The Lemosho route starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro at Lemosho Gate (2,100 m). You climb through rainforest, then moorland, then alpine desert, then the arctic summit. You descend along the Mweka route, which runs down the southeastern slope.
Most people complete the Lemosho route in seven days, but it can be extended by one day to give you a little longer to acclimatise. We usually recommend choosing the eight-day version as it increases your chances of summiting.
We have to admit, we have a soft spot for the Lemosho route! Because of its versatility, scenery, and a rather untouched, wild start to the climb, Lemosho is often considered the route with the most variety. Spotting large wildlife, like antelopes, is not very common, but possible!
One of the unique things about this route is that it offers trekkers the experience of hiking across the Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world.
The acclimatization profile of the Lemosho route is great, which means the route helps you to adjust well to the increasing altitude. One reason for this is that you spread the ascent over enough days. The other reason is that the route takes you along a course that has you climb up to a new altitude on the one ascent day before dropping back down a bit in altitude for the night. This feature of the trail is great in helping you to acclimatize well.
You will meet our driver and pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel. Pre-trek briefing at your hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, 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” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Distance: 8km
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Distance: 5km
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. 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.
Distance: 4km
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Distance: 5km up / 13km down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. 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
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
The Northern Circuit Route is a scenic and less crowded trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It's known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems, offering a longer and more gradual ascent compared to other routes.
This is arguably the most beautiful Kilimanjaro route, and it’s very popular. It begins on the western slope and then skirts around the south of Kibo Peak. You descend the mountain’s southeastern slope via the Mweka route.
This is the only Kilimanjaro route to offer hut accommodation. It’s also very popular, especially among budget tour operators and trekkers. It ascends the eastern slope and you then descend via the same route.
Fargin Safaris offers various travel experiences that highlight Tanzania’s rich culture, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes.