8 Days – Lemosho Route via Stella Point

From Arusha, we drive to the starting point of the Lemosho trail. Here, you meet the rest of your crew and start at a leisurely pace into the afro-montane forest. Lunch is taken on the trail, and the camp is reached mid-afternoon. Overnight at Forest Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Ascending through Podocarpus and Juniper forest, you leave the forest zone and enter the heath zone on the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on the trail, arriving at camp in the mid-afternoon. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Crossing the Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic parts of the trip, you hike for around 3-4 hours to the lunch point. After lunch, ascend to Moir Camp, arriving in the mid-afternoon. For those with energy, a late afternoon hike is possible. Dinner and overnight at Moir Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

From Moir, traverse the slopes of Kibo where little flora or fauna can survive the extreme conditions. Lunch is typically taken near Lava Tower, with an optional ascent for those feeling strong, before descending to Barranco Camp in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

An early start is recommended to hike the Barranco Wall. After about 2 hours, you reach the top and then hike over glacial valleys to Karanga Camp. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering over 3000 feet above. Overnight at Karanga Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Today involves a half-day ascent to Barafu Camp. Lunch is taken at camp, allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. The camp is situated in a desolate alpine desert with strong winds but offers splendid evening views of Mawenzi volcano. Overnight at Barafu Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence are key to reaching the summit, and by dawn, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point, you have a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! After the ascent, descend to Mweka Camp. Overnight at Mweka Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

The final descent of 4,500 feet brings you to Mweka Gate, where your team will have prepared a fresh lunch, and transfer vehicles will be waiting. After saying goodbye to the mountain staff, head to a hotel near Arusha for a farewell dinner and either an overnight stay or a day room and departure. You can extend your Tanzanian vacation with Maximilian Adventures on a safari or other adventures.

After breakfast, you are transferred to your onward connections. If you wish to spend the day at rest, please request a day room (extra charge).