Lemosho Adventure Safari

Day 1: Lemosho Trailhead (2,375m) to Forest Camp (2,895m)

Depart early from Arusha and travel 4 hours before arriving at Londorossi Gate, where you'll complete entry formalities. Drive up to the Lemosho trailhead for another hour. Upon arrival, eat some lunch and commence through undisturbed forest winding to the first camp, this is only about 3 to 4 hours of trekking. Stay overnight at Forest Camp (Mtee Mkubwa Camp). 

Day 2: Forest Camp (2,985m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,720m)

Coming out of the forest, navigate a steep track into a savannah of tall heather and volcanic rock. Ascend through the rolling hills below the Shira plateau, before finally reaching camp at the edge of the plateau, this is a day of 5 to 6 hours of trekking, but the view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3,720m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,950m)

Spend a full day exploring the Shira plateau. Trek east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone - the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Arrive at Shira 2 camp, one of the highest plateaus on earth. Trekking time for today without the optional excursions is about 3 hours.

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3,950m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)

Proceed upwards over ridges toward Lava Tower for lunch. This trek is about 4 hours. Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic plug. In the afternoon, descend the steep track into the Great Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp is set in an enclosed valley with hanging glaciers above and a landscape made of giant groundsel and the endemic Giant Lobelia. Trekking time for today is 6 to 7 hours.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,995m)

This short trekking day is taken to reach Karanga Valley Camp. This is important for acclimatization. The day begins with an ascent up the steep ‘Barranco Wall’, then traversing down the slopes of valleys in the mountain face. Kibo’s glaciers loom above you to your left and the jagged peaks of Mawenzi jut into the African sky. Reach the Karanga Valley after 3 to 4 hours of trekking to enjoy lunch served at camp. The afternoon can be taken to relax or take excursions from camp.

Day 6: Karanga Camp (3,995m) to Barafu Camp (4,630m)

The trail turns steadily uphill from here. The temperature grows colder and the landscape becomes more sparse as you near Barafu Camp. Set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, it acts as a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. The trekking time for today is 4 to 5 hours. Eat and drink as much as possible before retiring early for rest and sleep.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,630m) and Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,110m)

Start the day at midnight with a hot drink and a wake-up call before embarking on a juggernaut 12 to 17 hours of trekking. Begin at 12:30 am and finish at 1 am. The temperature sits well below freezing before dawn on the summit. The paths are windy and take shape amongst the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers. Behind you, the spired of the Mawenzi will glow with the sun illuminating them. After 6 hours of walking, arrive at Stella Point, the edge of the crater at 5,790m. This is the end of the steep track. From here, there is only a gentle slope upwards for an hour to Uhuru Peak. After spending some time at the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp to rest for a while, and then descend once more to Mweka Camp for the night.

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,110m) to Mweka Gate (1,830m)

It'll take 2 to 3 hours to descend directly to Mweka Gate, where you'll have lunch before being awarded climbing certificates to mark your incredible accomplishment. Afterwards, continue on with your African adventure.