Explore the Kilimanjaro National Park

8-Day Lemosho Route

Tour Overview

Duration: 7 – 8 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: Medium

The Northern Circuit Route is a newer and more remote option for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting at the Londorossi Gate on the Western side of the mountain, it offers a more scenic and tranquil experience compared to other routes, although it involves a longer and slightly more expensive journey. This route was introduced as an alternative to the Shira Route.

The trek begins through lush forests and moorlands, and on Day 3, it crosses the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route at Lava Tower. From there, it continues down towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit. Along the way, you may encounter buffalo, elephants, and other game. The extended duration of this route allows for better acclimatization, resulting in a higher summit success rate.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Int. Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our guide will be there to greet you. He will transfer you to your hotel where you can unwind after your flight. If you arrive via a different airport or location, just let us know, and we can arrange convenient transfers. Before your climb begins, you’ll meet with your guide for a briefing. He’ll provide details on what to wear, what to pack in your backpack, and other important tips to ensure your climb is as comfortable as possible.

Day 1: Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp: 4.8km / 3mi | 3-4 Hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
Altitude Gained: 396m

Departing from Moshi, a 3-hour drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. At the gate, we will wait for our permits to be processed while observing the busy preparations of various crews. As you start your hike, enjoy the lush rainforest scenery and windy trails. Your guide will provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. Be prepared for muddy and slippery conditions at these lower elevations—gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended to navigate the terrain safely.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira I Camp: 7.9km / 5mi | 4-6 Hrs | Moorland

Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
Altitude Gained: 719m

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind and continue our ascent. The trail gradually climbs with wide views, leading us to the rim of the Shira Plateau. As we gain altitude, temperatures begin to drop, marking our transition into a more exposed and colder environment.

Day 3: Shira I Camp – Shira Hut: 6.9km / 4.3mi | 5-7 Hrs | Moorland

Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
Altitude Gained: 391m

We spend a full day exploring the Shira Plateau, taking a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glacier-capped peak. The path leads us across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp, situated on moorland meadows by a stream. From there, we continue to Moir Hut, a less-frequented site at the base of Lent Hills. This area offers a variety of walks, providing an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. The Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on Earth, offering stunning vistas and a unique landscape.

Day 4: Shira Hut – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp: 10.1km / 6.3mi | 4-6 Hrs | Semi-Desert

Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude Gained: 91m

Although we end the day at a similar elevation to where we started, this day is crucial for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau, we ascend east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo Peak before continuing southeast toward Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). After visiting the tower, we encounter a second junction leading to Arrow Glacier. We then descend to Barranco Camp for the night. This route offers valuable acclimatization benefits as we prepare for higher altitudes.

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp: 5.2km / 3mi | 4-5 Hrs | Alpine Desert

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude Gained: 48m

After breakfast, we tackle a steep ridge leading to the Barranco Wall. The ascent up this dramatic wall is a highlight of the day, offering a view of your crew’s impressive agility and strength as they navigate the climb. We then continue to Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp: 3.3km / 2mi | 4-5 Hrs | Alpine Desert

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude Gained: 628m

We ascend towards Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which provides a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from different perspectives. Once at Barafu Camp, you’ll have an early dinner and rest, preparing for the summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Day 7: Barafu Camp – Summit: 4.86km / 3mi Up | 5-7 Hrs | – Mweka Camp: 13km / 8mi Down | 5-6 Hrs | Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit

Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude Gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude Lost: 2789m

Excitement builds as we start early between midnight and 2 a.m., the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.

We proceed to the summit, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The path features switchbacks as we ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Here, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, the final 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak is likely to be snowy.

Congratulations on reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After taking photos and celebrating, we’ll enjoy this incredible achievement before beginning our steep descent to Mweka Camp. We’ll stop at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. For the challenging terrain of loose gravel and volcanic ash, gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. You’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest on your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi: 9.1km / 6mi | 3-4 Hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude Lost: 1473m

After breakfast and a heartfelt farewell ceremony with your crew, we descend to Mweka Park Gate to collect your summit certificates. The terrain on this descent is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

A vehicle will be waiting to transport you from Mweka village back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 30 minutes). Enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations as you conclude your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure!

Price Inclusions

IncludedExcluded

 

  • Park fees
  • Pickup and transfer airport
  • Porters who carry your luggage
  • Private cook speaking fluently English
  • Private guide speaking fluently English
  • Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • High quality tents (including dinner-tent
  • International flights and visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation on day of arrival and departure

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+255 753 512 104

info@mtembezisafaris.com