The Lemosh route is one of the longest trails to the summit. It starts at about 2200m/6500ft, west of the mountain and leads up to Shira Plateau, then south to Barranco Hut, where it joins the more popular shorter routes.

We picked the Lemosho route because it offers plenty of time for acclimatization and we even added one extra day to a total of seven days for the ascent and one and a half day for the decent.

Keep in mind that you pay per day on the mountain. So the longer routes are more expensive. However, the more time you spent moving between higher and lower altitudes, the better are your chances of making it to the summit.

In retrospect we’re very glad that we did it this way. Not only was it a safer bet, the trip was also much more enjoyable (we really longed for the solitude of the Shira plateau, once we were reached Barranco Hut.

The Lemosho route is fairly easy and aside of the altitude there is very little that keeps a moderately fit person from reaching the summit. We encountered maybe four or five situations where we had to climb, rather than hiking. That was only to overcome a narrow passage or some rocks blocking the way.

You can find more details about the Lemosho route here.

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Day 0 - To Moshi

Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport; Transfer to Springlands Hotel, Moshi

Day 1 - To Mti Mkubwa Camp

2100m to 2750m

6900ft to 9000ft

About 3 hours hiking

After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (2250m / 7382 ft, 2.5 hours). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2100m / 6890 ft, 11km, 45 minutes) and a possible campsite (park fees are not paid to camp here). Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

Day 2 - To Shira 1 Camp

2750m to 3500m

9000ft to 11,500ft

About 5 hours

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Several streams are crossed then it gains the Shira Ridge at about 3600m (11,811 ft) and drops gently down to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Day 3 - To Shira 2 Camp

3500m to 3850m

11,500ft to 12,600ft

About 2 hours

After breakfast, a gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the Plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day.

Day 4 - To Barranco Hut

3840m to 3860m

12,600ft to 12,700ft

About 6 hours

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876 meters (15,997 ft). We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860 meters (12,664 ft). Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 5 - To Karanga Hut

3860m to 4200m

12,700ft to 13,800ft

About 4 hours

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley (4200m / 13,780 ft) campsite.

Day 6 - To Barafu Hut

4200m to 4600m

13,800ft to 15,100ft

About 4 hours

After breakfast, we leave the Karanga Valley and pass the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located ant an altitude of 4600 meters (15,092 ft). You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Day 7 - To Summit and Mweka Hut

4600m to 5895m

(and down to 3100m)

15,100ft to 19,300ft

(and down to 10,200ft)

About 11 hours

Early morning, we continue our way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5985 meters (19,636 ft). This part of the climb takes about 6 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site at 3100 meters (10,171 ft). This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down.

Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Beer and soda may be available for purchase at the Mweka Hut -- the only place on this route.

Day 8 - To Moshi

3100m to 1830m

10,200ft to 6000ft

About 4 hours

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!