8 days · Arusha → Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira Camp 1 → Moir Hut → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha
8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via the Lemosho Route
An eight-day Lemosho route beginning on Kilimanjaro's western side, crossing the Shira Plateau and southern circuit before a summit attempt from Barafu and descent to Mweka Gate.
Programme
Day by day
The climbing programme begins and ends in Arusha. The included shuttle between Nairobi and Arusha connects to it and is not one of the trekking days.
Day 1
Arusha to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate, register, transfer to the trailhead and trek through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp at about 2,820 metres. Expect 5.5 kilometres and 3-4 hours.
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1
Leave the rainforest for the lower alpine moorland and continue to Shira Camp 1 at about 3,500 metres. Expect about 8 kilometres and 5-6 hours.
Day 3
Shira Camp 1 to Moir Hut
Cross the Shira Plateau, pass Shira Camp 2 and continue to Moir Hut at about 4,200 metres. Expect about 14 kilometres and 5-7 hours.
Day 4
Moir Hut via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Walk through high alpine terrain to Lava Tower at about 4,600 metres, then descend on the southern circuit to Barranco Camp at about 3,900 metres. Expect about 12 kilometres and 6-7 hours.
Day 5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Climb the Barranco Wall and continue through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp at about 3,960 metres. Expect about 7 kilometres and 4 hours.
Day 6
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Join the Mweka route and climb to Barafu Camp at about 4,680 metres. Expect about 6 kilometres and 3 hours.
Day 7
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp
Start around midnight for Stella Point and Uhuru Peak, then descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp at about 3,100 metres. Expect about 4.5 kilometres of ascent, 11 kilometres of descent and a combined 11-16 hours.
Day 8
Mweka Camp to Arusha
Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate at about 1,640 metres, then transfer back to Arusha. Expect about 9 kilometres and 3-5 hours on foot.
Included
- Shuttle transport between Nairobi and Arusha, connecting to the climb
- Two nights in Arusha on bed-and-breakfast terms (overnight at the hotel)
- Porters, guide and cooks
- Three meals a day while on the mountain
- Hut and camping fees
- Park entry fees
- Achievement certificate
Not included
- Tips for the guide, porters and cooks
- Personal climbing clothing, equipment and rucksack
- Personal travel insurance
- Beverages and mineral water
- Personal expenses
- Visa
Accommodation
- Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Shira Camp 1
- Moir Hut
- Barranco Camp
- Karanga Camp
- Barafu Camp
- Mweka Camp
- Arusha: overnight at the hotel (bed and breakfast)
Transport
- Shuttle between Nairobi and Arusha (the included connection, not a trekking day)
- Road transfers from Arusha to Londorossi Gate and the trailhead, and from Mweka Gate back to Arusha