Mount Kilimanjaro – The Trek

The Lemosho Glades Route

The Lemosho Route: is an unspoilt, remote, little used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. It can either be used to gain the Western Breach route or followed by the Kibo South Circuit to ascend by the easier Barafu Route. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other big game animals.

Day 1 - Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa - 2,800m
From Lemosho Glades we start trekking through the rain forest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite (2,800m).

Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa to Shira Cave 1 – 3,400m
After breakfast at camp, a full 8 hour day of trekking begins. We continue ascending through the dense rainforest, until we eventually hit the moorland zone.

Day 3 - Shira Cave 1 to Shira Hut 2 – 3,900m
After breakfast at Shira Cave, we embark on a slightly shorter days trek, taking approx. 5 hours to our next camp at Shira Hut – 500m elevation gain. The views today are very special – especially from the top of the ridge.

Day 4 - Shira Hut 2 to Barranco Hut/Camp – 3,900m
We leave Shira Hut turning eastward on what will be a challenging day. After taking in the stunning views of the Barranco Valley, we then continue hiking and descend to our camp site (which is considered to be the most spectacular!) at Barranco Hut/Camp, 3,900m.

Day 5 - Barranco Hut/Camp to Karanga Valley – 4,100m
Today we tackle the awesome volcanic rock barrier known as the Great Barranco Wall. Upon reaching the top of the Wall, we soon appreciate exactly how beautiful Mt Kilimanjaro is, as we also admire the views of Mt Meru on the plains below.

Day 6 - Karanga Valley to Barafu Hut – 4,600m
After breakfast, the climb continues. We trek northward and follow the trail up the broad ridge toward Barafu Hut. Again, today is another great day to help with our acclimatisation as we ascend, and then descend back down into the Valleys.

Day 7 - Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak - 5,895m
OUR SUMMIT DAY! The views from the mountain simply get better and better with each step we take, as we ascend high and quick. We then arrive at Stella Point (5,750m) where we take a short rest and by now, the sun will be shining! From here we hike to Uhuru Peak – 5,895m. It is here we realise that we have conquered Kilimanjaro – the highest mountain in Africa and one of the World’s Highest Seven Continental Summits!

Day 8 - Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Our final 6 hrs of trekking today. We arrive back at our hotel and get ready for our celebratory dinner!