The journey begins at Londorossi Gate, located at an altitude of 2,100 meters. After completing registration and formalities, a drive to the trailhead marks the start of your trek. Hike through the dense, biodiverse rainforest, encountering various flora and fauna, before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,820 meters. This initial 6-kilometer hike typically takes 3-4 hours, setting a steady pace for the days ahead.
Leaving Mti Mkubwa Camp, you continue trekking through the forest before entering the moorland zone. The landscape gradually changes as you ascend to Shira Ridge, offering panoramic views of the plateau below. The trek from Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp covers 8 kilometers and usually takes 5-6 hours. At an altitude of 3,500 meters, Shira 1 Camp provides a breathtaking vista of the surrounding terrain.
The hike from Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp is relatively short, allowing for acclimatization. Traverse the stunning Shira Plateau, characterized by its unique vegetation and volcanic rock formations. This 7-kilometer trek, taking 3-4 hours, leads you to Shira 2 Camp situated at 3,850 meters. The day is perfect for rest and acclimatization, essential for the higher altitudes ahead.
A challenging yet rewarding day awaits as you hike from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp, with a significant acclimatization stop at Lava Tower. Starting at 3,850 meters, you ascend to Lava Tower at 4,600 meters before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,900 meters. This 10-kilometer trek, taking 7-8 hours, exposes you to semi-desert landscapes and helps your body adapt to the altitude changes.
Day five features the famous Great Barranco Wall. Although it appears daunting, the climb is manageable and offers stunning views once conquered. Following the wall, the trail involves a series of ascents and descents, ultimately leading to Karanga Camp at 4,035 meters. The day’s trek covers 5 kilometers and takes approximately 4-5 hours, providing further acclimatization.
From Karanga Camp, the trail heads steeply upwards to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. At an altitude of 4,640 meters, Barafu Camp offers spectacular views and a sense of anticipation for the final ascent. This 4-kilometer trek takes about 4-5 hours, allowing time for rest and preparation for the early morning summit push.
Summit day begins around midnight, with a challenging climb from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. The ascent covers 5 kilometers and typically takes 7-8 hours. Reaching the summit at sunrise is a breathtaking experience, rewarding you with stunning views. After celebrating at the peak, you descend 12 kilometers to Mweka Camp at 3,068 meters, taking about 4-6 hours, and ending the day in a lush rainforest environment
The final day involves a descent through the rainforest from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters. This 10-kilometer trek usually takes 3-4 hours. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will complete the necessary sign-out formalities before being driven back to Moshi for rest and celebration. Reflecting on your journey, you will appreciate the diverse landscapes and the immense sense of accomplishment from summiting Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route.
