8 Days mount kilimanjaro Trekking via Lemosho Route

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our team and transferred to Meru View Lodge, located in Usa River near Arusha. Enjoy the day to unwind and prepare for the adventure ahead. You can take some time to explore the town of Arusha if you wish. In the late afternoon, your Kilimanjaro trekking team will meet with you for a detailed briefing and to check your equipment for the trek.

Day 2: Arusha – Lemosho Gate (2,385m) – Big Tree Camp (2,780m)

After breakfast, we’ll drive you to Lemosho Gate (2,385m), where we’ll complete the registration process with the park authorities. Your adventure begins with a walk through lush rainforest. Along the way, you may spot the elusive thumbless colobus monkeys in the trees. The day’s hike is relatively short, allowing you to take in the beauty of your surroundings as you make your way to Big Tree Camp. Enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight rest at camp.

Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2,780m) – Shira Camp 1 (3,500m)

Today’s trek continues along a narrow trail that slowly transitions into moorland with views of the majestic Kibo peak. As you ascend, the vegetation becomes sparser, and giant lobelias and erica plants dot the landscape. After about 3 to 4 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Shira Camp 1, situated at 3,500m. From the camp, enjoy stunning views of the Shira Plateau and the snow-covered Kibo summit. A hearty dinner and a beautiful starry sky will wrap up your day.

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,500m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,900m)

Today’s hike takes you over Shira Ridge, a rocky area with low grasses and shrubs. The terrain here is gentler than the previous day, offering spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Meru. You’ll pass through an area once shaped by volcanic activity, marked by vast lava flows. After trekking across the ridges and rocky ground, you’ll arrive at Shira Camp 2, where you’ll have another night in this picturesque setting.

Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,900m) – Lava Tower (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)

After breakfast, we’ll continue the ascent to Lava Tower, passing through boulder-strewn terrain with impressive views of Kibo. Upon reaching Lava Tower, you’ll take a short break to acclimatize before descending to Barranco Camp (3,960m). This method of “climb high, sleep low” is essential for proper acclimatization. The landscape transforms as you make your way down, passing through a forest of giant senecios and smaller lobelias. After 6 to 7 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Barranco Camp, where you can relax and enjoy views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Today, you’ll tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a steep section that requires some scrambling and careful navigation. While no technical climbing is required, you’ll need to use your hands in some places for better stability. Once you’ve conquered the wall and passed Kissing Rock, you’ll follow a ridge trail into the Karanga Valley. After crossing the valley, you’ll reach Karanga Camp, where you’ll enjoy a meal and rest for the night.

Day 7: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)

The landscape becomes increasingly dry and rocky as you trek toward Barafu Camp, situated at 4,640m. The path leads through the afro-alpine desert, offering a sense of isolation and awe as you approach the final stretch. Barafu Camp provides great views of Mawenzi Peak and a perfect vantage point for the summit. After a hearty meal, spend the night preparing for your summit push the following day.

Day 8: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)

Your summit push begins around midnight. You’ll start with a steep ascent through loose scree toward Stella Point (5,730m) on the crater rim. Once there, take a brief rest before continuing the final stretch to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the mountain at 5,895m. The sunrise from the summit is a breathtaking sight, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After taking in the views and celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,080m) for the night.

Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,080m) – Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Arusha

After a restful night at Mweka Camp, you’ll begin your descent to Mweka Gate. The 2 to 3-hour walk leads you through lush rainforest, home to unique plants like the Impatiens kilimanjari flower. Once you reach Mweka Gate, you’ll be greeted by our transfer driver and taken back to Meru View Lodge. After enjoying a long shower and some relaxation, the evening is yours to unwind and reflect on your accomplishment.

Day 10: Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport or Extend Your Adventure

Following breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your return flight. Alternatively, you can extend your stay with an exciting safari or a relaxing beach vacation in Tanzania.