Kilimanjaro Climbing Overview
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way.
Kilimanjaro Trekking Summary
The Kilimanjaro Trekking Lemosho route starts off from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the lush rainforest to Shira Plateau. We recommend a minimum of 7 days to attempt this route but 8 days is preferable for better acclimatization and summit success. The Lemosho route joins the Machame route at Shira 2 Camp and then follows the same route through the southern circuit and descending at Mweka Gate.
Trekking Highlights
- Duration: 8 Days
- Category: Trekking
- Destinations:Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route
- Attraction: Kilimanjaro mountain, world tallest free standing mountain
- Tour Guides Language: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian,
- Start in: Moshi/Arusha
- End in:Moshi/Arusha
- Packing list: Camera with enough zoom and memory space and extra batteries, binoculars, light clothes, safari boot, mosquito repellents, sunhat, sunglasses with ultra violet radiation filtering etc.
- Extra info:Provide Porters and Cookers to accompany you while on the mountain
Day 1: Transfer To Londorossi Gate
Journey starts from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and drive Londorossi gate (2100m) for registration completion.
Start a 3 hour hike through the rain forest till Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m).
Rest and have an overnight stay at the camp.
Day 2: Trek To Shira Camp
Trek through plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock.
The trail leads to Shira Camp (3840m) have a spectacular view of the Western Breach.
Upon your arrival, wash and prepare for dinner.
Spend the night at Shira camp.
Day 3: Trek To Moir Hut
Start by exploring the Shira Plateau through moorland towards Shira 2 Camp
The trail leads to Moir Hut, for an evening rest
Take the rest of the day off gaining energy for the next day
Day 4: Climb Through Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Early morning leave the moorland environment and enter the semi desert and rocky landscape.
After 5 walking hours, you will arrive at Lava tower (4630m) good for acclimatization where you will have lunch.
After lunch, descend for 2 hours to .Barranco Campsite (3950m).
It’s where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 5: Ascend To Karanga Camp
After breakfast, hike for a short while meant for acclimatization.
It’s the day for conquering The great Barranco wall to view Heim Glacier on top of the clouds.
The trail leads to Karanga valley where you will spend the night at Karanga Camp(4000m).
Day 6: Climb To Barafu Hut
In the morning hike through traverse route that takes up the Barafu Ridge.
The climb will lead you to Barafu Hut (4600m).
Spend the rest of the day resting where dinner will be served very early allowing hikers to rest.
It is necessary to sleep before 19:30 as to prepare for the summit around midnight.
Day 7: Ascend To Uhuru Peak
Wake up at 23:00 for adding more warm clothes and a cup of tea with biscuits.
Start ascending through stone scree whereby within 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim.
Rest enjoying the magnificent sunrise.
For those interested, continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m).
Have some time at the summit taking photos, admiring the view and most of feel accomplished for standing on the highest mountain in Africa.
Start descending to Barafu Camp for 3 hours where you will have a short rest before continuing with the journey.
After 3 walking hours, you will reach Mweka Hut (3100m).
Have dinner a good night sleep at the hut
Day 8: Retrace Through Forest to Mweka gate
After breakfast and much celebrating, continue with the descend.
The trail through forest takes 3 hours to arrive at the Mweka gate.
It’s where climbers will be awarded with certificates according to the reached level. Stella Point hikers receive green certificates while Uhuru peak hikers receive golden certificates.
Retreat back to Mweka village about an hour walk where you will transfer to Moshi or Arusha for hot showers and resting
