8 days kilimanjaro climb via lemosho route
8 days lemosho route trekking
Kilimanjaro Climb Days 1–8
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Lemosho.
- Pass through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert.
- Acclimatize gradually for a higher summit success rate.
- Reach Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
- Enjoy spectacular sunrise views from the summit.
- Descend through beautiful mountain landscapes.
Day 1
Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
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After breakfast, depart from Arusha or Moshi and drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and permit formalities. From the gate, continue to the trailhead where your trek begins. The route passes through dense rainforest rich in wildlife, including colobus monkeys and exotic bird species. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the forest as you gradually ascend toward Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, where your mountain crew will prepare dinner and overnight accommodations.
Camping site: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
“The western rainforest of Kilimanjaro is home to black and white colobus monkeys and numerous endemic bird species.”
Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
Following breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and enter the heather and moorland zone. The trail gradually climbs across rolling hills and open landscapes, offering stunning views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. The vegetation changes dramatically as giant heathers and volcanic formations dominate the scenery. Upon arrival at Shira 1 Camp, enjoy spectacular sunset views while your guides prepare dinner.
Camping site: Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours
Day 3
Shira 1 Camp (3,610m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
After breakfast, continue across the vast Shira Plateau while enjoying panoramic views of Mount Meru and Kibo Peak. The relatively gentle hike allows your body to adapt to higher elevations while providing excellent opportunities for photography. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon and spend time resting and acclimatizing in preparation for the higher altitudes ahead.
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Day 4
Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Today follows the important “climb high, sleep low” principle. Ascend gradually toward Lava Tower, a dramatic volcanic rock formation standing at 4,630 meters. This section helps your body acclimatize while offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert environment. After lunch near Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp through the scenic Barranco Valley. The area is famous for its giant groundsels and spectacular views of the Barranco Wall.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
INTERESTING FACT…!
“Lava Tower was formed by volcanic activity during Kilimanjaro’s geological development.”
Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 6–8 Hours
Day 5
Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Begin the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most exciting and rewarding sections of the route. Although steep, the climb is manageable and offers magnificent views of glaciers and surrounding valleys. Continue across ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga Camp. The shorter trekking distance allows time for relaxation and additional acclimatization activities in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Day 6
Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
After breakfast, continue toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before summit day. The trail traverses rocky alpine desert terrain with incredible views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and spend the remainder of the day resting, hydrating, and preparing your summit equipment. Your guides will conduct a detailed summit briefing before an early dinner and rest.
Camping site: Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Day 7
Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Shortly after midnight, begin your summit attempt under a sky filled with stars. The challenging ascent leads to Stella Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witness an unforgettable sunrise over the glaciers and surrounding plains. After celebrating your achievement and taking photographs, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Camping site: Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 17 km (10.6 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 10–14 Hours
Day 8
Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
After breakfast, begin your final descent through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest zone. The trail offers opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, and unique vegetation while reflecting on your successful climb. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, receive your official summit certificate and celebrate with your guides and porters. A transfer will then take you back to Moshi or Arusha where your Kilimanjaro adventure concludes.
Accommodation: Not Included
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 3–5 Hours
Items included:
- All national park entry fees and conservation fees
- Professional, experienced mountain guides
- Dedicated mountain cook and support crew
- Porters for carrying camping equipment and supplies
- Quality mountain tents and camping equipment
- Sleeping mattresses
- Three freshly prepared meals per day during the climb
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and drinking water on the mountain
- Round trip transfers between Kilimanjaro Airport and the hotel
- Accommodation before and after the climb (if applicable)
- Daily health monitoring and basic first-aid support
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- Emergency evacuation arrangements
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Government taxes and VAT
Items not included:
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and mountain rescue insurance
- Laundry services
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Telephone calls and internet charge