8 Days Climbing Mt kilimanjaro via lemosho route

Overview

• 🏔️ Summit Mount Kilimanjaro – Uhuru Peak
• 🌍 Reach the highest point in Africa
• 🥾 Climb via the scenic Lemosho Route
• 🌿 Trek through Kilimanjaro's rainforest
• 🌄 Explore the spectacular Shira Plateau
• 🏔️ Experience Barranco Wall
• 🌋 Cross Kilimanjaro's alpine desert
• ⭐ Improve acclimatization with an 8-day itinerary
• 📸 Incredible mountain and landscape photography
• 🌅 Experience sunrise from near the summit
• 🏕️ Overnight in mountain camps
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for experienced trekkers and physically prepared beginners
• 🏆 Achieve the summit of Africa's highest mountain

1. Day1
   Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

   Your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a transfer from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate.
   Complete the necessary park registration and entry formalities before driving towards the Lemosho trailhead.
   Begin your trek through the beautiful montane rainforest.

   The trail is relatively gentle on the first day, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the climb.
   Keep an eye out for monkeys, birds and other forest wildlife as you make your way through the lush vegetation.
   Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp in the afternoon and settle into your mountain camp.

   Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
   Meals: Lunch & Dinner
   Trekking: Approximately 6 km
   Trekking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
   Altitude: Approximately 2,780 m

   Meals: Lunch, dinner Stay: Mti Mkubwa Camp

2. Day2
   Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

   After breakfast, continue your trek through the forest before gradually entering the heather and moorland zone.
   The landscape begins to change dramatically as the dense forest gives way to open vegetation and expansive mountain views.
   Continue towards the spectacular Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic sections of the Lemosho Route.

   You may enjoy your first clear views towards the higher slopes of Kilimanjaro.
   Arrive at Shira 1 Camp and spend the evening resting and acclimatizing.

   Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   Trekking: Approximately 8 km
   Trekking Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
   Altitude: Approximately 3,505 m

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Stay: Shira 1 Camp

3. Day3
   Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

   Today is designed as an important acclimatization day.
   After breakfast, continue across the beautiful Shira Plateau towards Shira 2 Camp.
   The trek is relatively gradual, giving your body additional time to adapt to the increasing altitude.
   Depending on weather and trail conditions, your guide may include a short acclimatization walk around the Shira area.
   Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape.
   Return to camp for dinner and rest.

   Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   Trekking: Approximately 10 km
   Trekking Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
   Altitude: Approximately 3,850 m

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Stay: Shira 2 Camp

4. Day4
   Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

   Today's trek is particularly important for acclimatization.
   Leave Shira 2 Camp and climb gradually towards Lava Tower, reaching approximately 4,600 metres.
   This "climb high, sleep low" approach allows you to spend time at higher altitude before descending to Barranco Camp.
   The landscape becomes increasingly rugged as you enter the alpine desert zone.
   After lunch around Lava Tower, descend towards the spectacular Barranco Valley.
   The descent provides your body with valuable acclimatization time.
   Arrive at Barranco Camp beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.

   Overnight: Barranco Camp
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   Trekking: Approximately 10 km
   Trekking Time: Approximately 7–8 hours
   Highest Point: Approximately 4,600 m at Lava Tower
   Sleeping Altitude: Approximately 3,960 m

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Stay: Barranco Camp

5. Day5
   Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

   Wake up early and prepare for one of the most exciting sections of the trek — climbing the Barranco Wall.
   Although the wall looks intimidating from below, the route follows a manageable trail with the assistance of your experienced mountain guides.
   Once at the top, enjoy spectacular views across the surrounding valleys and mountain landscape.

   Continue through a series of ridges and valleys towards Karanga Camp.
   The relatively short trekking day allows you to rest and continue acclimatizing before the higher-altitude sections of the climb.

   Overnight: Karanga Camp
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   Trekking: Approximately 5–7 km
   Trekking Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
   Altitude: Approximately 4,035 m

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Stay: Karanga Camp

6. Day6
   Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

   After breakfast, begin the trek towards Barafu Camp, the final base camp before your summit attempt.
   The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you enter the upper alpine desert zone.
   Arrive at Barafu Camp around midday or early afternoon.

   Your guides will brief you about the summit attempt and check your equipment.
   Have an early dinner and get some rest.
   You will normally go to sleep early because the summit attempt begins during the night.

   Overnight: Barafu Camp
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   Trekking: Approximately 4–5 km
   Trekking Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
   Altitude: Approximately 4,640 m

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Stay: Barafu Camp

7. Day7
   Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

   Summit Day
   This is the most challenging and rewarding day of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
   Wake up around midnight and begin the summit ascent.
   The trail leads slowly upward through the darkness towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
   The climb is demanding due to the steep terrain, cold temperatures and high altitude. Your guides will set a slow and steady pace.
   Reach Stella Point at approximately 5,739 metres.

   Continue along the crater rim towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at approximately 5,895 metres (19,341 feet).
   Celebrate your achievement and take photographs at the summit, weather and conditions permitting.
   After spending some time at the summit, begin the descent back towards Barafu Camp.
   Rest briefly and continue down towards Mweka Camp through the alpine desert and moorland zones.
   The lower altitude will generally make breathing and movement easier as you descend.

   Overnight: Mweka Camp
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   Trekking: Approximately 17 km total
   Trekking Time: Approximately 12–15 hours
   Summit: 5,895 m – Uhuru Peak

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Stay: Mweka Camp

8. Day8
   Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi/Arusha

   Enjoy your final breakfast on the mountain.
   Begin your descent through the beautiful montane rainforest towards Mweka Gate.
   At the gate, complete the park exit formalities and collect your summit certificate.
   Meet your vehicle and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha.
   Enjoy a well-earned shower, rest and celebration after completing your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure.

   Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
   Trekking: Approximately 10 km
   Trekking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
   End Point: Moshi / Arusha

   Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Stay: End of tour

What’s included

Where you’ll stay

7 nights · Mountain Camping

Kilimanjaro Mountain Camps

During the climb, accommodation is provided in designated mountain campsites along the Lemosho Route rather than in permanent lodges. You will sleep in quality mountain tents while the climbing crew prepares meals and assists with camp setup. The camps provide an authentic wilderness experience, surrounded by Kilimanjaro's changing landscapes. The principal camps used on this itinerary are: - Mti Mkubwa Camp - Shira 1 Camp - Shira 2 Camp - Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp - Mweka Camp Accommodation is basic but comfortable for a high-altitude mountain expedition.

Route map