Kilimanjaro climbing via the Lemosho Route

We leave the rainforest and enter the heather and moorland zone, hiking among tall grasses, heather, and lichens. The trail ascends to the Shira Plateau, offering the first views of Kibo Peak, Kilimanjaro’s main and highest crater, where Uhuru Summit (5,895 m) is located. Distance: 8 km. Hiking time: 6 hours. Overnight altitude: ~3,500 m (11,500 ft).

We continue across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. The route leads to Shira 2 Camp and then on to the remote Moir Hut at the base of the Lent Hills. Optional acclimatization hikes are possible in the area. Distance: 14 km. Hiking time: 7 hours. Overnight altitude: ~4,205 m (13,800 ft).

We ascend to the Lava Tower and then descend into the Barranco Valley. Here the trail passes through a surreal forest of giant senecios, giving the landscape an otherworldly feel. Distance: 7 km. Hiking time: 4–6 hours. Overnight altitude: ~3,962 m (13,000 ft).

The day begins with the climb up the famous Barranco Wall. From the top, the views open to the Kibo glaciers and the Karanga Valley. We then enter the high alpine desert, where wind, rock, and icy air dominate. Overnight at Barafu Camp, set on an exposed slope with direct views of the summit. Distance: 9 km. Hiking time: 8 hours. Overnight altitude: 4,673 m.

We set out at night. In complete darkness and silence, we climb the loose volcanic slope under a starry sky, between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Sunrise greets us at Stella Point on the crater rim, and an hour later we reach the long-awaited Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After photos and a short rest, we begin the long descent. The day ends at Mweka Camp, surrounded by greenery and warmth. Distance: 5 km up, 13 km down. Hiking time: 7 hours up, 6 hours down.

The final day is a pleasant descent along a trail leading into lush tropical forest. The air becomes warm and humid again, filled with the fragrance of vegetation, and the calls of birds and monkeys echo through the trees. Vines drape from moss-covered trunks, and flowering shrubs appear along the way. This section completes the journey through all of Kilimanjaro’s climate zones. At Mweka Gate, climbers receive summit certificates before returning to the hotel in Moshi. Distance: 10 km.

Breakfast at the hotel. Airport transfer at any time during the day. Hotel check-out is at 11:00. If your flight is in the evening, we can arrange a visit to a natural hot spring (not included in the tour price). Participants who booked the optional 2-day extension will depart today for a safari in Tarangire National Park, followed the next day by a visit to Ngorongoro National Park.