8 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route

Your journey begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a short transfer to your comfortable hotel. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to rest and begin to acclimatize to the atmosphere of Tanzania. In the evening, your guide will host a pre-trek briefing where you’ll learn about the Lemosho route, trekking techniques, and the exciting adventure that lies ahead.

Your Kilimanjaro journey begins after an early breakfast with a scenic drive to Lemosho Gate. Along the way, you'll enjoy picturesque views of the Tanzanian countryside and dense forests that line the foothills of the mountain. At the gate, registration formalities are completed before you begin your hike through the lush rainforest.

The trail winds through dense undergrowth, home to exotic bird species and endemic flora. As you ascend, the air grows cooler, transitioning gradually from lowland forest to a higher altitude zone. The hike is gentle—perfect for your body to start adjusting.

• Elevation Gain: +680m
• Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, the trail climbs steadily out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. Today’s hike reveals sweeping views and volcanic landscapes as you traverse rocky paths and open heath. By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp, set on the expansive Shira Plateau with stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes.

• Elevation Gain: +830m
• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s trek is relatively short and helps your body acclimate. The path leads across the Shira Plateau—an ancient volcanic caldera—where the terrain turns more barren and the vegetation sparser. Panoramic views dominate the landscape as you approach Shira 2 Camp.

• Elevation Gain: +240m
• Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland & Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This is a key acclimatization day. The trail climbs steeply toward Lava Tower at 4,630m, a remarkable volcanic formation where you'll rest and acclimate. From here, you descend to Barranco Camp, nestled beneath the imposing Barranco Wall. This up-and-down hike helps your body adjust to high altitude while offering ever-changing scenery.

• Elevation Gain: +110m
• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Your day begins with the thrilling climb of the Barranco Wall. Though it looks daunting, it’s a non-technical scramble that rewards you with incredible views from the top. Afterward, the trail winds through valleys and ridges before reaching Karanga Camp.

• Elevation Gain: +75m
• Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This steady ascent brings you to Barafu Camp, the final base camp before your summit attempt. The alpine terrain is stark and dramatic, with little vegetation. You’ll arrive in time to rest, eat an early dinner, and prepare for your nighttime summit climb.

• Elevation Gain: +605m
• Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Your summit bid begins just after midnight. The path to Stella Point (5,730m) is steep and demanding, but your goal—Uhuru Peak—is within reach. Standing at 5,895m, it’s the highest point in Africa. After soaking in the sunrise and taking your summit photos, you’ll descend to Barafu for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp.

• Elevation Gain: +1,255m
• Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
• Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The final leg of your journey takes you back into the lush rainforest. The descent is easier on your lungs but requires care for your knees. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your official summit certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

• Elevation Loss: -1,440m
• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch