Lemsoho via Kosovo Campsite Route (7-Days) Itinerary 

​DAY 1
  • Londrossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
  • Elevation (ft): 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Hiking Time:3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

DAY 2
  • Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 2
  • Elevation (ft): 9,498 ft to 12,500 ft
  • Distance: 18 km
  • Hiking Time 8 - 9 hours
  • Habitat: Health
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

DAY 3
  • Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
  • Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
  • Distance: 11 km
  • Hiking Time: 6 - 8 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
We will be climbing or hiking a mountain of about 800m, but we will be camping at a slightly higher altitude than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatize as you reach altitudes of over 4,500m over the next two days. During Kilimanjaro climbing the trek begins with a long climb or hike over the Shira Plateau to the Lava Tower. From the Shira Kogen, pass the junction and proceed east along the ridge to the summit of Kibo. If you go further, the direction will change to the southeast lava tower "Shark's Tooth". Shortly after the tower you will reach his second fork towards the Arrow Glacier at 16,000 feet. The vegetation becomes sparse as the landscape turns into an Afro-Alpine desert. The Kilimanjaro climbing route passes through the vast Barranco Valley, lush with lobelia and giant Senecio plants. After 6-7 hours, you will reach Barranco Camp, the most beautiful camp on the mountain.

DAY 4
  • Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
  • Elevation (ft): 13,044 ft to 13,106ft
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

DAY 5
  • Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp to Kosovo Camp
  • Elevation (ft): 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft to 15,978ft
  • Distance: 5km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
You will wake up to the sunshine on Kibo Peak and enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to today's destination, Barafu Camp. You will spend most of the day trekking through a very dry desert, and Kibo will always be on the left. After 3-4 hours walking you will reach Barafu campsite. From this position you can see his two peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo. At this point of Kilimanjaro climbing, the South Circuit is complete, with views of the summit from different angles. Immediately after a hot lunch, we set off from Barafu camp at 4,550 m (14,930 ft) and headed to a higher, lesser-known camp called Kosovo, the usual starting point for ascents, where we slept for a few hours. Climb or hike to the top before the midnight climb. Few people know about the Kosovo camp. Staying there instead of Barafu saved the first hour of the ugly straight Kilimanjaro climbing to the summit, slept through the night and woke up at usual time. Here we camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner and evening.

DAY 6
  • Kosovo Camp to Summit to Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp
  • Elevation (ft): 15,978ft to 19,345ft to 15,331ft to 10,065ft
  • Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
  • Habitat: Arctic to Rain Forest
After hot tea and refreshments, the climb begins around midnight from our Kosovo camp. Continue towards the summit between the Lebmann Glacier and the Ratzel Glacier. Head northwest and climb or hike heavy rocks towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. Take a short break at Stellar Point (18,600 feet) for the most spectacular sunrise you've ever seen (weather permitting). During your Kilimanjaro hiking, you may encounter snow on the one-hour climb from Stella Point to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, we reached the highest point of Kilimanjaro and the African continent. Faster hikers can watch the sunrise from the summit. Descending from the summit, you will drive straight to Mweka Hut Campsite and stop in Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are required to descend loose gravel. Mweka Camp is in the upper part of the forest and expect fog and rain in the late afternoon. Late at night, enjoy a final dinner on the mountain and a good night's sleep.

DAY 7
  • Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
  • Elevation (ft): 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
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). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.