8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing via Lemosho Route with Meals

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   4h
   Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a morning transfer to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. At the gate, your guide completes the necessary registration while the porters organize food, tents and other mountain equipment.
   
   After registration, you will continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead, where the walk begins. The first section of the route passes through a beautiful montane rainforest with tall trees, thick vegetation, moss-covered branches and the sounds of forest birds.
   
   The trail rises gradually and may be wet or muddy, particularly after rainfall. Your guide will encourage you to maintain a slow and comfortable pace from the beginning. On clear days, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and other small forest animals may be seen along the way.After approximately three to four hours of walking, you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp. Your tents will normally be prepared by the mountain crew before your arrival.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   7h
   After breakfast, you will leave Mti Mkubwa Camp and continue through the upper section of the rainforest. As the trail climbs, the thick forest gradually becomes thinner and the landscape changes into heathland and open moorland.
   
   The day includes several steady uphill sections. Your guide will continue reminding you to walk slowly because the increase in altitude becomes more noticeable. There is no need to hurry; maintaining a controlled pace helps your body adjust and allows you to enjoy the changing scenery.
   
   As you approach the Shira Ridge, the trail becomes more open. Weather permitting, you may enjoy your first clear views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s main volcanic cone. Behind you, the lower plains stretch towards the horizon, while Mount Meru may also be visible in the distance.
   
   You will descend slightly across the western edge of the Shira Plateau before reaching Shira 1 Camp. This is one of the quieter camps on the mountain, with a wide-open setting and beautiful views

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   6h
   Today’s walk is shorter and has been planned to support gradual acclimatization. After breakfast, you will cross more of the Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic caldera formed during Kilimanjaro’s geological development.
   
   The landscape is broad and open, with volcanic rocks, grasses and hardy plants adapted to the mountain environment. The gentler pace gives you time to appreciate the surrounding views and become more comfortable walking at higher altitude.
   
   Depending on the weather and the condition of the group, your guide may take you along a trail near the Shira Cathedral. This large rock formation offers impressive views across the plateau and towards Kibo.
   
   You will then continue to Shira 2 Camp, located at approximately 3,850 metres. After lunch and a period of rest, your guide may lead you on a short acclimatization walk above the camp. You will climb to a slightly higher elevation before returning to sleep at the camp.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   8h
   This is an important acclimatization day and one of the most varied sections of the Lemosho Route. You will leave Shira 2 Camp after breakfast and begin climbing towards the eastern side of Kibo.
   
   The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as you enter the alpine desert. The landscape is dominated by volcanic rocks, open slopes and views of Kilimanjaro’s upper reaches. The air becomes thinner, and you may notice that walking requires more effort than it did at lower elevations.
   
   You will climb gradually to Lava Tower, which stands at approximately 4,600 metres. This will be the highest point reached so far. Depending on the weather, lunch may be served near Lava Tower.
   
   Some climbers experience mild symptoms of altitude at this elevation, including headaches, reduced appetite or tiredness. Your guides will monitor everyone closely and advise you to drink water, eat properly and maintain a slow pace.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   5h
   After an early breakfast, you will begin the day by climbing the Barranco Wall. From a distance, the wall looks steep and difficult, but it is manageable when approached slowly under the direction of an experienced guide.
   
   The climb is not considered technical, although you will use your hands for balance in a few places. Your guides will show you where to step and help you safely through the narrow sections. The climb normally takes between one and two hours, depending on the pace of the group.
   
   At the top of the Barranco Wall, you will have time to rest and enjoy excellent views of Kibo, the Heim Glacier and the valleys below. This is also a popular place for photographs.
   
   The trail then crosses a series of ridges and valleys before descending into the Karanga Valley. A final uphill section brings you to Karanga Camp.
   
   Because the walking distance is relatively short, you will have time to rest and prepare for the demanding days ahead.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   4h
   After breakfast, you will leave Karanga Camp and begin the steady climb towards Barafu Camp. The landscape is dry, rocky and exposed, with very little vegetation.
   
   Although the hiking distance is short, the altitude makes the walk physically demanding. You will continue at a slow pace while taking regular breaks. On clear days, you can see Mawenzi Peak to the east and the upper slopes of Kibo ahead.
   
   Barafu means “ice” in Swahili. The camp is located on a rocky ridge and serves as the base for the summit attempt. Once you arrive, the crew will show you to your tent and serve lunch.
   
   The afternoon is reserved for resting, organizing your summit clothing and checking essential equipment. Your guide will explain the summit procedure, expected weather conditions, clothing requirements and the importance of staying close to the group.
   
   An early dinner will be served before you settle into your tent. You may only have a few hours to rest because the summit climb usually begins around midnigh

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Down to Mweka Camp

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   15h
   You will wake shortly before midnight and receive a light meal or hot drink before beginning the summit attempt. Wearing your warmest clothing and using your headlamp, you will start climbing slowly through the darkness.
   
   The trail is steep and passes over loose volcanic scree. Your guide will set a slow, steady rhythm to conserve energy. Temperatures are usually extremely cold, and the combination of altitude, wind and darkness makes this the most challenging part of the climb.
   
   The group will take short, controlled breaks along the way. Longer stops are normally avoided because the body cools quickly at this altitude.
   
   After several hours, you will reach Stella Point at approximately 5,756 metres on the crater rim. Reaching Stella Point is a major achievement. If conditions allow, you may stop briefly for a warm drink before continuing towards Uhuru Peak.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   4h
   After breakfast, you will begin the final descent through the rainforest towards Mweka Gate. The trail may be wet and slippery, so trekking poles can be helpful.
   
   As you descend, the air becomes warmer and the vegetation thicker. This final walk gives you time to reflect on the previous days and enjoy the forest before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.
   
   At Mweka Gate, you will complete the sign-out procedure and receive your climbing certificate. Climbers who reach Stella Point receive a green certificate, while those who reach Uhuru Peak receive a gold certificate.
   
   You will have an opportunity to thank the mountain crew and celebrate the completion of your climb. After the ceremony, you will be transferred back to your hotel for a hot shower, a proper rest and your summit celebration.

Pickup details

We offer pickup from your hotel, accommodation, or airport in the Arusha area. Please provide your pickup location when booking. Our team will confirm the exact pickup time and location with you in advance. For airport pickups, please provide your flight details so we can coordinate your arrival. Please be ready at the agreed pickup point at the confirmed time.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• 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