8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek - Lemosho Route
Safari overview
The Lemosho Route offers one of the most scenic paths to the summit, with diverse landscapes and stunning vistas. This 9-day itinerary includes an extra day for acclimatization, enhancing your summit success rate.
Kilimanjaro trekking is one of the most popular adventures in Africa, attracting hikers eager to conquer the continent’s highest peak at 5,895 meters. The climb requires no technical mountaineering skills, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced trekkers. Various routes, such as Machame, Marangu, and Lemosho, offer different levels of challenge and scenery, from dense rainforests to alpine deserts and glacial peaks. While the trek is demanding due to high altitude, proper acclimatization and a steady pace increase the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. The reward is an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views and the ultimate sense of achievement.
Safari Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. In the evening, you’ll attend a pre-trek briefing where our guides will discuss essential details about the trek, conduct a gear check, and answer any questions. It’s a day to relax and prepare for the adventure.
- Altitude: Arusha sits at about 1,400m (4,593ft).
- Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
- Meals: Dinner included
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate (2,100m/6,890ft) for registration. The trek begins through lush rainforest, covering 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) over 3 to 4 hours to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m/8,692ft), where you’ll settle in amidst the forest.
- Altitude: 2,100m/6,890ft to 2,650m/8,692ft
- Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The trail ascends through the rainforest to heather and moorland zones. Trek 8 kilometers (5 miles) over 5 to 6 hours to Shira 1 Camp, located on the western edge of the Shira Plateau at 3,500 meters (11,483ft), offering stunning views of Kibo Peak.
- Altitude: 2,650m/8,692ft to 3,500m/11,483ft
- Distance: 8km (5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
- Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
A shorter trekking day across the Shira Plateau allows for acclimatization. Hike 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) over 3 to 4 hours to Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 meters (12,631ft). Enjoy the expansive views of the plateau and the stunning Kilimanjaro peaks in the distance.
- Altitude: 3,500m/11,483ft to 3,850m/12,631ft
- Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
This day serves as both a trekking and acclimatization day. You’ll ascend to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters (15,190ft), then descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters (12,992ft). Covering 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) over 6 to 8 hours, this trek enhances acclimatization with an up-and-down approach.
- Altitude: 3,850m/12,631ft to 4,630m/15,190ft (Lava Tower), then down to 3,960m/12,992ft
- Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
- Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Begin with an ascent of the iconic Barranco Wall. This exhilarating climb offers breathtaking views and leads to Karanga Camp at 4,035 meters (13,238ft). You’ll cover 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) over 4 to 5 hours, reaching a scenic camp with panoramic vistas.
- Altitude: 3,960m/12,992ft to 4,035m/13,238ft
- Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Accommodation: Karanga Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today’s trek leads to Barafu Camp at 4,640 meters (15,223ft). The 4-kilometer (2.5 miles) hike takes 3 to 4 hours, giving you time to rest and prepare for the summit push. Barafu Camp offers dramatic views of the summit and surrounding landscapes.
- Altitude: 4,035m/13,238ft to 4,640m/15,223ft
- Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Starting at midnight, ascend to Stella Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341ft). Celebrate at the summit before descending to Barafu, resting briefly, then heading down to Mweka Camp at 3,110 meters (10,204ft). Covering 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) in 10 to 15 hours, this is the longest and most rewarding day.
- Altitude: 4,640m/15,223ft to 5,895m/19,341ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,110m/10,204ft
- Distance: 17km (10.6 miles)
- Trekking Time: 10-15 hours
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Descend through the rainforest for 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) over 3 to 4 hours, reaching Mweka Gate, where you’ll collect your summit certificate. Our team will then transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha to celebrate and unwind.
- Altitude: 3,110m/10,204ft to 1,640m/5,380ft
- Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
After a restful night, you’ll transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure, carrying unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast included
Includes
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Two (2) nights’ accommodation in Arusha
- All park transfers and Park fees
- Quality mountain camping equipment (tents & sleeping mats)
- Certified professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
- Three hot meals daily on the mountain with treated drinking water
- Safety equipment (oxygen, pulse oximeter, first-aid kit)
- Portable flush toilet for groups of 4+ (USD 95 extra for smaller groups)
Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, souvenirs, etc.)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Tips for guides, porters, and mountain crew
- Additional accommodation outside the stated itinerary
- Online payment surcharge of 5% on the remaining balance
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