11 Days Kilimanjaro Premium Luxury Trek via Lemosho Route

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrive in Moshi⌄

   Welcome to Moshi - the more quaint, laid-back of the small towns sitting at the base of the famed Mount Kilimanjaro! Upon arrival in Kilimanjaro International airport you will be met by our Real Life Adventure Travel representatives, who will provide transportation to your hotel. No activities are planned for the day. You are free to explore picturesque downtown Moshi.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at Kiliwonders Hotel

2. 2Relaxation day in Moshi⌄

   Group briefing and pre-trip discussion. You will be introduced to your trekking guide, have a comprehensive gear check. You are free to explore some more, take part in informal group tour around town; visit the market or a local coffee shop for lunch. Moshi is a relatively small, comfortable city that has a reputation for being somewhat laidback compared to it’s sister city of Arusha so fee free to wander. There will also be time to do last-minute shopping for the trek if needed.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at Kiliwonders Hotel

3. 3Moshi to Mti Mkubwa Camp⌄

   Depart Moshi for Londorossi / Lemosho Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. With flora and fauna heavier and richer here than on any other route through the thick rainforest, the Lemosho Route cuts through underbrush that is so untouched it at times grows right across the narrow trail. After 3 to 4 hours, we’ll reach our camp, Mti Mkubwa, which means “Big Tree” in Kiswahili.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp

4. 4Hike from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp⌄

   We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascending through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Shira 1 Camp

5. 5Hike from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp⌄

   After breakfast we head east across the Shira Plateau and past the Shira Cathedral to Shira Camp. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is about a four-hour hike to camp. On the way we pass the first of many Giant Senecios, some of Kilimanjaro’s otherworldly massive plants.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Shira 2 Camp

6. 6Hike from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp⌄

   After breakfast we head east across the Shira Plateau and past the Shira Cathedral to Shira Camp. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is about a four-hour hike to camp. On the way we pass the first of many Giant Senecios, some of Kilimanjaro’s otherworldly massive plants.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Barranco Camp

7. 7Hike Barranco to Karanga Camp⌄

   After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Karanga Camp

8. 8Hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp⌄

   After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction, which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Barafu Camp

9. 9Hike from Barafu Camp to the Summit, descend to Mweka Camp⌄

   Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Mweka Camp

10. 10Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate⌄

    After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight at Kiliwonders Hotel

11. 11Departure⌄

    For those returning home, will be tranfered to the airport to catch your flight. For those going on a safari or Zanzibar will be picked up at your hotel on the next day for your trip.