- Duration: 8 Days trekking
- Tour Type : Daily Tour
- Group Size: Unlimited
- Languages: Africa, English
Below is the day by day itinerary for the 8 days Lemosho climb on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The eight day Lemosho variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 8 day Lemosho route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.
Itinerary
Elevation: 2,200m (7,218ft) → 2,785m (9,121ft)
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
- After an early breakfast, depart from Arusha or Moshi for Londorossi Gate (3-4 hour drive).
- At the gate, register with Kilimanjaro National Park and complete formalities.
- Take a short drive to the Lemosho trailhead, where the trek begins.
- Walk through a dense rainforest filled with Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and various bird species.
- Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) for dinner and overnight in tents.
Elevation: 2,785m (9,121ft) → 3,505m (11,499ft)
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
- After breakfast, leave the rainforest and enter heather and moorland zones.
- The trail ascends through rolling hills and rocky outcrops, offering breathtaking views.
- Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located on the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones.
- Enjoy sunset views of Mount Meru in the distance.
Elevation: 3,505m (11,499ft) → 3,850m (12,631ft)
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
- A gradual ascent across the Shira Plateau, with its vast open plains and scattered volcanic rock formations.
- Pass by giant lobelias and Senecio plants, unique to Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude zones.
- Reach Shira 2 Camp, where you can take an optional acclimatization hike to higher elevations before dinner.
Elevation: 3,850m (12,631ft) → 4,630m (15,190ft) → 3,960m (12,992ft)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
- A challenging day of high-altitude acclimatization begins with a gradual climb to Lava Tower (4,630m).
- At Lava Tower, take a lunch break and acclimatize at high altitude before descending.
- Descend into Barranco Valley, passing through giant groundsels (Senecio kilimanjari) and enjoying stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.
- Arrive at Barranco Camp, known for its picturesque setting below the Barranco Wall.
Elevation: 3,960m (12,992ft) → 4,035m (13,238ft)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Start the day with a climb up the Barranco Wall, a non-technical rock scramble requiring hands and feet in some sections.
- Once at the top, enjoy spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the vast landscapes below.
- Continue through rolling terrain, with small ascents and descents, before reaching Karanga Camp.
- An important acclimatization day before the summit attempt.
Elevation: 4,035m (13,238ft) → 4,673m (15,331ft)
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
- A short but steep ascent to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt.
- The landscape is barren and rocky, with strong winds common at this altitude.
- Arrive early in the afternoon to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit push.
- Eat an early dinner and get some sleep before the midnight departure.
Elevation: 4,673m (15,331ft) → 5,895m (19,341ft) → 3,068m (10,065ft)
Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Summit Attempt
- Wake up around midnight for a hot drink and begin the ascent in freezing temperatures.
- Climb steep switchbacks to Stella Point (5,756m) in time for a breathtaking sunrise over Africa.
- Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – the highest point in Africa!
- Celebrate, take photos, and admire the glaciers and crater views before descending.
Descent to Mweka Camp
- Descend to Barafu Camp for rest and breakfast.
- Continue down to Mweka Camp through rocky and forested terrain for a well-earned rest.
Elevation: 3,068m (10,065ft) → 1,640m (5,380ft)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
- A relaxed descent through lush rainforest, passing by birds, monkeys, and unique plant life.
- Arrive at Mweka Gate, where climbing certificates are awarded.
- Transfer back to Arusha or Moshi, where a hot shower, comfortable bed, and celebration meal await!