8-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing – Lemosho Route

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arusha to Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast in Arusha, you will drive to Londorossi Gate for registration before continuing to the Lemosho Gate where the trek officially begins. The journey offers beautiful views of rural villages, farmland, and the distant slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival at the trailhead, porters organize equipment while guides provide a final briefing before starting the hike through the lush montane rainforest. The trail is gentle and shaded by giant trees covered with moss and tropical vegetation. Along the way, climbers may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, colorful birds, and unique forest plants. The peaceful environment allows climbers to settle into a comfortable trekking pace while adjusting to the mountain atmosphere. After several hours of hiking, you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp. Dinner will be served at camp followed by a briefing from the guides about the following day’s trek and altitude adaptation process.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Today the route leaves the rainforest zone and enters the heather and moorland region of the mountain. The trail gradually becomes steeper as dense forest gives way to open landscapes filled with volcanic rock formations, giant heathers, and spectacular mountain scenery. As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and drier while panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak begin to appear. Guides encourage climbers to maintain a slow and steady pace to support proper acclimatization and conserve energy for the higher elevations ahead. The scenery changes dramatically throughout the day, offering excellent opportunities for photography and rest breaks. After several hours of trekking across ridges and rolling terrain, you will reach Shira 1 Camp located on the western edge of the Shira Plateau. The evening is spent relaxing, enjoying dinner, and watching the sunset over the mountain landscape before overnight at camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

The trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp is relatively gentle and serves as an important acclimatization day on the mountain. The route crosses the broad Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, with wide-open views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and surrounding valleys. The terrain consists mainly of rocky trails and sparse alpine vegetation, including giant groundsels and lobelias that thrive in the harsh mountain climate. The slower pace of the day allows climbers to adapt gradually to the increasing altitude while enjoying the dramatic volcanic scenery. During the trek, guides continue monitoring climbers’ health and encourage regular hydration to assist with altitude adjustment. Upon arrival at Shira 2 Camp, climbers often take a short acclimatization walk before returning to camp for dinner and overnight rest beneath clear skies and beautiful mountain views.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

This is one of the most important acclimatization days during the climb. The trail ascends steadily toward Lava Tower, a striking volcanic rock formation located high in the alpine desert zone. As climbers gain elevation, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and barren with dramatic views of the surrounding mountain slopes. Reaching Lava Tower helps the body adapt to thinner air before descending again to sleep at a lower altitude, an acclimatization technique known as “climb high, sleep low.” After resting and enjoying lunch near Lava Tower, the route descends through valleys filled with giant senecio plants toward Barranco Camp. The famous Barranco Wall dominates the scenery nearby, creating one of the most photographed landscapes on Kilimanjaro. Although the altitude can make this day physically demanding, it plays a vital role in preparing climbers for the summit stages ahead.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, the day begins with the climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable rock face that requires careful footing and occasional use of hands for balance. Although it may appear intimidating from below, the ascent is non-technical and guided carefully by experienced mountain guides. Once at the top, climbers are rewarded with spectacular views of glaciers, valleys, and the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The trail continues through rolling ridges and alpine desert terrain toward Karanga Camp. Because this is a shorter trekking day, climbers have more time to rest and continue acclimatizing to the altitude. Guides often encourage short walks around camp during the afternoon to support further acclimatization. Upon arrival at Karanga Camp, hot meals and drinks are served while climbers prepare equipment and clothing for the higher camps and the upcoming summit attempt.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Today’s trek leads to Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The trail climbs gradually through rocky alpine desert with little vegetation and increasingly cold temperatures. Strong winds and thinner air make the hike more challenging, so climbers are advised to maintain a slow and consistent pace. Along the route, impressive views of Mawenzi Peak, glaciers, and surrounding mountain ridges become visible. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, climbers have time to rest, organize summit gear, and attend a detailed briefing from the guides regarding summit night procedures and safety measures. An early dinner is served before climbers retire to their tents for several hours of rest. Proper hydration, warm clothing, and mental preparation are essential before beginning the midnight ascent toward Uhuru Peak.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Shortly before midnight, climbers begin the final ascent from Barafu Camp toward Uhuru Peak under the glow of headlamps and the clear mountain sky. The trail is steep, cold, and physically demanding, requiring determination, mental focus, and a slow steady pace. After several hours of climbing through volcanic scree, the route reaches Stella Point on the crater rim, where climbers witness breathtaking sunrise views over glaciers and the plains below. From Stella Point, the trail continues gradually to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and the ultimate goal of the Kilimanjaro climb. After celebrating, taking photographs, and enjoying the achievement, climbers descend carefully back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and hot meal. The journey then continues downhill through alpine desert and moorland terrain to Mweka Camp, where a well-deserved dinner and overnight rest await after the longest and most challenging day of the expedition.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

After breakfast at Mweka Camp, the final descent continues through the lush rainforest zone toward Mweka Gate. The trail is scenic and rich with tropical vegetation, birds, and forest wildlife, offering a peaceful conclusion to the climb. As the altitude decreases, the air becomes warmer and more comfortable while climbers reflect on the achievement of reaching Uhuru Peak. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, climbers receive summit certificates and celebrate the successful completion of the Kilimanjaro expedition with guides and porters. After signing out from the national park, you will transfer back to Arusha for a well-deserved rest. The drive offers final views of the mountain and surrounding countryside before arriving at your hotel, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure on Africa’s highest peak.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.