8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing via Lemosho Route

If you’ve arranged optional airport transfers, we’ll pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi.

You should aim to arrive at least a day before the trek begins. Today will be dedicated to a detailed pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. During the session, we’ll go over the trek itinerary, review your gear, and assist with renting any equipment you may need.

After breakfast and a final trek briefing, we drive to the Lemosho Gate, where your adventure begins. From the gate, a forest track accessible only by 4WD leads to the Lemosho Glades. The hike takes you through lush montane forest trails to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), situated at an elevation of 2,650 meters (8,700 feet) from a starting point of 1,830 meters (6,000 feet). This 6-kilometer (4-mile) walk takes about 2 to 3 hours. The trail winds through thick, green forest—home to colobus monkeys and rich biodiversity. Lunch and dinner are provided.

The trail gradually ascends as we leave the forest behind and enter the giant heather moorland zone. The hike includes several stream crossings and a steady climb up the Shira Ridge before gently descending to Shira 1 Camp, located by a stream on the Shira Plateau. Today’s hike covers 8 kilometers (5 miles), rising from 2,650 meters (8,700 feet) to 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) over 4 to 5 hours. The scenery shifts dramatically as you reach the high moorland, where unique plant life dominates the landscape. All meals are included.

Today features a gentle trek across the vast Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp, nestled in moorland meadows near a stream. This is an excellent day for acclimatization, with optional hikes available around the plateau. The walk is 8 kilometers (5 miles) and takes about 4 to 5 hours, ascending from 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) to 3,850 meters (12,600 feet). The trail remains in the moorland zone, with spectacular views of the Western Breach. Meals provided throughout the day.

From the Shira Plateau, we ascend eastward along a ridge, passing the junction toward Kibo Peak. The trail leads to Lava Tower—nicknamed the “Shark’s Tooth”—which rises to 4,650 meters (15,250 feet), before descending sharply to Barranco Camp. Although the day ends at 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), nearly the same elevation as the starting point, this stretch is crucial for acclimatization. The 8-kilometer (5-mile) journey takes 5 to 6 hours, moving through semi-desert terrain. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

We begin the day with a challenging climb up the steep Barranco Wall, followed by a more gradual trail that winds through valleys and ridges to reach Karanga Camp. This relatively short day aids in acclimatization and allows time to rest. The route covers 5 kilometers (3 miles), rising from 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) to 4,050 meters (13,250 feet), and typically takes 3 to 4 hours. The alpine desert environment offers dramatic views. All meals are served.

The trail continues upward toward Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers panoramic views of the summit from various angles. Barafu Camp sits at 4,700 meters (15,350 feet), after a 4-kilometer (2-mile) ascent from 4,050 meters (13,250 feet). The trek takes approximately 3 to 4 hours through alpine desert terrain. Once at camp, you'll have time to rest, eat, and prepare for the summit attempt in the early morning hours. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

Shortly after midnight, we begin the most physically and mentally demanding section of the climb. The trail leads between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, ascending steep scree to Stella Point (5,685 meters/18,650 feet) on the crater rim. After a short rest, continue on to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,340 feet), the highest point in Africa. The sunrise from the summit is a highlight of the journey.

After celebrating your achievement, begin your descent. We return via Barafu Camp for a brief rest and lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp at 3,090 meters (10,150 feet). The total distance is 18 kilometers (11 miles)—5 kilometers (3 miles) up and 13 kilometers (8 miles) down. Expect 5 to 7 hours of hiking to the summit and another 5 to 6 hours to descend. The environment varies from icy summit to stone scree and then into forest. All meals provided.

After breakfast, we continue the descent through the forest to Mweka Gate at 1,680 meters (5,500 feet). This final stretch is 10 kilometers (6 miles) and takes about 3 to 4 hours. Expect muddy conditions, especially at lower elevations—gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate before being transferred back to your hotel in Moshi (approx. 60-minute drive). Only breakfast is included today.