Lemosho

Day 1

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation gain: 2,000m to 2,650m

Distance: 6 km | Trek time: 3–4 hours | Zone: Rainforest

Elevation gain: 2,000m to 2,650m

Distance: 6 km

Trek time: 3–4 hours

Zone: Rainforest

After breakfast, we depart Moshi and drive to Londorossi Gate, a journey of about three hours. Here, we complete registration and formalities before continuing by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead. The hike begins through untouched rainforest, winding its way up to the first campsite, Mti Mkubwa. This gentle start provides a perfect introduction to Kilimanjaro’s environment and pace.

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira II Camp via Shira I Camp

Elevation gain: 2,650m to 3,900m

Distance: 8 km | Trek time: 8–9 hours | Zone: Heath

Elevation gain: 2,650m to 3,900m

Distance: 8 km

Trek time: 8–9 hours

Zone: Heath

We leave the forest behind and ascend into a landscape of tall grasses, volcanic rock, and heather. The trail climbs gently over rolling hills, crossing several streams as we make our way to Shira Ridge. After reaching Shira I Camp for a scenic lunch stop, we continue across the plateau to Shira II Camp. From here, you’ll enjoy your first panoramic view of Kibo Peak as the mountain reveals itself in full.

Day 3

Shira II Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Elevation gain: 3,900m to 3,950m

Distance: 11 km | Trek time: 5–7 hours | Zone: Heath

Elevation gain: 3,900m to 3,950m

Distance: 11 km

Trek time: 5–7 hours

Zone: Heath

This is an important acclimatization day. The trail ascends steadily, moving into a stark alpine environment as you approach the dramatic Lava Tower at 4,630m. After a break here, the route descends sharply for a couple of hours, offering stunning views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall before arriving at Barranco Camp. This valley campsite, framed by towering cliffs, offers one of the most spectacular sunsets on the mountain.

Day 4

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation gain: 3,950m to 4,000m

Distance: 3 km | Trek time: 3–4 hours | Zone: Alpine Desert

Elevation gain: 3,950m to 4,000m

Distance: 3 km

Trek time: 3–4 hours

Zone: Alpine Desert

Today begins with the ascent of the Barranco Wall — a steep, imposing rock face that is surprisingly manageable and rewarding. Once over the wall, you’ll traverse beneath the southern glaciers, taking in views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The trail then descends into the Karanga Valley before rising to the Karanga Camp. The short hike helps with acclimatization and allows time to rest before the summit push begins.

Day 5

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation gain: 4,000m to 4,600m

Distance: 5 km | Trek time: 3–4 hours | Zone: Alpine Desert

Elevation gain: 4,000m to 4,600m

Distance: 5 km

Trek time: 3–4 hours

Zone: Alpine Desert

The trail continues eastward through barren alpine terrain, gradually climbing ridges to meet up with the Mweka Route — your eventual descent path. After a final push up a rocky slope, we reach Barafu Camp, perched on a windswept ridge. With tents set up and a hot meal served, you’ll spend the afternoon preparing gear for the summit and resting. An early dinner and sleep are essential before your midnight departure for the summit.

Day 6

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation change: 4,663m to 5,895m to 3,065m

Distance: 5 km | Trek time: 7–8 hours | Zone: Arctic

Distance: 12 km | Trek time: 4–6 hours | Zone: Rainforest

Elevation change: 4,663m to 5,895m to 3,065m

Distance: 5 km up 12km down

Trek time: 7–8 hours up 4-6 hours down

Zone: Arctic, Rainforest

The toughest but most rewarding day begins at midnight. We ascend slowly in the dark, zigzagging up the steep slope to Stella Point at 5,756m. After a brief rest, the trail continues around the crater rim to the summit of Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement before beginning the long descent to Mweka Camp. The terrain is tough on the knees, but spirits are high as you return to a lower altitude and warmer air. Dinner and a well-earned sleep await.

Day 7

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi

Elevation loss: 3,065m to 1,640m

Distance: 10 km | Trek time: 3–4 hours | Zone: Rainforest

Elevation loss: 3,065m to 1,640m

Distance: 10 km

Trek time: 3–4 hours

Zone: Rainforest

After breakfast, we continue descending through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Moshi or Arusha for a celebratory dinner and overnight stay. You’ve just completed one of the world’s most iconic treks — take time to reflect on your journey, relax, and enjoy the final night in Tanzania.

Day 1

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation: 2,000m to 2,650m

Distance: 6 km / 4 miles | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest

Elevation: 2,000m to 2,650m

Distance: 6 km

Trek time: 3–4 hours

Zone: Rainforest

After an early breakfast, we drive approximately three hours to Londorossi Gate, where we complete national park formalities and permits. From here, we continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead. The hike begins through thick, untouched rainforest teeming with birds, monkeys, and unique flora. The path winds gently uphill under a canopy of ancient trees, gradually introducing you to Kilimanjaro’s terrain. We arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp ("Big Tree Camp") in the early evening, where tents are set up and dinner is served in the forest’s tranquil embrace.

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira I Camp

Elevation: 2,650m to 3,500m

Distance: 5 km | Hiking time: ~5 hours | Habitat: Heath/Moorland

Elevation: 2,650m to 3,500m

Distance: 5 km

Trek time: 5 hours

Zone: Heath/Moorland

Today the landscape changes noticeably as we leave the rainforest behind and ascend into the heather and moorland zone. The trail steepens, revealing giant heather and volcanic boulders scattered across the landscape. We climb steadily toward the Shira Ridge at about 3,600m, offering our first clear views of Kilimanjaro’s upper reaches. After a short descent, we reach Shira I Camp, situated by a stream on the expansive Shira Plateau — a vast, ancient lava flow that marks one of the earliest calderas on the mountain. You’ll sleep under an open sky, often illuminated by a stunning display of stars.

Day 3

Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp

Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m

Distance: 7 km / 4 miles | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Heath

Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m

Distance: 7km

Trek time: 3–4 hours

Zone: Heath

After breakfast, we set off across the undulating plains of the Shira Plateau, heading east toward Shira II Camp. This day is about slow, steady walking to support acclimatization while soaking in the landscape’s quiet beauty. The heath zone offers sweeping meadows filled with wildflowers and bizarre, towering Senecio trees, unique to high-altitude East African environments. Views of Kibo Peak become clearer as we progress. By midday, we reach Shira II Camp, where you'll enjoy hot lunch and have time to rest or explore the nearby rocky outcrops.

Day 4

Shira II Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Elevation: 3,850m to 3,950m (via 4,630m)

Distance: 11 km / 7 miles | Hiking time: 5–7 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Elevation: 3,850m to 3,950m (via 4,630m)

Distance: 11 km

Trek time: 5–7 hours

Zone: Alpine Desert

This is an important acclimatisation day. We hike steadily toward Lava Tower, a key acclimatisation point at 4,630m. After a lunch break, you can scramble up the tower for extra acclimatisation if desired. We then descend into the Barranco Valley, passing beneath the Western Breach cliffs. Tonight's camp sits below the Barranco Wall, offering stunning sunset views.

Day 5

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,950m to 4,000m

Distance: 3 km / 2 miles | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Elevation: 3,950m to 4,000m

Distance: 3 km

Trek time: 3–4 hours

Zone: Alpine Desert

We start the day with an ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable scramble that delivers exhilarating views and a real sense of progress. From the top, we follow a rolling trail across the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, beneath the glaciers of the Kibo summit. After descending into the Karanga Valley, a final uphill section brings us to camp. Though this is a shorter day, it plays a vital role in acclimatization before the summit attempt. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to relax, hydrate, and admire the rugged beauty of your surroundings, with the peaks of Mawenzi rising sharply to the east.

Day 6

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4,000m to 4,600m

Distance: 5 km / 3 miles | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Elevation: 4,000m to 4,600m

Distance: 5 km

Trek time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Alpine Desert

We continue climbing over dusty ridges and dry valleys, joining the main trail from the southern circuit to reach Barafu Camp. The terrain is stark and windswept, with few signs of life as we climb higher. Barafu, which means "ice" in Swahili, sits on a narrow ridge exposed to the elements, with tents pitched on rocky ledges. After lunch and a briefing, we’ll prepare for the final summit push. Organizing your gear, eating a hot early dinner, and getting some rest is essential — at midnight, the most challenging part of your journey begins.

Day 7

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,600m to 5,895m to 3,065m

Distance: 5 km / 3 miles | Hiking time: 7–8 hours | Habitat: Arctic

Distance: 12 km / 7 miles | Hiking time: 4–6 hours | Habitat: Rainforest

Elevation: 4,600m to 5,895m to 3,065m

Distance: 5 km up 12km down

Trek time: 7-8 hours up 4-6 hours down

Zone: Arctic, rainforest

We begin the final ascent around midnight, climbing steep scree toward Stella Point. This challenging stretch tests your limits, but the sunrise over the glaciers makes it worth it. From Stella Point, it's a final push to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point at 5,895m. After celebrating at the summit, we descend to Barafu for lunch and then continue down to Mweka Camp in the rainforest. The descent is tough on the knees, but offers time for reflection before a well-earned dinner and rest.

Day 8

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi/Arusha

Elevation: 3,065m to 1,640m

Distance: 10 km / 6 miles | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest

Elevation: 3,065m to 1,640m

Distance: 10 km

Trek time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest

Our final morning on the mountain begins with a gentle descent through lush rainforest filled with bird songs and the rustling of colobus monkeys. The trail is often muddy, but spirits are high. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out and receive your official summit certificate — a well-earned memento of your incredible achievement. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where a hot shower, celebratory dinner, and comfortable bed await. It’s time to relax and take pride in the unforgettable adventure you’ve completed.