Lemosho Route Trekking

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. This is a relaxed day to recover from your journey and prepare mentally and physically for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
In the evening, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed trekking briefing. Your guide will go through the route, weather conditions, safety procedures and equipment checklist. Any missing or unsuitable equipment can be identified before the climb begins.

Accommodation: Arusha Hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha – Londorossi Gate – Big Tree Camp
After breakfast, drive from Arusha toward the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey takes you through villages, farmland and beautiful countryside before reaching Londorossi Gate, where your guide completes the registration and park entry procedures.
From the gate, continue to the trailhead and begin your trek through the lush montane rainforest. The forest is rich with vegetation and birdlife, and if you’re lucky, you may spot monkeys moving through the trees.
Today’s walk is intentionally moderate, allowing your body to begin adjusting to the altitude.
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Elevation: 2,100 m → 2,780

Accommodation: Big Tree Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Big Tree Camp – Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, continue climbing through the upper rainforest before entering the moorland zone. The tall forest gradually disappears and is replaced by heather, giant grasses and unique Kilimanjaro vegetation.
As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more open and spectacular. You will begin to see the enormous slopes of Kilimanjaro and, depending on the weather, enjoy beautiful views toward Mount Meru.
The trail eventually leads onto the famous Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic sections of the Lemosho Route.
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Trekking time: 5–7 hours
Elevation: 2,780 m → 3,505 m
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp – Moir Camp
Today you explore more of the magnificent Shira Plateau. The trail crosses a high-altitude landscape of volcanic rock, open valleys and dramatic views of Kibo Peak.
You will walk at a steady pace, with regular breaks to allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. Your guide will monitor how you are feeling throughout the day.
Continue toward Moir Camp, located in a quieter area of Kilimanjaro. This day plays an important role in your acclimatization before you climb higher.
Distance: Approximately 11 km
Trekking time: 5–7 hours
Elevation: 3,505 m → 4,200 m
Accommodation: Moir Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Moir Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Today is one of the most important acclimatization days of the trek. After breakfast, you begin a gradual climb toward Lava Tower, reaching approximately 4,630 m.
You may notice the effects of altitude here, which is normal. After spending time at this higher elevation, the trail descends toward Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps your body adapt to the altitude.
As you approach Barranco, the scenery becomes spectacular, with the enormous Barranco Wall dominating the landscape. Arriving at camp in the afternoon gives you time to relax, enjoy dinner and prepare for the next day’s climb.
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Trekking time: 6–8 hours
Elevation: 4,200 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m

Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Barranco Camp – Barranco Wall – Karanga Camp
Wake up to an impressive view of the Barranco Wall. After breakfast, begin climbing this famous natural feature.
Although the wall looks intimidating from below, the route is manageable with the help of your experienced guide. You will move carefully, using your hands in some sections and taking your time rather than rushing.
Once above the wall, the trail continues across a series of valleys and ridges with incredible views of Kibo Peak. Eventually, you reach Karanga Camp, where you will rest and prepare for the final stages of your climb.
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Elevation: 3,960 m → 4,035 m

Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
After breakfast, begin the trek toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit.
The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you enter the alpine desert zone. Vegetation is very limited, and the air becomes noticeably thinner.
Upon reaching Barafu Camp, your guide will check your condition and prepare you for the summit attempt. You will have an early dinner and then rest as much as possible.
The summit climb begins around midnight, so getting some sleep during the evening is very important.
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Elevation: 4,035 m → 4,640 m

Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp
This is the summit day and the most challenging but rewarding part of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
You will wake around midnight, have a light snack and begin climbing in darkness toward Stella Point. The climb is slow and steady because of the steep terrain, cold temperatures and high altitude.
After reaching Stella Point at approximately 5,739 m, continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 m.
Standing at the summit, you will have time to celebrate your achievement and take photographs, weather permitting. You then begin the descent toward Millennium Camp, where you can finally relax after the demanding summit day.
Distance: Approximately 15–17 km
Trekking time: 12–15 hours
Elevation: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,820 m
Accommodation: Millennium Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
After breakfast, begin your final descent through the beautiful Kilimanjaro rainforest.
The descent provides a dramatic change in scenery as you move from the high alpine environment back into lush forest. After approximately 3–4 hours, you reach Mweka Gate, where you complete the park exit procedures and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate.
Our vehicle will then collect you and transfer you back to Arusha. After several days on the mountain, you can enjoy a hot shower, a comfortable bed and a well-deserved celebration.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Arusha Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Is Lemosho suitable for beginners?
Yes. You don’t need previous mountaineering experience, but you need good physical fitness and preparation.

How difficult is the Lemosho Route?
It is challenging, mainly because of the altitude and the long summit day. The 8-day itinerary provides good time for acclimatization.

What is the success rate?
An experienced guide team, proper pacing, acclimatization and following the recommended route schedule can significantly improve your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.

Can I add Zanzibar after Kilimanjaro?
Yes. A Kilimanjaro trek can easily be combined with a Zanzibar beach holiday.

How many people are in a group?
The trek can be arranged as a private climb or for a small group, depending on your preference.