Kilimanjaro Climb 8 Days Lemosho Route

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

LEMOSHO GATE TO BIG TREE CAMP

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Lemosho Gate (about 3 hours from Moshi) for registration and to obtain climbing permits. Lunch is served at the gate before we begin our hike through the lush rainforest. Keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys and other wildlife. Upon arrival at Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa), we will have a briefing, a health check, and dinner before resting for the night.

• Elevation: From 2,350m to 2,800m (7,800ft to 9,450ft)
• Distance: 5km (3 miles)
• Hiking Time: 2 to 3 hours
• Habitat:Rainforest
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2

BIG TREE CAMP TO SHIRA 1 CAMP

We start with a steep climb through the rainforest, transitioning into moorland as we gain altitude. The path involves some up-and-down sections before reaching Shira Ridge, where we get the first clear views of Kibo Peak. After a short descent, we arrive at Shira 1 Camp for lunch, followed by rest and acclimatization.

• Elevation: From 2,800m to 3,500m (9,500ft to 11,500ft)
• Distance: 8km (5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest & Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3

SHIRA 1 CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP VIA SHIRA CATHEDRAL

We cross the expansive Shira Plateau, formed from an ancient volcanic crater. This is a great opportunity for acclimatization, with spectacular views of Mount Meru and Kibo’s western slopes. We take a detour to Shira Cathedral (3,872m), a rocky outcrop with panoramic views before continuing to Shira 2 Camp, where we have a hot lunch, rest, and prepare for the next day's climb.

• Elevation: From 3,500m to 3,850m (11,500ft to 12,750ft)
• Distance: 10km (6 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4

SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP

Today is an important acclimatization day. We trek steadily to Lava Tower (4,600m), where we stop for lunch and acclimatization for about an hour. This allows your body to adjust to the altitude before descending to Barranco Camp. The descent to Barranco Camp (3,950m) takes about 2 to 3 hours, passing through the unique Senecio Forest.

• Elevation: From 3,850m to 4,600m (Lava Tower), then descend to 3,950m (12,750ft to 15,130ft, then 13,000ft)
• Distance: 10km (6 miles)
• Walking Time: 6 to 8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5

BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

We start the day by tackling the Barranco Wall, a fun but steep climb with some scrambling. After reaching the top, we hike through rolling terrain with some short ascents and descents before reaching Karanga Camp, where we have lunch and rest.

• Elevation: From 3,900m to 3,995m (12,800ft to 13,100ft)
• Distance: 6km (4 miles)
• Climbing Time: 4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6

KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

A short but crucial hiking day as we reach Barafu Camp, our base camp for the summit attempt. We arrive early to rest and prepare. After early dinner at 5 PM, we sleep for a few hours before the midnight summit push.

• Elevation: From 3,995m to 4,673m (13,100ft to 15,300ft)
• Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
• Climbing Time: 3 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7

SUMMIT DAY – BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP

At midnight, we begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). The trek is physically demanding, with a steep, slow climb in freezing temperatures. We pass Stella Point (5,756m) around sunrise (6:30 AM) before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! After celebrating at the summit, we descend to Barafu Camp for rest and lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for the night.

• Elevation: From 4,673m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100m (15,300ft to 19,341ft, then down to 10,170ft)
• Distance: 18km (5km to the summit, then 13km to Mweka Camp)
• Hiking Time:12 to 14 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert & Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8

MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE – BACK TO MOSHI

After breakfast, we descend through the rainforest, enjoying the lush scenery before reaching Mweka Gate. Here, you receive your summit certificate, and we drive you back to Moshi for a celebration at the hotel.

• Elevation: From 3,100m to 1,600m (10,170ft to 5,250ft)
• Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast