Itinerary for 6 days Mount Kilimanjaro group joining via Lemosho route
Day 1: Londorossi Gate(7800ft) to Forest Camp(9500ft):rainforest
Driver will take you from Moshi to Londorossi Gate which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at the trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite. it covers a distance of 6km,3-4 hours
Day 2: Forest Camp (9500ft)to Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2(12500ft): moorland
We continue to hike out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. From here, it is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak, across the plateau to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. the distance covered is 18km and the hiking time is 8-10 hours.
Day 3: Shira Camp 2(12500ft) to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp(13000ft):semi-desert
From the beautiful Shira Plateau, we will travel towards the east along a rough ridge, heading towards the Kibo peak. As we continue on our path, we slightly change direction towards the southeast, taking us to the amazing Lava Tower, which is also called the "Shark's Tooth." Just after this impressive volcanic sight, we reach a significant point where two paths meet, leading us to the magnificent Arrow Glacier, located at an incredible
height of 16,000 feet.Moving down, we find comfort at the Barranco Hut, resting high up at 13,000 feet. Here, during the nighttime, we enjoy a satisfying dinner and relax in the peacefulness of our overnight stay. Although we remain at the same elevation for our ascent and descent on this day, our bodies need to adjust to the altitude and prepare for the final journey to the summit. it covers a distance of 10km,6-8hrs
Day 4: Barranco Camp(13000ft) to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp(15000ft):Alpine desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall this is a steep and imposing obstacle made up of volcanic rock. It stands between the Barranco Camp (at an altitude of approximately 3,950 meters) and the Karanga Camp (at around 4,035 meters), to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, take a rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The great view of the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. it covers a distance of 9km, and hiking time is 8-10hrs
Day 5: Barafu Camp(15,300ft) to Summit(19,345ft) to Mweka Hut(10000ft):Actic
In the early morning, from midnight to 2 am, we press on toward the summit, navigating our path between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Our journey takes us in a northwesterly direction, as we climb amidst a rugged terrain of loose rocks, known as scree. This particular stretch, leading to Stella Point on the rim of the crater, poses the greatest test to our mental and physical endurance.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent, •Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent.
Day 6: Mweka Camp(1000ft) to Moshi(5,400ft)
After breakfast, we continue the descent down 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 and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi. Distance covered 10 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours