alpine environment.

Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Ascent: 605 metres
Maximum altitude: 3,500 metres
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving the moorlands behind, the trail climbs steadily through the Shira Caldera, gradually increasing in altitude. Trekking across high-altitude plains, you reach Moir Hut at 4,200 metres, offering stunning views of the Arrow Glacier. This day allows for proper acclimatisation while taking in expansive, open landscapes, and the camp provides a peaceful setting for an overnight stay in preparation for the coming challenges.

Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Ascent: 700 metres
Maximum altitude: 4,200 metres
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is one of the toughest days on the route. The trail climbs to the base of Lava Tower (4,600 m), where you pause for lunch and acclimatisation. Following the “walk high, sleep low” principle, you then descend approximately 650 metres to Barranco Camp, situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall. This section provides excellent photographic opportunities and a sense of achievement for tackling significant elevation gain and descent in one day.

Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Ascent: 400 metres
Descent: 650 metres
Maximum altitude: 4,600 metres
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins with a scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, a highlight of the Lemosho Route. After reaching the top, the trail descends and traverses scree to reach the Karanga Valley (3,930 m), located beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. This shorter day offers stunning scenery and allows your body to recover and continue acclimatising for the upcoming summit push.

Hiking time: 4 hours
Ascent: 260 metres
Descent: 280 metres
Maximum altitude: 4,210 metres
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Karanga Camp, the trail climbs to the junction connecting with the Mweka descent trail, continuing on to Barafu Camp at 4,675 metres. From here, trekkers can see both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, offering spectacular panoramic views. This camp serves as the final resting place before the summit climb, with time to relax, enjoy dinner, and mentally prepare for the night ascent.

Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Ascent: 670 metres
Maximum altitude: 4,675 metres
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Summit day begins at 11:30 pm with tea and biscuits. Trekking through heavy scree between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, you ascend to Stella Point (5,732 m) on the crater rim. From here, it’s approximately an hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa’s highest point. After enjoying sunrise views and celebrating your achievement, you descend via Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for a well-earned dinner and rest. Trekking poles are recommended for the loose scree during the descent.

Hiking time: 13–16 hours
Ascent: 1,295 metres
Descent: 2,795 metres
Maximum altitude: 5,895 metres
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, the final descent of 1,300 metres brings you to Mweka Gate, where trekkers collect their summit certificates. A private transfer returns you to your hotel for rest and celebration, marking the completion of the climb.

Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Descent: 1,300 metres
Maximum altitude: 3,100 metres
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

After a restful night, transfers are arranged for your onward journey, whether to the airport, a safari, or Zanzibar. This concludes the Lemosho Route trek, leaving lasting memories of Kilimanjaro’s dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and the triumph of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Meals included: Breakfast