We trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Following the little-used Lemosho route we climb and descend on different paths, walking through the mountain’s different climatic regions and admiring the changing plant and animal life. Highlights include the ice fields of Kibo, the daunting Barranco Wall and the breathtaking views from the summit itself.
Watch Explore staff member Tim, as he summits Kilimanjaro - and tries to describe how he feels!
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Moshi
Meet your group and Tour Leader at your start hotel in Moshi. There is time to relax by the pool before your briefing with the Tour Leader, who will provide essential information for your trek to the roof of Africa.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Dinner
2
Drive to Londorossi Gate; trek to the Lemosho Glades
After a drive through farmland and plantations we reach the Londorossi National Park Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. We continue from there to the Lemosho roadhead which is where we begin our trek up the mountain (2100m). We will climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp (2780m). Porters will assist throughout the trek carrying all of our luggage. About 3 to 4 hours walking.
Overnight Basic Camping
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3
Walk to Shira Camp
Today we trek through the grassy moorland and heather with volcanic rock formations of the plateau. Our camp for today is at Shira One Camp (3500m), from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude today and parts of the route are fairly steep. About 7 hours walking.
Overnight Basic Camping
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
Walk to Moir Hut
Today we have the chance to view the Northern icefields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. The terrain during our steady climb will change from the moorland of the Shira Plateau to the broad upland desert beneath the Lent Hills with great panoramic views. Our camp is close to Moir Hut (4175m). In the afternoon we do an acclimatisation walk to the lower part of the Lent Hills group, to an altitude of 4300m.(About 5 hours walking).
Overnight Basic Camping
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
Trek to the Lava Tower
This morning we have a gentle ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the western breach until we reach our camp at the Lava Tower (4640m). In the afternoon there is a more strenuous acclimatisation walk on the rocky slopes of the western breach, with superb views of hanging glaciers at Arrow Glacier (4830m). Later we hope to enjoy the fabulous sunset from our campsite. About 3 to 4 hours walking.
Overnight Basic Camping
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
Trek to Karanga
Today we have a steep descent into the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960m) which is sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below. We then climb the Barranco Wall which leads to an undulating trail on the south eastern side of Kibo providing us with great views of the Southern Icefields, if we are lucky with the weather. The terrain ranges from volcanic scree to pockets of lush vegetation. An ascent takes us to our camp at Karanga (4035m) the last water point on the approach to Barafu. Karanga means 'peanut' and this relates to the shape of the Karanga valley. This afternoon you have time to rest and take in the views. About 6 to 8 hours walking.
Overnight Basic Camping
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
Trek to Barafu Camp
This morning we have a steep climb out of the Karanga Valley following an easy path on compacted scree constantly gaining altitude with good views, until we reach our camp at Barafu (4640m). This afternoon we rest in preparation for the final ascent, after a very early night! About 3 to 5 hours walking.
Overnight Basic Camping
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8
Walk to Summit; descend to Millennium Camp
Today we make our ascent to the summit at 5895m. It is a strenuous and long day, particularly with the high altitude and extreme cold, so we plan to make a midnight start. At this time, the snow and scree are still frozen and we aim to be down before the top layer of scree becomes wet and slippery. Our path zigzags up the scree and after passing Rebmann Glacier, we reach Stella Point (5750m) on the crater rim. Although at times you may be able to walk for only 10 paces before you have to stop and rest, there is no doubt that it is all worth it when you reach the top. From Stella Point we continue around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5895m. Then we descend, down the scree to Barafu camp for a rest and then down to the Millennium camp (3790m). About 14 hours walking.
Overnight Basic Camping
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9
Walk to Mweka Gate; drive to Moshi
After a good rest, we trek down through the rainforest enjoying the increasing warmth and richness of the mountain air. From Mweka gate (1630m) we travel by road to Moshi and on to our hotel. We will have a well earned lunch in Moshi. About 4 to 6 hours walking.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10
In Moshi; optional game drive; tour ends
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before the group flight home. Weather permitting, we may be treated to some final views of Kilimanjaro from here. Depending on flight times you could join an optional game drive around the Momella Lakes area in Arusha National Park famed for its high giraffe population as well as elephants, hippos and buffaloes to name but a few.
Included meals: Breakfast
