Itinerary for 8 days budget Kilimanjaro climbing Lemosho route
Day 1: Moshi to Londosori gate then to Mti Mkubwa camp
Lemosho being on the west of Kilimanjaro, it takes an extra mile drive from Moshi town where you take a long drive of approximately 4hrs maximum to Londossori gate from Moshi town.
Here the porters will be checked in and start the climb while you finish up the formalities and you will then start the hike to Mti Mkubwa camp.
The climb will be 2 to 3hrs a distance of 6 kilometers walking through dense rainforest and seeing some small wildlife, especially the white and black colobus monkeys. Reach the camp you will meet your porters and have your camping and overnight stay.
Time and distance: 2 to 3hrs hiking a distance of 6km
Elevation: 2650 m/8695ft
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa camp to Shira camp
On your 2nd hiking day you will climb through the moorland forest and valleys while enjoying the view of the Kibo peak and the valleys. The climb will be 4 to 5hrs a distance of 8 kilometers from Mti Mkubwa camp to Shira camp.
However, expect some steepness on your hike. You will overnight at Shira camp collecting together for the next day's hike.
Time and distance: 4 to 5hrs hiking a distance of 8km
Elevation: Moorland and valleys
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira Hut
On your 3rd climbing day, you will be having a moderate climb across the Shira plate6 to 8hrs a distance of 8 kilometers where you will be walking through the Shira plateaus and to the Shira cathedral reaching the Shira hut while enjoying the scenery, Shira cathedral and the valleys.
Walking through the Shira plateaus, there is more than one climbing divert option reaching the Shira hut, and this will be your guide's option to choose one that suits you better. At the camp, you will find the crews (Porters) have already made your tents for the camping and overnight.
Time and distance: 6 to 8hrs hiking a distance of 8km
Elevation: 3850 m/12630ft
Day 4: Shira Hut through Lover Tower to Baranco camp
This is the acclimatization day whereby you will be ascending from Shira hut to Lover Tower and descend to Baranco. It is an acclimatization day as you will be experiencing the high altitude up the Lover Tower then descends to Baranco.
It is a steep hike to Lover Tower and then to Baranco (Climbing the Baranco wall) which will be a hike of 6 to 8 hours covering a distance of 9 Kilometers reaching the Baranco camp.
Shira hut is the junction of Shira, Lemosho, and Machame hence, you will meet climbers from Machame too.
Time and distance: 6 to 8hrs hiking a distance of 9km
Elevation: 4640 m/15220 ft to 3986m/13070ft
Day 5: Baranco camp to Karanga camp
This is the adventurous day when climbing the Kilimanjaro via Machame route where you will be facing the climb of the Baranco wall.
Considering the distance, it is a short climb because it is just a distance of 4 Kilometers, but considering the climbing challenges it will take 4 to 5hrs climbing through the Baranco wall and the alpine desert valleys where you will be enjoying the view of the Kibo peak which will be closer, the southern glaciers and the western bridge.
Reaching the Karanga camp you will have your rest collecting some energy for your next day's venture.
Time and distance: hiking of 4 to 5hrs a distance of 4km
Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Day 6: Karanga camp to Barafu camp
The climb will begin after your delicious breakfast from our advanced chef you will be climbing through the alpine desert enjoying the stunning view of the two Kilimanjaro cones of Kibo and Mawenzi. It will be a 4 to 5hrs hike a distance of 4 Kilometers.
You will be walking hitting the junction that connects with the Mweka trail and head up to the Barafu camp where you will complete the southern circuit of the Kilimanjaro Mountain. Here you will go camping with an early sleep and meals ready for the next day's complete adventure which starts at midnight.
Time and distance: hiking of 4 to 5hrs a distance of 4km
Elevation: 13,100ft to 15,300ft
Day 7: Summit Day then descend to Mweka camp
This is the lifetime memory day of reaching the highest point of Africa, “the roof of Africa” of Kilimanjaro Mountain. The day will begin at midnight when you will be leaving your tents and the porters as you will be accompanied by the guides and summit porter heading to the summit point.
Heading up there, is a physically and mentally challenging climb with extreme cold and elevation. As you start the climb at nearly midnight, you will have a dark hike as you will need your head-lump than ever, you will hike up to Gilman’s Point where you will be amazed at a stunning sunrise from the Mawenzi cone, and then you will have a short walk and finally you are there
“CONGRATULATIONS YOU HAVE REACHED THE HIGHEST PEAK IN AFRICA, THE UHURU PEAK OK Kilimanjaro MOUNTAIN” Due to the weather you will not last long here you will take some photos at the signpost of the Uhuru Point and starts your descend through the Mweka route
You will have a stop at the Barafu camp for your Lunch and trek down up to the Mweka camp for your overnight stay and dinner. On descending it is a very rocky trail and can be quite hard on the knees, trekking poles are helpful.
Time and distance: hiking of 6 to 8hrs ascending and 5 to 6hrs descending a distance of 5km up and 13km down respectively.
Elevation: 15,600ft to 19,341ft up and 19,341ft to 10,065 down
Day 8: Mweka camp to Mweka gate, then back to Moshi
Finally you will be on the last day of your lifetime memory adventure, you will have your breakfast at your camp and start your trek down up to Mweka gate, and you will be walking through a wet and muddy forestry trail that requires your walking poles.
At the gate you will meet our driver waiting for you where you will be picked up and drive back to Moshi town for your next schedule.
Time and distance: hiking of 3 to 4hrs a distance of 10km
Elevation: 10,150ft to 5500ft