8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) - Moshi

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) you will be met by your guide followed by an hour's drive to the hotel in Moshi Town for an orientation on your trek. You will spend the remaining day at the hotel or can hang around Moshi town. Your guide will provide you with all the details on your trek and will also check your trekking gears. If you have missed anything, they will help you rent the missing gear from local rental shops.

Meals: None (on your own)

Day 1: Moshi to Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp)

Elevation: 2,100m to 2,700m
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Highlights: You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00 am and transferred to the Lemosho gate (approx. 3 hours). After the registration process, you will start your climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 2,700m to 3,500m
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Heather
Highlights: A gradual ascent with breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau and the Kibo Volcano for the first time. This easier hike helps with the acclimatization process. After lunch at camp, you have the option to rest or take an exploratory walk.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 3,500m to 3,900m
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Heather
Highlights: A not-difficult walk enjoying breathtaking landscapes and unique flora. On a clear day, Shira 2 Camp offers perfect views of Mount Meru. After lunch, take an essential acclimatization walk towards Lava Tower (elevation gain of 200m).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower (4,600m) to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 3,850m to 4,600m (Lava Tower) to 3,960m (Barranco Camp)
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
Highlights: Trek through upland desert to the distinct Lava Tower for lunch—this "climb high, sleep low" strategy is excellent for acclimatization. In the afternoon, make a steep descent to the stunning Barranco Valley, sheltered by towering cliffs with extensive views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,960m to 4,000m
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland & Semi Desert
Highlights: The day starts with a scramble up the imposing Barranco Wall—it's easier than it looks! Enjoy fantastic views from the top. The route then follows a mountain ridge into and out of the Karanga Valley, reaching Karanga Camp with fantastic views of Kibo's southern glacier.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4,000m to 4,600m
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
Highlights: A shorter hike to the rocky, exposed ridge of Barafu Camp ("ice" in Swahili). This is the last water stop. Familiarize yourself with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so you can rest before the summit push. Your guide will brief you in detail on the plan for summit night. Get to sleep early!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,600m to 5,895m down to 3,090m
Distance: 5 km / 3 mi up & 13 km / 8 mi down
Walking Time: 5-7 hours up & 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Ice-capped, Stone scree, Moorland
Highlights: The ultimate adventure begins around midnight. Hike in darkness by headlamp up steep switchbacks to Stella Point (5,756m) for a final push to Uhuru Peak—the Roof of Africa! Celebrate your summit at sunrise with breathtaking views. After photos, descend to Barafu for a rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi

Elevation: 3,090m to 1,680m
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Highlights: The final descent through lush, misty cloud forest (watch for Colobus monkeys!). Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you'll receive your summit certificates (congratulations!). It's time to thank and tip your guide, cook, and porters. You'll then be transferred back to Moshi for a celebration and a much-needed shower!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Departure – Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport

After an incredible adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro, your journey comes to an end. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward international flight. This is a moment to reflect on your incredible achievement. If time allows, you may have a chance to pick up some souvenirs. Our team will ensure a smooth and timely transfer, bidding you farewell with warm wishes!

Meals: Breakfast

End of Itinerary