7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Via Lemosho Route Tour

Today’s trek will take you across a scenic plateau of grassy moorland and heather, interspersed with volcanic rock formations. Our destination is Shira 1 Camp, where you may enjoy views of Kibo Peak emerging from the clouds. We will gain a significant amount of altitude today, with some sections of the route being quite steep.

Distance Covered: 8.5 km / 5.3 mi

Approximate Time: 7 hours

Today’s trek offers stunning views of the Northern Ice Fields from the western side of Kilimanjaro, along with unique perspectives of Kibo Peak. We’ll enjoy a steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau, which aids in acclimatization and provides panoramic vistas.

Our destination for the day is Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on an acclimatization walk before returning to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Distance Covered: 8 km / 5 mi

Approximate Time: 5 hours

Today’s trek begins with an ascent that offers expansive panoramic views as you enter the upland desert zone and traverse lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. We’ll reach the striking Lava Tower (4640m), our highest point for the day, where you can enjoy a scenic lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll make a steep descent to Barranco Camp, located at the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960m). This camp is sheltered by towering cliffs and provides sweeping views of the plains below.

Distance Covered: 10 km / 6.2 mi
Approximate Time: 7 hours

We start the day by descending into the Great Barranco, a vast ravine. From there, we tackle the steep climb up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. Though this ascent involves climbing over rocks, it’s not technically challenging but can be long and tiring.

We’ll continue our trek beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, moving toward the Karanga Valley. From the valley, we’ll ascend steeply to Karanga Camp, situated at 3963m. For those who feel up to it, there’s an optional mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to approximately 4200m before returning to camp for the night.

Distance Covered: 5.5 km / 3.4 mi

Approximate Time: 5 hours

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we embark on the trek to Barafu Camp at 4640m. This challenging ascent takes us across barren scree slopes with no vegetation, making the climb steep and demanding, further intensified by the altitude.

Upon reaching Barafu Camp, we’ll enjoy a meal and spend the afternoon resting to prepare for the demanding climb ahead. Staying hydrated and warm is crucial. We’ll have an early dinner and aim to get some rest before starting our summit attempt, which begins between 11 pm and midnight.

Distance Covered: 3 km / 1.9 mi

Approximate Time: 3 hours

We begin our ascent around midnight, tackling the steep climb up to the summit glaciers. The trek involves 4 to 5 hours of climbing through scree, gaining significant altitude in a short distance. The views throughout are breathtaking.

We should reach the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first light of dawn appears. Here, you’ll be surrounded by stunning ice cliffs and have panoramic views of the jagged Mawenzi Peak and beyond. Continuing for another hour, we’ll reach Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating at the summit, we descend by retracing our steps to Stella Point, then continue down the scree slope back to Barafu Camp for a brief breakfast. We’ll proceed to Millennium Camp (3790m) for a long, well-deserved rest.

Distance Covered:** 13.4 km / 8.3 mi

Approximate Time:** 12 – 15 hours