Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), stands as a towering monument to adventure, endurance, and breathtaking natural beauty. Located in northeastern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high-altitude climbs and a bucket-list destination for trekkers and mountaineers.
If you’re looking to challenge yourself physically, soak in stunning landscapes, and tick off a major adventure from your bucket list, climbing Kilimanjaro offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a first-time trekker, there are a number of routes that will take you to the top.
We flew to Kilimanjaro Airport with Ethiopian Airlines, from London via Addis Ababa and met on arrival by a guide from the company. We were taken to the hotel where we were able to relax, eat and prepare for our trek. Our guides for the trek joined us later in the day to explain how the trek would be planned out, day to day health checks we would have and gave us the opportunity to ask any last minute questions we had.
If you’re seeking a more adventurous and less-traveled path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route combined with a stay at Moir Hut offers a fantastic way to experience the mountain’s natural beauty while benefiting from a more gradual ascent. The Lemosho Route is known for its stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, and excellent acclimatisation opportunities, while the addition of Moir Hut – situated on the eastern side of the mountain—provides a unique alternative to the more common campsites.
Day 1
Moshi Hotel > Londorossi Gate > Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 2360m – 2895m Distance: 2.8 miles Trekking Time: 2hrs 15 minutes
Our adventure began fairly early on. Just a short drive on a traditional outback road in Africa our vehicle gained a puncture. Not one to be downbeat, we had managed to break down in a great location. We could see Kilimanjaro looming large in the distance, while giraffes gently grazed on the plains around us. It also gave us a chance to talk to the guides and porters that would help us reach the summit.
Once our vehicle was fixed, we made our way to Londorossi Gate which is the official starting point for climbers using the Lemosho Route.
Before starting the trek, climbers need to complete the formalities with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, including registration, a briefing, and confirmation of permits. The process may take some time, so expect to spend about an hour at the gate before beginning the hike.
The trek from Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp) is a relatively easy trek through the lush rainforests, where you may spot birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. The trail is winding, with a moderate climb, and ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp. This camp, meaning “Big Tree Camp,” is situated in the heart of the forest.
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa > Shira 1
Elevation: 2895m – 3500m Distance: 4.8 miles Trekking Time: 5 hrs 40 minutes
After leaving Mti Mkubwa, we continued our ascent through the montane forest zone where we saw colobus monkeys. The trail gradually becomes more open as you climb higher, eventually leading you into the moorland zone, where the vegetation starts to change and the trees become more sparse.
The first section of the trail is relatively gentle but does gradually increase in elevation as you move upward. The terrain is a mix of forest paths, rocky areas, and some grassy stretches.
As you ascend, the weather will start to change. While it’s still relatively cool in the morning, the sun may get stronger as the day progresses, so be prepared with plenty of sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
The landscape here is dominated by giant heathers, volcanic rocks and alpine plants. It’s an area of stark beauty with wide, open spaces and expansive views where on clear days, the view of the summit becomes even more prominent as you approach Shira 1 Camp.
Day 3
Shira 1 > Moir Hut
Elevation: 3500m – 4200m Distance: 6 miles Trekking Time: 4 hrs 45 mins
This section is relatively longer and involves a steady climb that takes you into the Shira Plateau’s higher regions. The route gives you a great opportunity for acclimatisation, as you gradually ascend to a higher altitude and experience the unique alpine landscape of Kilimanjaro. The first part of the trail will pass through a wide open area with views of the surrounding valleys and the Shira Crater. Trekking across the plateau we encountered some rocky outcrops and moorland vegetation. As we continued on, the terrain became a little more challenging. While the route isn’t overly technical, it does involve some rocky paths, scree, and moderate ascents.
