Kilimanjaro Climb - Lemosho Route

Day 1  Fly to Arusha

Days 2-3  Arusha
Welcome to Arusha! The following day, have a welcome briefing with the Kilimanjaro Chief Guide.  

Day 4  Arusha to Lemosho Forest Camp
Transfer to Lemosho entrance gate (6,890ft/2,100m) in the morning, passing between Kilimanjaro and the horseshoeshaped volcanic crater of Mount Meru.  Have lunch in the designated tourist shelter before starting the walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through lush forest with a variety of wildlife.

Days 5-6  Lemosho Forest Camp to Shira Plateau
Today’s hike starts in lush montane forest before ascending into a moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with views across the plains, opening out as we reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. The next day, walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. The afternoon   is free to relax.

Day 7  Shira Plateau to Barranco Camp
We have a morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch, descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (12,795ft/3,900m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below, including the Barranco Wall.

Day 8  Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley
A short, steep scramble up the famed Barranco Wall provides a different challenge and leads to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the southern icefields.

Day 9  Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp
The trail follows a path on compacted scree with wide views ahead including the Barafu Ridge, where our camp lies.  The trail climbs to reach the Barafu campsite (15,090ft/4,600m) for lunch, after which there is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the southeast valley (15,750ft/4,800m).  

Day 10  Barafu Camp to  Millennium Camp
Start ascending at around midnight to reach the crater rim by sunrise. Standing at the highest point in Africa, taking your photo at the Uhuru Peak sign and knowing you have climbed one of the Seven Summits is a moment that will stay with you forever! The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast to reach our final campsite (12,470ft/3,800m) at Millennium Camp.

Day 11  Millennium Camp to Arusha
Wind down to the national park gate at Mweka (5,415ft/1,650m) to the vehicle and drive through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. Return by bus to Arusha.

Days 12-13  Fly home