7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route

Overview

This route variation is preferred over the six-day option because it breaks up day two into two days. Overall, the exposure to this altitude will help prepare the body for higher altitudes coming on the following days. The trek from Barranco to Barafu, followed by the summit day, is unchanged from the six-day Lemosho vari- ation. However, the extra day on the mountain on the seventh-day route will help climbers deal with the exhausting itinerary better than those who opted for the six-day route.

Day by Day

Day 1 :

Day 1: Londrosi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation: 2,389m (7838ft) to 2,785m (9137ft) Altitude gained: 396m Departing from Moshi, a three-hour drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2 :

DAY 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1

Elevation: 2,785m (9,137ft) to 3,895m (12,779ft) Altitude gained: 1,110m After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path. We leave the forest behind, and the trail climbs steadily with expansive views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 3 :

DAY 3: Shira 1 to Moir Hut

Elevation: 3,895m (12,779ft) to 3,986m (13,077ft) Altitude gained: 91m Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is essential for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo Peak before continuing southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth”, with an elevation of 4,650m (15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we reach a second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Accommodation: Barranco Camp Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 4 :

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,986m (13,077ft) to 4,034m (13,253ft) Altitude gained: 48m After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Accommodation: Budget camping Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 5 :

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu

Elevation: 4,034m (13,253ft) to 4,662m (15,295ft) Altitude gained: 628m We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached, you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. We have an early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Over- night at Barafu Camp. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Accommodation: Barafu Camp Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 6 :

Day 6: Barafu Summit to Mweka Hut

Elevation: 4,662m (15,295ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) Altitude gained: 1,233m Descent to 3,090m (10,150ft) Altitude lost: 2,789m We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be reward- ed with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here, you will likely encounter snow on your remaining one-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. Congratulations, one step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the high- est point on Mount Kilimanjaro! We begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. We recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Overnight Mweka Camp. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Accommodation: Mweka Camp Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 7 :

Day 7: Mweka to Moshi

Elevation: 3,090m (10,150ft) to 1,646m (5,400ft) Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest After breakfast, we will descend to the Mweka Park gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts, t-shirts, rain gear, and warmer clothing will be handy. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to Moshi. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)