7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Hike Through the Lemosho Route

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

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa – 2,800m (9,170ft)

After a scenic three-hour drive from Arusha, you’ll arrive at the Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western flank, where you’ll complete park registration and settle entrance fees. From there, you’ll continue by vehicle to the Lemosho Glades trailhead to begin your trek. The path leads you into a dense rainforest, where in some stretches, the untouched vegetation arches over the narrow trail. This route boasts more diverse plant and animal life compared to the more commonly used paths. Today’s hike follows a lesser-known track known as Chamber's Route. After trekking for approximately 3 to 4 hours, you’ll reach your first overnight stop at Mti Mkubwa, also known as Big Tree Camp, nestled within the rainforest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mti Mkumbwa to Shira 1 Camp

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp – 3,500m (11,500ft)

After enjoying breakfast and packing a lunch to go, begin your ascent through the final stretch of rainforest, transitioning into the vast moorland region. A great spot to pause for lunch is a scenic valley just before reaching the Shira Crater, located at approximately 3,050m (10,000ft). Following the break, you’ll enter the Shira Caldera—a remote, high-altitude desert plateau. Shira is one of Mount Kilimanjaro's three volcanic cones, its floor covered by ancient lava flows from Kibo Peak. The crater rim has been heavily eroded over time by the forces of nature and volcanic activity. This day also offers your first up-close glimpse of Kibo, the striking summit of Kilimanjaro.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira 1 Camp towards Shira 2 Camp

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp – 3,700m (12,200ft)

Following breakfast, trek eastward across the expansive Shira Plateau, passing landmarks like the Shira Cathedral en route to Shira 2 Camp. The altitude gain is a modest 210 meters (700 feet), giving your body time to gradually adjust to the increasing elevation. The scenery across the plateau is absolutely breathtaking!

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira 2 Camp towards Barranco Hut

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Hut – Elevation: 3,900m (12,675ft)

Today marks the final stretch of relatively gentle trekking. The route offers an excellent 6-hour journey. You’ll trek past the impressive Lava Tower as you circle around the southern side of Kibo, then gradually descend to Barranco — a breathtaking campsite nestled at the base of Kibo Peak, towering above the valley. Although your overnight elevation gain is just 140m (465ft) compared to the previous night, the trail takes you to elevations slightly above 4,300m (14,000ft) during the day. This makes it one of the most beneficial days for altitude adjustment.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Hut via Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp

From Barranco Hut to Karanga Valley and onward to Barafu Camp at 4,560 meters (14,950 feet).

Following breakfast, your journey begins with the challenging ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep 183-meter (600-foot) rock face. After conquering this section, the path levels out and becomes more scenic, offering breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and dramatic crevices to your left. You then make your way down into the Karanga Valley. Due to time constraints, some climbers choose not to camp overnight here.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Bundle up in warm clothing, as the final ascent begins around midnight on the mountain's steepest and most strenuous section. We aim to reach by sunrise (approximately a 6-hour trek). At daybreak, the jagged silhouette of Mawenzi is an awe-inspiring sight from the edge of the crater, with the Kibo saddle still shrouded in darkness and the glacier-covered crater rim ahead. For those feeling up to it, the journey continues to Uhuru Peak—an additional 1 to 2 hours. Standing at 5,900m (19,340 ft), this is the highest point in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on Earth. This segment of the climb is the most demanding of the trek. You'll gain roughly 1,100m (3,600 ft) in elevation and descend about 2,200m (7,200 ft) over 12 to 15 hours. While the descent is less grueling, it’s wise to take occasional breaks as you make your way down to Mweka Camp, which takes around 3 to 4 hours from the summit.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, we begin our final descent toward Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you'll be presented with your summit certificates in recognition of your achievement. This is also the moment to bid goodbye to your incredible team of guides and porters. A celebratory lunch follows before you're transferred back to your hotel in Moshi.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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