9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Crater Route

Embark on a 9-day trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Crater Route. Enjoy the unique experience of staying at the Crater Camp and take in the views of the summit from Southern Circuit.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Depart from Moshi for Londorossi Gate, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Continue your hike to the Shira 1 Camp.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, cross a series of hills and valleys until you descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp
During normal morning hours, begin the push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. Ascend for several hours at a slow but steady pace while taking frequent, but short, breaks. The trail turns into heavy scree as you make the steep climb to the crater rim. At Stella Point (18,900 ft), see the summit sign in the distance. Continue around the crater rim until finally arriving at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

Day 8: Crater Camp to Mweka Camp
From Crater Camp, make the descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, enjoy the last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On the last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.