Once we had reached Moir Hut, we rested a little before setting on of an acclimatisation hike as the route of todays trek hadn’t offered the ‘climb high, sleep low’ opportunity that is key to high altitude trekking. A short hike of around an hour took us to to the ridge that surrounded Moir Hut, with great views across the plateau and east towards the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Day 4
Moir Hut > Lava Tower > Barranco Camp
Elevation: 4200m – 4600m – 3950m Distance: 5.3 miles Trekking Time: 5 hrs
This is one of the more interesting and diverse sections of the climb, as it takes you through different ecosystems and involves some impressive landscapes. The trek is also quite challenging, with a significant ascent and descent over the course of the day
Lava Tower is a massive rock formation that was formed by volcanic activity, and it stands as one of the major landmarks on Kilimanjaro. Reaching it is a significant achievement, as it’s the highest point on the route before you start your descent to Barranco Camp. We had time to rest and eat lunch at Lava Tower, as well as take in the views, before continuing to Barranco Camp. Barranco Camp is situated in a beautiful sheltered valley beneath the Barranco wall, making it an excellent place to rest and acclimatise.
Day 5
Barranco Camp > Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3950m – 3930m Distance: 2.8 miles Trekking Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
The trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp is relatively short but involves a significant ascent up the Barranco Wall. The day is generally less demanding in terms of distance but can still be challenging due to the altitude and the terrain.
The first section of the trail is a steep climb as you tackle the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most iconic parts of the southern route. Whilst it is a non technical climb (no need for ropes) it can be physically demanding. The wall is a 400m rock face that requires some scrambling and careful climbing, but it’s manageable for trekkers with a good level of fitness.
The climb is relatively short but can be tiring, so take your time and use your hands and feet to navigate the rocky terrain. The scramble is rewarded with fantastic views as you reach the top of the wall – if the weather is clear!
After summiting the trail levels out somewhat, and you’ll be walking across rocky terrain and moorland toward Karanga Camp. The trail involves a mix of small climbs and descents as you make your way toward the camp and includes a final push into and out of the valley to camp.
Day 6
Karanga Camp > Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3930m – 4600m Distance: 2.1 miles Trekking Time: 2 hrs 45 minutes
This section is shorter in distance than the other days but involves a significant elevation gain, making it feel challenging, as you get taking you closer to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The altitude, terrain, and final push to Barafu Camp all make this day a crucial part of the ascent, as it sets you up for the challenging summit attempt.
The trail from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp is less scenic than other days, being rock and barren, and begins with a gradual ascent. Barafu camp sits just below the summit and is one of the highest camps on Kilimanjaro. It serves as the base camp for the final push to Uhuru Peak. One of the main purposes of staying at Barafu Camp is to rest for a few hours, have dinner, and then get some sleep before beginning your summit attempt in the early hours of the next morning.
Day 7 SUMMIT DAY
Part 1 – Barafu Camp > Uhuru Peak > Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4600m – 5895m – 4600m Distance: 5.7 miles Trekking Time: 8 hrs 30 minutes
The final stretch from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak is the most physically and mentally demanding section of the entire trek. It is typically started just after midnight to reach the summit by early morning. It is a long and strenuous that requires perseverance, preparation, and determination.
It is important to maintain a slow and steady pace, ‘pole pole’, which means ‘slowly slowly’ in Swahili. It is essential to avoid pushing yourself too hard as fatigue can set in quickly at high altitudes.
Starting just after midnight, the first part of the climb involves an ascent to Stella Point, with the path lit only by our headlamps. The path is a steep and rocky path covered in loose scree and volcanic ash. It’s not a technical climb, but it is tiring, especially at this high altitude, where the air is thin and every step can feel laborious.
After around 5 hours of trekking in the darkness, we reached Stella Point just as the sun came up from the horizon. This was such a magnificent sight. However, we were still a distance from the summit. The trail at this point is much easier, like a gradual upwards slope.
Around an hour later, we reached Uhuru Peak. The Roof of Africa. The tallest freestanding mountain in the world. As I looked at the shadow of Kilimanjaro cast across the clouds below I felt extremely lucky and had an enormous sense of achievement. Taking it all in, I was aware that the journey was only half complete – we still had the descent to tackle!
Part 2 – Barafu Camp – Mweka Camp
Day 7 continued
Day 8
Mweka Camp > Mweka Gate
looking back
