8 Days Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Route

• Tanzania Treks
• Treks

This is the longest of the regular Kilimanjaro routes, typically covering 7 days from start to finish, with six of those days aimed towards the summit of Uhuru.

It starts at the western quarter of Kilimanjaro, covering some of loveliest Highland countryside in East Africa. With the separate eco-zones of Kilimanjaro clearly evident as the rain forest gives way to heathland, moorland, and eventually, the barren high desert of the summit regions makes it an excellent option.

It is suitable for those who are uncertain of their abilities, and who want to allow extra time to acclimatize, as well as to enjoy shorter hiking days over a generally unforgiving gradient.

Day 1: – Londorossi Gate (2250m – Mti Mkumbwa (2,650 m)

Hike time: 3hrs

Distance: 7 km

Hike through the rain forest with the site of the black and white colombus monkey adding taste to you hike to the camp. Dinner and overnight in the camp.

Day 2: – Mti Mkubwa (2,650 m) – Shira 1 Camp (3,609 m.)

Hike time: 5 hrs

Distance: 7 km

After breakfast, depart for Shira 1 camp. The forest disappears at the beginning of a climb through Heather forest to the edge of the Shira Caldera. Dinner and overnight in the camp.

Day 3: – Shira One Camp (3,609 m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,849 m)

Hike time: 5 – 6 hrs

Distance: 10 km

After breakfast, we take the gentle hike across the Shira Plateau with possible side trek to Shira Cathedral. Dinner and overnight in the camp

Day 4: – Shira 2 Camp (3,849 m) -Barranco Hut (3,948 m)

Hike time: 5 hrs

Distance: 10 km

After breakfast, we climb slowly to Lava Camp (4600 m) for lunch. Descend to the beautiful Barranco Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 5:  Barranco Hut (3,900 m) – Karanga valley (4,033 m)

Hike time: 3-4 hrs

Distance: 6 km

After breakfast, we  climb  the Great Barranco Wall and continue around the southern circuit path  to Karanga Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Karanga – Barafu Camp (4,673 m)

After breakfast, hike for 4km to Barafu camp for lunch, dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Barafu- Uhuru (5,896 m) – High Camp (3950 m)

Time: 12-14 hrs.

Distance: 14  km

After a cup of tea and some biscuits, attempt the summit at 12:30 am. The target is to reach the summit by sunrise. After sun rise, descend down to Barafu camp for brunch. After a short rest, descend to the high camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: – High camp to Mweka Gate (1,828 m)

Descent time: 6 hrs.

Distance: 15 km

Leave the mountain via Mweka Gate. After bidding farewell to the supporting clue, drive to your base hotel in Moshi for a hot shower.