8 Days Lemosho Climb

We start at Lemosho Gate, where the excitement is real. The lush rainforest welcomes us with its green canopy and the scent of wet earth. The trail is easy, winding through tall trees and thick ferns. Along the way, you might spot monkeys darting through the branches. By the time we reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, the forest opens up, and you’ll notice the air getting fresher. It’s a peaceful start, and the sound of nature fills the air.
Expert tip: Take it slow. There’s no need to rush.

The forest begins to thin as we leave the trees behind. Now, you’ll be walking on a mix of grassland and rocky paths. The landscape starts to change, and you’ll notice the first signs of the alpine zone. The views are breathtaking, with Mount Kilimanjaro towering above us. As we near Shira 1 Camp, the ground gets a bit more rugged, but the beauty of the surroundings makes it all worth it. It can be a bit chilly at night, so be ready for the drop in temperature.

Today, we continue along the Shira Plateau. The trail is smoother and wider, and you’ll feel the air thinning as we gain altitude. The views become even more stunning, with wide expanses of the plateau and the distant peak of Kibo. As we approach Shira 2 Camp, the landscape turns more barren and rocky, and it feels like we’re getting closer to the sky. The night is calm, with a clear sky and bright stars overhead.

This is a day of contrast. We climb up to Lava Tower, an impressive rock formation where the landscape starts to look more like a moonscape. The altitude begins to tell, and it’s normal to feel a bit out of breath. After a break at Lava Tower, we descend to Barranco Camp. The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude, and the views of the Barranco Wall are jaw-dropping. As the sun sets, you’ll be treated to some of the best views on the mountain.

Today, we face the Barranco Wall. It’s not as tough as it looks. It is just a steep, rocky scramble, and before you know it, we’re on the other side, gazing down into the valley below. The path flattens out as we make our way toward Karanga Camp, and the high-altitude desert landscape sets in. The air is dry, and the wind picks up, but the beauty of the surroundings is worth every step.

It’s a short day, but that doesn’t make it easy. We ascend steadily, gaining more altitude as we approach Barafu Camp. The terrain becomes rocky and barren, with only sparse vegetation. At Barafu, we take a rest, enjoy a hot meal, and get ready for the big summit push. The excitement is building, but the night is cold, so make sure to rest up.

The day you’ve been waiting for. We begin our climb at midnight to reach the summit by sunrise. It’s a tough climb, but with each step, you’ll get closer to the top of Africa. The final push is steep, and the cold can be biting, but when you reach Uhuru Peak, the joy is overwhelming. You’ve made it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro! After a brief celebration, we descend to Mweka Camp. The descent feels easier on the legs, but you’ll be tired, and the mountain will have one last surprise which is the beautiful views on the way down.

We finish our journey with a gentle descent to Mweka Gate. The forest returns as we approach the gate, and you’ll notice how different it feels now that you’ve completed the trek. The air is thick again, and the sounds of wildlife welcome you back. At Mweka Gate, we’ll gather for a final celebration, and you’ll leave with a sense of accomplishment, memories of a lifetime, and a new understanding of what it means to summit a mountain.