Lemosho Route

Your Kilimanjaro journey begins at Londorossi Gate (2,250m) with park registration and final preparations. Drive to the trailhead and start your trek through pristine montane rainforest. This remote western approach means fewer climbers and more wildlife sightings. The gentle first day (3-4 hours) helps you adjust to trekking at altitude. Arrive at Lemosho Glades (2,650m) where your crew sets up your first mountain camp. Enjoy the peaceful forest setting and get to know your team.

Continue through the rainforest, gradually ascending as the vegetation changes. Emerge from the forest into the heather zone with its giant groundsels and lobelias. The trail offers increasingly spectacular views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. Reach Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) after 5-6 hours of steady climbing. The higher altitude means cooler temperatures - layer up for the evening. This camp provides excellent views of the mountain's western slopes.

A relatively easy day crossing the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro's three volcanic cones. The plateau is a high-altitude desert with unique flora adapted to the harsh conditions. The gentle terrain allows for excellent acclimatization while enjoying panoramic views. Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) sits in a stunning location with 360-degree mountain vistas. Use this day to hydrate well, practice your breathing, and let your body continue adapting to the altitude.

Today's route follows the essential "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization strategy. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch - this altitude exposure is crucial for summit success. The descent to Barranco Camp (3,950m) may feel counterintuitive but significantly improves your body's adaptation. The Barranco Valley offers some of the route's most dramatic scenery, with the Great Barranco Wall looming ahead. Rest well - tomorrow you'll conquer that impressive feature.

The famous Barranco Wall awaits! This scramble looks daunting but is actually quite manageable with your guide's assistance. It's a fun, hands-on section that most climbers remember fondly. After the wall, traverse through the Karanga Valley with its unique high-altitude ecosystem. The shorter day (3-4 hours) allows for additional rest and acclimatization. Karanga Camp (3,995m) provides beautiful views and a perfect location for final summit preparation.

A steady climb brings you to Barafu Camp (4,673m), your launch point for summit night. The landscape becomes increasingly stark and lunar-like. Arrive early afternoon to maximize rest before your midnight departure. Your guides will provide a comprehensive summit briefing covering clothing, pacing, and what to expect. Early dinner and rest are essential - you'll need all your energy for the challenging night ahead. Sleep if you can, as the summit attempt begins around 11 PM.

Summit night! Begin around midnight with headlamps lighting your way. The slow, steady ascent follows the "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) philosophy. Zigzag up steep scree slopes, taking regular breaks. Reach Stella Point (5,739m) at sunrise for one of the world's most spectacular dawns. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Africa's highest point! Celebrate your achievement, then descend to Barafu for rest before continuing to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for the night.

Your final descent through the rainforest feels triumphant. The thick, oxygen-rich air is a welcome relief after days at altitude. Enjoy the lush vegetation and reflect on your incredible journey. Reach Mweka Gate (1,640m) where you'll receive your official summit certificate. Celebrate with your team, share stories, and take photos. Transfer to your hotel for hot showers, celebration dinner, and well-deserved rest. You've conquered Kilimanjaro!