Kilimanjaro Lemosho route: the group ascent

Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide at the airport exit and then taken to your hotel in Moshi . You will have some free time to rest and make your final preparations for climbing Kilimanjaro , the objective of your trip.

In the afternoon, your guide will hold a detailed briefing , a perfect opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the expedition. The evening is free, with meals not included , and you'll spend the night at the hotel, ready to begin your adventure.

You'll head towards Londorossi Gate , located west of Kilimanjaro, where you'll meet your team of porters . This is also where you'll complete the park entry formalities. Once ready, you'll begin your ascent through the Shira Plateau , a route offering varied and less-traveled scenery.

For this first day, a moderate hike of approximately 4 hours awaits you. You'll traverse dense, lush forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna before reaching the Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) camp, situated at an altitude of 2,895 meters . After settling in, you'll have the opportunity for a short exploration of the surrounding area before enjoying a well-deserved dinner. Overnight at the camp, under the first stars of this adventure.

You continue your ascent eastward, through high-altitude meadows that gradually open onto the spectacular Shira Plateau . This ancient eroded volcano reveals striking landforms , including the formations known as the Cathedral and the Needles .

At an average altitude of 3800 m , Shira is one of the highest plateaus in the world. From this point, you can enjoy exceptional views: to the east, the glaciers of the Western Breach , including the famous Arrow Glacier on the slopes of Kibo , rise majestically, while to the west, Mount Meru dominates the horizon, offering a spectacular panorama.

You set up camp for a second night at altitude. This is a chance to appreciate the camp's organization and get to know your team of guides , porters , and cooks better. A warm dinner concludes this unforgettable day. Overnight at the camp on the Shira Plateau.

You begin the day with an early wake-up call , accompanied by a hot drink served in your tent – ​​a ritual that helps you get into the rhythm of the trek. After a leisurely breakfast in the mess tent, you set off for a day's walk towards Moir Hut camp.

The climb becomes steeper, and the forests give way to tree heaths , marking your entry into the Afro-alpine desert . You cross the Shira caldera , a striking and arid landscape dotted with volcanic formations. Along the way, you pass near the famous Shark's Tooth rock formation, an emblem of this route.

At the end of the day, you reach the Moir Hut campsite , located away from the main trails and rarely frequented. From this isolated location, the view is spectacular: it encompasses the entire Shira Plateau, the Kenyan savannah stretching to the north, the Arrow Glacier , as well as the volcanic cones that rise higher on the massif.

You enjoy a warm dinner before a well-deserved night's rest in this peaceful setting.

This day, key to your acclimatization, begins with a long walk across the high volcanic desert , where lunar landscapes dominate. You progress steadily along a wide ridge , up to the Lava Tower pass at 4570 m , dominated by its impressive basalt towers .

After a well-deserved break at the summit of the pass, you begin the descent towards the Barranco Valley, one of the few formed by a landslide. Crossing a small gap, you discover a unique landscape: giant groundsels , standing like totems, thrive sheltered from the wind thanks to the numerous small waterfalls that irrigate the valley.

On the descent, you also enjoy spectacular views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall formations, evidence of Kilimanjaro's volcanic activity.

You end the day at Barranco camp , located at 3950m on a promontory offering a breathtaking view of the Tanzanian savannah and bordered by a massive cliff. This camp, renowned for its beauty, is a perfect place to rest and enjoy the magnificent surroundings before the next leg of your trek. Overnight in tents.

We set off towards the Karanga Valley , another crucial day for acclimatization . The climb up the Barranco wall is impressive but not technically difficult; this ascent sometimes requires using your hands, but your guides are there to supervise and assist you.

Once at the top of the wall, you begin a long traverse along the southern flanks of the massif, alternating between ascents and descents. To the left, the imposing Kibo glaciers rise above you, while to the east, the Mawenzi sub-massif is revealed against the African sky, adding a spectacular dimension to this landscape.

Around midday, you reach the Karanga camp , where a hot lunch awaits. In the afternoon, you have the choice of relaxing to conserve your energy or exploring the surrounding area of ​​the southern circuit with your guide.

This stage, situated at an ideal altitude, is perfect preparation for the challenges ahead. Overnight in tents at Karanga camp.

You continue your ascent on a steady trail towards Kilimanjaro Base Camp . Temperatures drop noticeably and the vegetation becomes even sparser, giving way to an increasingly rocky landscape. You progress until you reach a ridge , which leads you to Barafu Camp , located at 4,600 meters . To the east, the majestic Mawenzi dominates the horizon, while the Kibo crater , your final objective, rises above you. You arrive at the camp relatively early, allowing you to enjoy a hot lunch and a much-needed rest afternoon to build up your strength before the final climb.

It is important to eat and drink plenty of fluids to prepare yourself physically for the intense effort ahead. Please note that there is no water available at Barafu Camp; it is carried by the porters, so use it sparingly . In the evening, go to bed early to maximize your chances of successfully completing the climb, which begins in the dark. Overnight in tents at Barafu Camp.

Wake-up call at 11 p.m. for a quick " breakfast ": departure is at midnight , by headlamp, for the final ascent. You progress slowly in switchbacks, winding between the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers , to reach, at dawn, Stella Point (5700 m) on the edge of the crater.

From there, it's about an hour's walk along a gentle ridge to reach the long-awaited summit: Uhuru Peak , at 5895 m , the roof of Africa . This moment, after intense effort, rewards all the sacrifices and marks the culmination of your adventure.

After a short break to enjoy the view and capture the moment, you begin the descent, which takes you back to Barafu Camp in about 3 hours . There, you return to your tent for a restful sleep before hitting the road again.

In the afternoon, you continue with a descent of 1500 m , or about 4 hours of walking, to reach the Mweka Camp at 3100 m .

If necessary, depending on the group's condition and flight schedules, your guide may decide to stop at Millennium Camp (3800 m) to better balance the stages. This decision will be tailored to the group's needs.

You begin a steady descent on the Mweka trail, leaving behind landscapes reminiscent of the African bush . Gradually, you re-enter the rainforest , which accompanies you until you exit the park.

Upon arrival, you receive your climbing certificate , a symbol of your achievement, and share a moment of gratitude with your team of guides, porters, and cooks . After these farewells, an all-terrain vehicle takes you through coffee and banana plantations towards Moshi .

Back in town, you'll have the opportunity to relax and celebrate this memorable experience with your climbing partners. The evening will be spent in a comfortable lodge , where meals are at your leisure , allowing you the freedom to choose what you like. Overnight at the lodge in Moshi.

You can use this last day to relax at your hotel or explore Moshi , a lively town at the foot of Kilimanjaro. It's a chance to discover local markets, buy some souvenirs, or simply unwind after your adventure.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight . Meals are at your leisure , allowing you to end your stay as you wish. This wonderful Tanzanian experience comes to a close!

End of the journey.