Mount Kilimanjaro
8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trek – Lemosho Route
- Overview
- Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 7 km
- Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
- Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m)
The adventure begins at Londorossi Gate after a scenic drive from Moshi or Arusha. Once formalities are complete, trek through lush rainforest teeming with birdlife, monkeys, and ancient trees. The trail is gentle, with moss-covered rocks and damp undergrowth as your companions. Your first camp, Mti Mkubwa, or “Big Tree Camp,” sits in the forest. Enjoy your first night under the stars, surrounded by nature’s sounds and the anticipation of the days ahead.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 8 km
- Vegetation Zone: Moorland
- Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)
Leave the rainforest behind and ascend into the moorland zone. The trail climbs steadily through rocky ridges and open heath. Breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau begin to unfold as you traverse volcanic landscapes dotted with giant lobelias and senecios. After a gradual uphill walk, you’ll reach Shira 1 Camp with sweeping views of Mount Meru in the distance. Relax and enjoy the vast, open terrain as the sun dips over the western rim.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 7 km
- Vegetation Zone: Moorland
- Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
A relatively short trek allows for acclimatization. Cross the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert, as you enjoy dramatic vistas of Kibo’s glaciered summit. The walk is pleasant and less steep today, giving time to adjust to the altitude. Reach Shira 2 Camp by early afternoon. You may explore the plateau or rest. This area offers one of the best sunsets on Kilimanjaro, with a glowing peak silhouetted against the vast African sky.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours | Distance: 10 km
- Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Barranco Camp (3,976 m)
Today is an important acclimatization day. Climb gradually to the Lava Tower at 4,630 m, where you’ll pause for lunch and admire the stark volcanic landscape. Afterward, descend into the lush Barranco Valley, known for its giant groundsels and steep walls. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy aids acclimatization. Barranco Camp sits at the base of the famous Barranco Wall, with spectacular views of the southern glacier and valley below.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 5 km
- Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Karanga Camp (3,995 m)
Start the day with an exciting scramble up the Barranco Wall, a challenging but non-technical climb offering thrilling views. The path then undulates through rocky terrain and alpine desert, crossing small streams and ridges. Arrive at Karanga Camp by mid-afternoon for rest and acclimatization. This is a relatively short day designed to help your body adjust to the altitude. Soak in the quiet and prepare for the final push.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 4 km
- Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Barafu Camp (4,673 m)
Climb steadily to Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit. The trail is rocky and winds through a barren, windswept landscape. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili—appropriate for the cold and exposed conditions. After an early dinner, rest in preparation for your midnight summit bid. Make sure all your gear is ready, as the next day marks the most demanding part of your adventure.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours | Distance: 17 km
- Vegetation Zone: Arctic to Rainforest
- Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Rise at midnight for the summit push. Trek under a star-filled sky up steep switchbacks to Stella Point, where you’ll witness a spectacular sunrise. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Celebrate briefly, then begin your descent. Return to Barafu for a short rest and hot meal before continuing to Mweka Camp for a well-earned sleep after an epic achievement.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 10 km
- Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
- Return to: Moshi/Arusha
Descend through the lush rainforest on a well-maintained trail. The air becomes warmer and thicker with oxygen as you descend. Celebrate your successful trek at Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive a summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for a relaxing evening, a hot shower, and a sense of triumph that will last a lifetime.
- Included in this Tour
- Transportation from/to your Hotel
- Park Entry Fee
- Professional Guide
- Airport Transfers
- Full Board Accommodations
- Government Applied VAT
- Not Included in this Tour
- Tipping & Gratitude
- Arrival & Transit Visas
- Medical & Travel Insurance
- Drinks at the Hotel
- Drones Usage
- International Flight
ENQUIRY FORM
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