8 Days Lemosho Route

Elevation (M): 2,820m to 3,500m

Distance: Approximately 5.5 kms

Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours

Habitat: Rain forest/Low Alpine Zone

with a gradual hike through the final stretch of the rainforest zone and then gets steeper as you approach the low alpine moorland zone. The trek is relatively short and easy to Shira Camp 1, which is on the western edge of the Shira Plateau; just over 8km from your starting point.

Elevation (M): 3,500m to 4,200m

Distance: Approximately 8.5 km

Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours

Habitat: Low alpine Zone/High alpine Zone

From Shira Camp 1 you will continue on your hike across and up the Shira plateau to Shira Camp 2 at 3,850 meters. Here you will join trekkers from the Machame Route whilst enjoying stunning views across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for strong winds with temperatures getting below zero in the early hours, then continue up the Shira Caldera and onto an off-the-beaten path to Moir Hut.

Today is long and finishes at high altitude. You may start feeling altitude sickness symptoms. Make sure you monitor yourself closely. Sleeping high on this night will pay dividends on your trek going forward.

Elevation (M): 4,200m to 4,600m to 3,900 m

Distance: Approximately 12 kms

Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours

Habitat: High alpine Zone

On day four you will continue trekking through a desert-like landscape as you approach Lava Tower and the Shark’s Tooth formation at 4,600 meters. You will have lunch at Lava Tower before joining the Southern Circuit trail (see map above) which descends to Barranco Camp 3,900 meters where you will spend the night at a very similar elevation as the night before, Climbing high and sleeping low is a good way to acclimatize the body to altitude.

Elevation (M): 3,900 m to 3,960m

Distance: Approximately 7 km

Hiking Time: 4 hours

Habitat: High alpine Zone

On day five you will be presented with the relatively steep Barranco ‘Breakfast’ climb, a 257 meter scramble up the Barranco Wall. Be prepared to use all four limbs as you traverse the wall to the top of the Karanga Valley. From here you will follow a path that sojourns through many inclines and declines to Karanga Camp (3,960 meters). For those on an eight day hike, this will be your camp for the night. Seven day trekkers will stop here for a brief lunch before continuing on through the barren desert landscape that leads to the Mweka trail and up to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).

Elevation (M): 3,960m to 4,680m

Distance: Approximately 6 km

Hiking Time: 3 hours

Habitat: High alpine Zone

This day is a relatively short and easy trek. Starting at Karanga Camp, the trail quickly joins the Mweka route and heads up to base camp, Barafu at 4,680m. We recommend you use the easy day to enjoy the scenery, rest the muscles, and prepare your mind for the summit push.

Elevation (M): 4,680m to 5,895m to 3,100m

Distance: 4.5km ascent and 11km descent

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent and 5-8 hours descend

Habitat: Glacial zone

Day seven starts at midnight with hot tea, biscuits and a long and zigzagging hike up the heavy glacial that covers the steep slopes of Kibo. The going is slow and very tough. You will need to dig deep and ensure you maintain a consistent pace to push yourself up to the crater rim.

After about 4-6 hours hiking you will reach Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will have a chance to rest and watch dawn break across the Tanzanian landscape. It is a good idea to have some hot tea or hot chocolate at this point as you will need to muster the energy to continue for another 1-2 hours around and up the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). Remember to keep your momentum moving forward, one step at a time. Over 60% of climbers stop at Stella Point but most can make it to the summit if they are able to find the metal strength to push through. Obviously if you are experiencing severe AMS symptoms you should descend immediately, your time at Uhuru Peak will be brief. Take as many pictures as you can, savour your accomplishment and then start heading back to Stella Point. Many trekkers slide down the scree slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp, where you will have a chance to rest before continuing on to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters). In total you will be trekking between 12-16 hours on day 5 so it is really important that you pace yourself and remain hydrated.

Elevation (M): 3,100m to 1,640m

Distance: Approximately 9 km

Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

The final day on the mountain is a short one, but nonetheless tiring as your body will be exhausted and your knees will likely be sore from the previous day’s descent. Go slowly and enjoy the wonderful rainforest scenery as you head towards Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities and will also receive your certificate, either for Stella Point or for Uhuru Peak.