Overview
This 9-day Kilimanjaro hike takes you through the Lemosho route (trail), starting off your hike through a beautiful and remote rain forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail is considered the most scenic up the Kilimanjaro and, with extra days for acclimatization, chances of successful summiting are higher. The trip includes transportation by minivan, budget camping accommodation, all meals during the trek, English/Spanish/French/Chinese language support, and a maximum altitude of 5,895 metres. Departure is from Arusha.
Itinerary
Arrival and transfer to hotel in Arusha.
You will be picked up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and driven to Tulia Spa & Boutique Hotel in Arusha. After arrival and settling in, your guide briefs you on the hike and checks your gear. Main destination: Arusha (City). Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa. Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner not included. Drinks not included.
Drive to the Lemosho trailhead and hike to Big Tree Camp.
Depart Arusha/Moshi for the Londorossi Gate, then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. After lunch, commence through undisturbed forest to the first campsite, Big Tree Camp. Elevation: 7,800ft to 9,500ft. Distance: 6km. Hiking time: 3-4 hours. Habitat: Rainforest. Accommodation: Budget camping at Mount Kilimanjaro. Meals: All meals included; drinking water included; other drinks not included.
Continue through forest and savannah to Shira 1 Camp.
After breakfast, continue on the trail out of the forest into savannah, cross several streams, reach Shira Ridge, and descend gently to Shira 1 Camp. Dinner and overnight stay are at Shira One Camp. Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Budget camping. Meals: All meals included; drinking water included; other drinks not included.
Gentle walk across the plateau for acclimatization.
Walk east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp on moorland, or continue to Moir Hut at the base of Lent Hills. This day offers an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Elevation: 11,500ft to 13,800ft. Distance: 14km. Hiking time: 5-7 hours. Habitat: Moorland. Full board at Shira 2 Camp. Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Budget camping. Meals: All meals included; drinking water included; other drinks not included.
Trek toward Lava Tower and descend to Barranco.
After breakfast, walk southeast toward Lava Tower and the Shark’s Tooth, then continue to Arrow Glacier and descend to Barranco Hut. Rest, have dinner, and overnight stay. Elevation: 13,800ft to 13,000ft. Distance: 7km. Hiking time: 4-6 hours. Habitat: Semi-desert. Full board basis at Shira 2 or Moir Hut Camp. Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Budget camping. Meals: All meals included; drinking water included; other drinks not included.
Steep ridge hike to Karanga Valley Campsite.
After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge past Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley Campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization. Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft. Distance: 5km. Hiking time: 4-5 hours. Habitat: Alpine desert. Full board at Karanga Camp. Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Budget camping. Meals: All meals included; drinking water included; other drinks not included.
Continue to Barafu Hut Camp and prepare for summit day.
After breakfast, leave Karanga and connect with the Mweka Trail, then continue up to Barafu Hut. The South Circuit is completed and summit views are available from many angles. Camp, rest, dine, and prepare for the summit day. Elevation: 13,100ft to 15,300ft. Distance: 4km. Hiking time: 4-5 hours. Habitat: Alpine Desert. Full board at Barafu Hut Camp. Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Budget camping. Meals: All meals included; drinking water included; other drinks not included.
Midnight summit attempt and descent to Mweka Camp.
At midnight, continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. After reaching Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak, descend; gaiters and trekking poles may be needed for the loose gravel. Mweka Camp is in the upper forest. Full board at Mweka Hut Camp. Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Budget camping. Meals: All meals included; drinking water included; other drinks not included.
Descend to Mweka Gate and return to hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
After breakfast, descend to Mweka Park Gate. Vehicles will be waiting at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Elevation: 10,000ft to 5,400ft. Distance: 10km. Hiking time: 3-4 hours. Habitat: Rainforest. Half board today. Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour). Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner not included. Drinks not included.
Useful Information
- Visa fees are mentioned under personal items/exclusions, but no specific required documents are explicitly listed.
- Transportation: Minivan; Accommodation: Budget Camping; Maximum Altitude: 5,895 metres; Departure from: Arusha; Best season: Feb, Mar, Apr & May; Tour type: Eco-Tour, Hiking; Meals: All meals during the trek; Language: English, Spanish, French, Chinese; Fitness level: Easy to Moderate; Group Size: 2-15; Minimum Age: 10; Maximum Age: 65; Main destinations include Arusha on Day 1 and Mount Kilimanjaro on the trekking days. Includes roundtrip airport transfer, porterage, rescue fee, park fees for non-residents, camping equipment, professional driver/guide, taxes/VAT, meals and drinks as specified, and sleeping bag.