Lemosho Route - A Remarkable Trek

Embark on a climbing experience that combines stunning landscapes, fewer crowds, and a well-paced ascent schedule for improved acclimatization. Starting in the western rainforest, the Lemosho Route guides you across dramatic ridgelines and wide-open plains. Each day reveals new habitats—from lush jungles teeming with wildlife to high-altitude deserts that frame the glaciers of Kilimanjaro’s crown. Two comfortable hotel nights (pre- and post-trek) ensure you’re rested and ready for the challenge, while our dedicated mountain crew provides expert guidance, delicious meals, and unwavering support throughout this unforgettable journey to Africa’s highest peak.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Karibu Tanzania - Moshi

Arrive at the airport, where our friendly team will be waiting to welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After a long journey, take this time to relax, settle into your accommodation, and recover from your travels. Once you’re refreshed, meet your guide for a comprehensive trek briefing, covering essential details about your chosen route, daily expectations, safety protocols, altitude acclimatization strategies, and any necessary park regulations. You’ll also have the opportunity to do a final gear check, ensuring you have everything needed for a successful climb. If you need any last-minute equipment, we can assist with rentals or purchases.

Enjoy a leisurely evening, fuel up with a good meal, and get plenty of rest your trekking adventure begins tomorrow!

Day 2: Londorosi Gate To Mti Mkubwa Camp

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Highlights: Rainforest hiking, diverse wildlife, including colobus monkeys

After an early breakfast at the hotel, depart for a scenic drive to the Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete the necessary registration with the national park authorities. From here, a short drive takes you to the Lemosho trailhead, the starting point of your adventure.

The trek begins in Kilimanjaro’s enchanting rainforest, where the thick canopy provides shade and humidity levels remain high. The trail winds through towering trees draped in moss, while birds call from the branches above and playful colobus monkeys swing between the treetops. The air is fresh, filled with the sounds and scents of the forest.

Your first day of trekking is relatively short, allowing you to gradually ease into the journey. As the sun sets, arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), nestled in the forest, where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and get some rest before the next day’s ascent.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp To Shira 1 Camp, Then Shira 2 Camp

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Highlights: Open moorland landscapes, panoramic views of Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, you’ll leave the rainforest behind as the trail ascends into a new ecological zone—heather and moorland. The lush greenery gradually gives way to open landscapes, where low shrubs and giant heather plants dominate. The sun shines brighter as the tree cover fades, and the air becomes cooler as you gain elevation.

One of the most striking features of today’s trek is the vast Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic caldera that stretches before you, offering panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and ridges. You’ll pass through Shira 1 Camp, a brief stopping point for some climbers, before continuing toward Shira 2 Camp, your final destination for the day. This longer trek helps with acclimatization and provides stunning views of Kibo Peak, which looms majestically in the distance.

Upon arrival at Shira 2 Camp, settle in for the evening with hot tea or coffee and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the plateau. The higher altitude will be noticeable, so take it easy and stay hydrated as you prepare for the days ahead.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp To Lava Tower, Descend To Barranco Camp

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Highlights: Acclimatization hike to Lava Tower, dramatic alpine desert landscapes

Today is an important acclimatization day. You’ll gradually ascend into the alpine desert zone, where the terrain turns rocky and barren, with fewer signs of vegetation. The air is noticeably thinner as you make your way toward Lava Tower, a dramatic rock formation at 4,600 meters that stands as a reminder of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic origins.

Reaching Lava Tower marks the highest elevation so far on the trek. After a break for lunch and some rest at this altitude, you’ll begin your descent toward Barranco Camp. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy is a proven technique for improving acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust gradually to the higher elevations.

As you descend, the scenery changes yet again, with giant senecio plants towering above the valley floor. Barranco Camp is set in one of the most picturesque locations on Kilimanjaro, with dramatic views of the Barranco Wall, which you will conquer the following morning.

Day 5: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Highlights: Climbing the Barranco Wall, stunning glacier views

Today’s trek begins with one of the most thrilling sections of the journey—the Barranco Wall. While it looks imposing from below, the climb is not technical and can be completed with careful foot placement and guidance from your team. The scramble up the rocky face is rewarded with sweeping views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and valleys.

Once past the Barranco Wall, the trail smooths out as you traverse a series of ridges and valleys. This relatively shorter day allows for additional acclimatization and gives you time to relax at Karanga Camp, where you’ll have a chance to rest and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Day 6: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Highlights: High-altitude trekking, final summit preparations

Leaving Karanga Camp behind, the landscape becomes increasingly stark, transitioning into the alpine desert zone. The terrain is rocky and windswept, with little vegetation, emphasizing the mountain’s raw beauty. The trek to Barafu Camp, the final base before the summit, is steep but manageable.

Upon reaching Barafu Camp in the early afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the upcoming summit attempt. Your guides will conduct a final briefing, ensuring you are properly equipped and ready for the midnight ascent. After an early dinner, get some rest—tonight is the night you climb to Uhuru Peak.

Day 7: Barafu Camp To Uhuru Camp, Descend To Millennium Camp

Hiking Time: 13–16 hours
Highlights: Early morning summit, breathtaking sunrise over Africa

The climb to the summit begins just after midnight, with headlamps lighting the way as you navigate the steep, icy slopes of Kilimanjaro. The ascent is slow and steady, with frequent short breaks to manage the high altitude. After several hours of climbing, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,756 m), where the golden hues of sunrise begin to appear.

A final push takes you to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. The sense of accomplishment is indescribable as you stand at the Roof of Africa, taking in the breathtaking views of glaciers, clouds, and the vast plains below.

After celebrating your achievement, begin the long descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing further down to Millennium Camp, where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain.

Day 8: Millennium Camp To Mweka Gate, Transfer To Hotel

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Highlights: Final rainforest descent, summit certificate ceremony

Your last trek takes you through the lush montane forest, a welcome return to oxygen-rich air. Arriving at Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your official summit certificates, marking your successful Kilimanjaro climb. A vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel for a well-earned shower, hot meal, and celebratory rest.

Day 9: Departrure - Last Day Of Your Adventure

Today marks the end of your unforgettable adventure. After breakfast, take a moment to relax and reflect on your journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro. When you're ready, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home, leaving Tanzania with incredible memories and a great sense of achievement.

However, if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye, why not extend your stay? You can embark on a wildlife safari in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll witness Africa’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat. Alternatively, unwind on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches, enjoying crystal-clear waters and rich Swahili culture. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or both, we can help arrange the perfect extension. just let us know, and we’ll take care of the details!

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