9-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Day 1: Arrive at JRO – Transfer to Your Accommodation

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at TBA, you will be welcomed by your Patriot Tours guide and transferred to your accommodation in Moshi or Arusha. In the evening, you will receive a pre-trekking briefing, where your guide will go over the itinerary, safety precautions, and conduct a final gear check to ensure you're well-prepared for the climb.

Day 2: Londorosi Gate (2,100m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)

After breakfast, transfer to Londorosi Gate for registration before driving to the trailhead. The trek starts through the lush rainforest, home to black-and-white colobus monkeys and exotic birds. The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), where you will have time to rest and enjoy your first night on the mountain.

Elevation: 2100m to 2820m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa (2,820m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

After breakfast, the trail ascends through the last section of rainforest before entering the moorland zone. As you gain altitude, the landscape opens up with panoramic views of Kilimanjaro's Shira Plateau. After passing Shira 1 Camp, continue trekking across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp, where you will settle for the night.

Elevation: 2820m to 3850m
Distance: 16 km
Hiking Time: 8–10 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)

After breakfast, the trek gradually climbs towards Lava Tower (4,630m), a key acclimatization point. You will spend some time at this high altitude before descending into the Barranco Valley, where the air gets richer in oxygen. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude.

Elevation: 3850m to 4630m to 3960m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) → Karanga Camp (4,035m)

After breakfast, the day starts with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical rock face requiring some scrambling. Once at the top, the trail descends into the Karanga Valley, with spectacular views of glaciers and the summit ahead. This is a shorter day to allow for proper acclimatization.

Elevation: 3960m to 4035m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rocky, Alpine Desert

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) → Barafu Camp (4,680m)

After breakfast, the trek continues with a gradual but steady ascent to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit push. Upon arrival, you will have an early dinner and rest as much as possible before the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Elevation: 4035m to 4680m
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,680m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

The final ascent begins just before midnight, trekking under the stars toward Stella Point (5,756m). From here, the last stretch leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, where you will witness a breathtaking sunrise. After celebrating your achievement, the descent begins back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 4680m to 5895m Down to 3100m
Distance: 17 km total
Hiking Time: 12–16 hours total
Habitat: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Rainforest

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m) → Moshi

After breakfast, the final descent takes you through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate. From here, you will be transferred back to Moshi, where you can relax, celebrate, and enjoy a well-earned meal.

Elevation: 3100m to 1640m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 9: Departure – Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport

After an incredible adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro, your journey comes to an end. Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward international flight. This is a moment to reflect on your achievement, from the breathtaking landscapes to the challenge of reaching Uhuru Peak. If time allows before your flight, you may have a chance to pick up some souvenirs or simply relax before your departure. Our team will ensure a smooth and timely transfer, bidding you farewell with warm wishes and hoping to welcome you again for another adventure in Tanzania! Safe travels!

End of Itinerary