7-Day Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Lemosho Gate 2100m to Forest Camp 2650m

Trekking Time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Montane Forest

After a morning drive from Arusha to Lemosho Gate, your trek begins with a scenic hike through pristine rainforest. This section of the trail offers rich biodiversity—expect sightings of colobus and blue monkeys, colorful butterflies, and a symphony of birdsong. The trail is often soft underfoot due to dense root systems and moisture from regular mist or rain. It's a gentle but consistent ascent, which helps introduce your body to hiking at elevation. Forest Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, is nestled in the forest with a tranquil setting perfect for the first night. Your crew will set up camp and prepare a hot dinner, while you begin adapting to life on the mountain.
Key Focus: Begin acclimatizing, stay hydrated, light activity, listen to your body.
Overnight: Forest Camp | Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp 3500m

Trekking Time: 6–7 hours | Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Today’s hike is longer and steeper, as you leave the rainforest and enter the heather and moorland zone. The trail gradually climbs over ridges and across lava flows from previous eruptions, opening to stunning views of the Shira Ridge and eventually the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s three main volcanic cones. Along the trail, you’ll see giant heathers, lobelias, and other high-altitude flora. This is your first real exposure to altitude above 3,000 meters, so the pace is deliberately slow. You arrive at Shira 1 Camp, set on a wide open plain with expansive views toward the west, ideal for stargazing at night.
Key Focus: Continue gradual acclimatization, short evening walks encouraged.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp 3850m

Trekking Time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Moorland Plateau

Today’s trek is relatively gentle and serves as a good day to rest while gaining moderate altitude. You’ll traverse the wide, open Shira Plateau, a dramatic, high-altitude desert formed by ancient lava flows. On a clear day, Kibo Peak looms ahead while Mount Meru rises to the west. You’ll pass scattered rock formations and possibly encounter wildlife such as eland or even hyraxes. The terrain is dry and dusty, with wind exposure increasing. You’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp by early afternoon, where a hot lunch and optional acclimatization hike are offered.
Key Focus: Acclimatize slowly; hydrate consistently; consider an afternoon hike.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp 3960m via Lava Tower 4630m

Trekking Time: 6–8 hours | Elevation Gain/Loss: +780m / –670m | Habitat: Alpine Desert

This is one of the most important days for altitude adjustment. You'll ascend steadily into the alpine desert zone, where vegetation becomes scarce and the climate harsher. The goal is to reach Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic plug at 4,630 meters, where you’ll stop for lunch. For those feeling strong, there's an optional scramble partway up the tower. After acclimatizing at high elevation, you’ll descend into the Barranco Valley, where plant life returns in the form of giant groundsels and lobelias. This hike-high, sleep-low strategy significantly aids acclimatization.
Key Focus: Manage effort; this is a high-stress day for the body; descend slowly.
Overnight: Barranco Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp 4035m then to Barafu Camp 4670m

Trekking Time: 7–9 hours total | Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day starts with the Barranco Wall, a dramatic 300-meter scramble up natural rock formations. Although it appears intimidating, it is non-technical and safe with guide assistance. At the top, sweeping views of Heim Glacier and the southern ice fields await. The trail then rolls through glacial valleys to Karanga Camp, where you’ll pause for lunch. The final stretch climbs steadily toward Barafu Camp, set in a cold, barren alpine desert. Here, strong winds are common and temperatures drop quickly. You’ll eat an early dinner and rest in your tent before the summit push at midnight.
Key Focus: Conserve energy; hydrate; mental preparation for summit night.
Overnight: Barafu Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak 5895m descend to Mweka Camp 3100m

Trekking Time: 11–14 hours | Elevation Gain: +1,225m | Loss: –2,795m | Habitat: Arctic to Moorland

Your summit bid begins around midnight. The climb to the crater rim is physically demanding—cold temperatures, steep scree, and high altitude make progress slow. This is the mental and physical high point of the journey. After 6–7 hours, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim. From here, it’s a 45-minute ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You’ll take photos, reflect, and enjoy sweeping views before descending back to Barafu Camp for a short rest. Afterward, the descent continues to Mweka Camp, where the air is thicker and the terrain softer.
Key Focus: Steady pace, keep warm, use trekking poles on descent.
Overnight: Mweka Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate 1640m return to Arusha

Trekking Time: 3–4 hours | Elevation Loss: ~1,460m | Habitat: Montane Forest

The final descent takes you back through the lush montane forest—a complete change from the arid alpine zones above. The trail can be slippery in places, but the walk is peaceful and filled with birdsong. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll receive a certificate of achievement and a celebratory lunch. Vehicles will be waiting to transfer you to Arusha, where a hot shower, a proper bed, and a farewell dinner await. You may choose to overnight or continue to the airport depending on your travel schedule.
Key Focus: Enjoy the forest, take time for team photos, reflect on your success.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

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

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.