8 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Lemosho Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Arusha | Moshi town. Here, you will meet your guide for a detailed briefing about the upcoming trek. An equipment check will be conducted to ensure you have all the necessary gear. Any missing items can be rented on this day.

• Meals: Lunch & Dinner included

You will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha at around 08:00 AM and driven to the Lemosho Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After completing registration formalities, your trek begins through the untouched rainforest of the Lemosho glades. The trail winds gently upward through rich vegetation, with chances to spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys. You’ll reach Big Tree Camp in the late afternoon, where you will rest for the night.

Today’s trek takes you through a beautiful and diverse landscape of grassy moorland and scattered volcanic rock formations. As you gain altitude, the dense rainforest gives way to open heathlands. The trail is steady but includes some steeper sections. Upon arrival at Shira 1 Camp, you’ll be treated to expansive views of the Shira Plateau and, if the weather is clear, the majestic Kibo Peak floating above the clouds.

• Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi
• Approx. time taken: 7 hrs
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today’s trek offers stunning scenery as you cross the vast Shira Plateau with expansive views in every direction. You'll get a unique perspective of the Northern Ice Fields and Kibo’s western face. The gentle ascent across moorland terrain supports acclimatization. Upon reaching Shira 2 Camp, you’ll have time for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon before settling in for dinner and rest.

Today’s trek is a key acclimatization day. You’ll ascend into the alpine desert zone, following rocky trails toward the Lava Tower, a striking volcanic formation at 4640m. This is the highest point of the day and a great lunch spot. Afterward, you'll descend sharply into the Great Barranco Valley. This descent helps your body adjust to the altitude and prepares you for the days ahead. Barranco Camp, nestled beneath imposing cliffs, offers sweeping views across the plains below.

Today begins with a descent into the base of the Great Barranco, a vast and dramatic ravine. From here, you’ll tackle the challenging Barranco Wall—a non-technical but steep and demanding climb offering stunning views. As you ascend, you’ll pass below the impressive Heim and Kersten glaciers. The trail then winds through alpine terrain toward the Karanga Valley. After a final steep climb out of the valley, you’ll arrive at Karanga Camp. In the afternoon, those feeling strong can take a short acclimatization hike up to 4200m before returning to camp to rest.

After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, you begin the ascent to Barafu Camp. The trail leads across desolate alpine desert and scree slopes with little to no vegetation. Though the distance is short, the steep incline and increasing altitude make this a challenging day. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you'll rest and hydrate in preparation for the final summit push. Dinner is served early, and you’ll head to bed soon after, as the summit attempt begins around midnight.

Starting around midnight, you’ll begin a steep climb up scree slopes towards the summit glaciers. This 4 to 5-hour ascent gains significant altitude over a short distance. At sunrise, you’ll reach Stella Point (5739m) on the crater rim, surrounded by spectacular ice cliffs and stunning views of Mawenzi peak. After about an hour more, you’ll arrive at Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point at 5895m. After celebrating the summit, you’ll descend back to Stella Point, then continue down scree and trail to Barafu Camp for breakfast. The descent continues to Millennium Camp, where you can rest and recover.

Enjoy a gentle trek down through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will complete park formalities and receive your well-deserved summit certificate to proudly display. From there, you’ll be picked up by vehicles and transferred back to your hotel in Moshi. Take this opportunity to relax and enjoy a refreshing hot shower after your incredible climb.

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Arusha | Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.