Kilimanjaro Legends: Lemosho Expedition

Altitude: 2,200 m – 2,780 m

Hiking distance: 7 km

Hiking time: 5 hours

After having breakfast, head to the Londorosi Park Gate, which is roughly a 5-hour drive away. The journey across the Shira plateau offers excellent chances to spot large wildlife around Kilimanjaro. Once you reach Mti Mkubwa camp, set up your campsite and enjoy dinner.

Altitude: 2,780 m – 3,500 m

Hiking distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Start your day with breakfast before going on the brief hike from Mti Mkubwa to Shira camp. This journey typically lasts no longer than five hours, but it's important to maintain a steady pace for proper acclimatization. The west face of the Kibo volcano towers over the campsite. After lunch, you can set up your camp, relax, or enjoy a short day hike. This trek takes you through the lower moorland, characterized by its abundant large shrubs and wildflowers.

Altitude: 3,500m – 3,840 m

Hiking distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 5–6 hours

Start your day with breakfast, pack up the camp, and take a short hike to Shira Camp 2. This is an ideal day for acclimatization. Relax and appreciate the scenery.

Altitude: 3,840 m – 3,960 m

Hiking distance: 11 km

Hiking time: 7–8 hours

The path now heads east into a semi-desert and rocky terrain surrounding Lava Tower, where you will reach an elevation of 4630m after approximately a 5-hour trek. Lunch is provided in a designated spot before you continue your ascent along the rocky scree trail to Lava Tower. This day is undoubtedly the most challenging so far.

At this stage, many climbers may begin to experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, irritability, and headaches for the first time.

After lunch, you will descend nearly 680m to the Barranco camping area. Following the high altitude of Lava Tower, the real benefits of acclimatization from this day become evident. The descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and presents excellent opportunities for capturing stunning photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.

The camp is located in a valley beneath the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, offering a memorable sunset while you wait for your dinner to be prepared and settle in for the night at Barranco Camp.

Altitude: 3,960 m – 4,640 m

Hiking distance: 11 km

Hiking time: 7–8 hours

Subjected to the constant winds, the tents are set up on a narrow, rocky, and hazardous ridge. Make sure to get acquainted with the landscape before nightfall to prevent any mishaps. The peak is still 1345 meters above, and you will be making the final climb that same night. Get your gear ready, including your ski poles and thermal clothing, for the summit attempt. This should involve replacing the batteries in your headlamp and camera, and ensure you have a backup set as well. To avoid freezing, it's advisable to carry your water in an insulated flask.

Aim to go to sleep around 19:00 and try to get some much-needed rest for no more than 5 hours.

Altitude: 4,640 m – 5, 895 m – 3,090 m

Hiking distance: 17 km

Hiking time: 15+ hours

You wake up around 11:30 PM, and after enjoying some tea and biscuits, you set off into the night. Your route takes you northwest as you climb through loose rocks towards Stella Point on the crater's edge. For many climbers, this 6-hour trek to Stella Point is the toughest part of the journey.

Upon reaching Stella Point (5685m), you take a brief break and are treated to a breathtaking sunrise, provided the weather is clear. From Stella Point, the next 2-hour climb to Uhuru Peak usually involves navigating through snow. The amount of time you spend at the summit will depend on the weather conditions, so try not to linger too long, as it can be challenging to resume your trek due to the cold and exhaustion.

Savor your achievement—it's a day you'll cherish forever. The descent back to Barafu from the summit takes approximately 3 hours. There, you'll rest briefly, gather your remaining gear, and then proceed down to Mweka Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Altitude: 3,090 m – 1,650 m

Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

After breakfast, you will head from the Mweka Gate down to Mweka village, which typically involves a lengthy and muddy hour-long walk. Once in Mweka village, you will be driven to Springlands Hotel, where you can enjoy a hot lunch and finally take a long-awaited shower. You will spend the night at Springlands Hotel, where tips for the guide can be given. This is also the location where climbers who successfully reached the summit receive their certificates. Climbers who made it to Stella Point (5685m) will receive green certificates, while those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) will be awarded gold certificates.

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight back home.