8-Days Kilimanjaro Trekking – Lemosho Route

After breakfast in Moshi, we’ll drive to Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western side, passing through rolling foothills and small villages along the way. At the gate, your climbing permits will be processed as we meet the full trekking crew—guides, porters, and cooks—who’ll support you throughout the journey.

Once everything is in order, we’ll drive a short distance to the trailhead and begin the trek through the lush montane rainforest. You’ll hear the calls of colobus monkeys echoing through the trees and may spot colorful birds flitting overhead. The trail gradually climbs to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), nestled beneath giant heathers and thick forest canopy.

We’ll arrive in the late afternoon for tea, snacks, and a hearty dinner before settling into tents for the night.

• Elevation: 2,100m to 2,650m

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Rainforest

Today the landscape transforms quickly as we leave the forest behind and climb into the moorland zone. The path winds upward across ridges and open terrain, offering our first sweeping views of Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance.

We’ll stop for lunch on the trail before continuing to Shira 1 Camp, where the mountain begins to feel close, looming large on the horizon. This area was once a volcanic crater—now flattened into a plateau of dramatic beauty.

Evening brings a golden sunset and the first crisp signs of higher altitude. Expect cooler temperatures and incredibly clear night skies.

• Elevation: 2,650m to 3,610m

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Moorland

We’ll continue across the Shira Plateau today, taking our time as the terrain flattens slightly. This is a shorter acclimatization day, helping your body adjust gradually to the altitude.

You’ll hike across ancient lava flows and dusty trails bordered by strange, alien plants like the giant senecio. The expansive views toward Kibo Peak are unforgettable.

We’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp in time for lunch, with the afternoon free to rest or take a short acclimatization hike nearby.

• Elevation: 3,610m to 3,850m

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Moorland

This is a big acclimatization day, often referred to as “climb high, sleep low.” We ascend steadily toward Lava Tower, a massive volcanic plug rising to 4,630m. The trail is dry and rocky, and by now, you’ll really start to feel the thin air.

After lunch near Lava Tower, we descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley, framed by towering cliffs and dotted with giant groundsels. The descent helps your body adjust while offering one of the most dramatic landscapes of the entire trek.

We’ll reach Barranco Camp by late afternoon, set beneath the looming Barranco Wall.

• Elevation: 3,850m to 4,630m (Lava Tower), then down to 3,976m

• Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day begins with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall—a steep but safe rock face that rewards with stunning views over the valley below. It’s one of the trek’s most exciting and memorable sections.

From the top, the trail levels out, weaving through alpine desert with frequent ups and downs. We’ll pause for lunch along the route before reaching Karanga Camp, perched on a ridge with panoramic views of the summit.

The rest of the day is for rest and further acclimatization, preparing for the final push ahead.

• Elevation: 3,976m to 3,995m

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We set out on a short but steadily ascending trail today, leading us through a barren, windswept landscape toward Barafu Camp—our final base before summit night.

Once we arrive, we’ll have an early dinner and rest. As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll catch a magical glimpse of the summit, lit in the fading light. Then it’s early to bed—we’ll wake before midnight for the final ascent.

• Elevation: 3,995m to 4,673m

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Summit day. We’ll wake around midnight and begin our climb under a sky full of stars. The ascent is slow and steady, with breaks at Stella Point (5,756m) before pushing onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the roof of Africa.

After sunrise at the summit and celebratory photos, we’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue downward to Mweka Camp, where we’ll spend our final night on the mountain.

• Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m (summit), then down to 3,100m

• Hiking Time: 10–14 hours

• Habitat: Arctic at the summit, then Rainforest

Our final descent winds through lush rainforest, with the trail often damp and rich in birdlife. We’ll arrive at Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive a certificate of completion and enjoy a well-earned lunch.

Afterward, we’ll drive back to Moshi, where a hot shower and celebratory dinner await.

• Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Rainforest