8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Transfer to Arusha

1. Arusha
   12h
   Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative holding a sign with your name. Transfer to your hotel in Arusha for rest and pre-trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide. You’ll review your gear and rent any additional items if needed.
   
   Meals Included: None
   Accommodation: Lodge (or similar – mid-range)

Day 2: Arusha – Londorossi Gate – Trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp

1. 3h
   After breakfast, depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate (2.5-hour drive) to complete park formalities. Continue by 4WD to Lemosho Glades, the trailhead. Begin your trek through lush montane forest, where you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys.
   
   Elevation: 1830m to 2650m (6,000ft to 8,700ft)
   
   Distance: 6 km (4 mi)
   
   Trekking Time: 2–3 hours
   
   Habitat: Montane Forest
   Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
   Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (tent)

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

1. 5h
   Today the trail climbs steeply, transitioning from forest into the heather and moorland zone. Cross several streams before ascending the Shira Ridge and gently descending to the expansive Shira Plateau.
   
   Elevation: 2650m to 3500m (8,700ft to 11,500ft)
   
   Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
   
   Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
   
   Habitat: Moorland
   Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
   Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (tent)

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

1. 5h
   A relatively easy day with time for acclimatization. Trek eastward across the Shira Plateau, with excellent views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru in the distance. Optional acclimatization hikes are available near camp.
   
   Elevation: 3500m to 3850m (11,500ft to 12,600ft)
   
   Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
   
   Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
   
   Habitat: Moorland
   Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
   Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (tent)

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

1. 6h
   Ascend to the Lava Tower at 4,650m for lunch and acclimatization, then descend into the scenic Barranco Valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and the famous Breach Wall. Despite ending at a similar elevation to the previous night, this day is critical for acclimatization.
   
   Elevation: 3850m to 4000m (12,600ft to 13,000ft) via Lava Tower
   
   Distance: 10 km (6 mi)
   
   Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
   
   Habitat: Semi-desert
   Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
   Overnight: Barranco Camp (tent)

Day 6: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

1. 4h
   Begin the day with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall, offering spectacular views. Continue through alpine desert terrain to reach Karanga Camp. This shorter trekking day allows rest and further acclimatization.
   
   Elevation: 4000m to 4050m (13,000ft to 13,250ft)
   
   Distance: 5 km (3 mi)
   
   Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
   
   Habitat: Alpine Desert
   Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
   Overnight: Karanga Camp (tent)

Day 7: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

1. 4h
   Continue ascending on the South Circuit Trail to reach Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt. Views of Mawenzi Peak are outstanding. Eat dinner early and rest in preparation for the early morning summit push.
   
   Elevation: 4050m to 4700m (13,250ft to 15,350ft)
   
   Distance: 4 km (2 mi)
   
   Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
   
   Habitat: Alpine Desert
   Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
   Overnight: Barafu Camp (tent)

Day 8: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Down to Mweka Camp

1. 11h
   Begin the summit ascent around midnight, reaching Stella Point (5,756m) around sunrise. A final push takes you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend to Barafu Camp for brunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
   
   Elevation: 4700m to 5895m to 3090m (15,350ft to 19,340ft to 10,150ft)
   
   Distance: 18 km (11 mi)
   
   Trekking Time: 11–13 hours
   
   Habitat: Arctic to Forest
   Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
   Overnight: Mweka Camp (tent)

Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Transfer to Arusha

1. 4h
   Complete the descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Afterward, transfer to your hotel in Arusha for a hot shower and relaxation.
   
   Elevation: 3090m to 1680m (10,150ft to 5,500ft)
   
   Distance: 10 km (6 mi)
   
   Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
   
   Habitat: Rainforest
   Meals Included: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Lodge

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness