8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Lemosho Route

After an early breakfast, you will be driven to the Lemosho Gate, the starting point of the climb, located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. From here, you’ll begin your trek through the lush rainforest of Kilimanjaro. The forest is rich with wildlife, and you’ll likely encounter species like blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and various bird species. The trail is relatively gentle, with moderate uphill walking that leads you to Mti Mkubwa Camp. This is a beautiful campsite nestled in the dense forest, where you’ll enjoy your first night on the mountain.

Today’s trek takes you from Mti Mkubwa Camp through more rainforests and into the open moorland zone. The path gradually steepens as you ascend to the Shira Plateau, a unique and stunning alpine desert area. The first part of today’s hike offers great views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, which will motivate you as you approach Shira 1 Camp. Located on the plateau, this camp offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the famous Shira Cathedral rock formations. You will have time to relax and acclimatize, as the change in altitude can be noticeable.

This day involves a moderate hike to Shira 2 Camp, passing through a vast landscape of volcanic rocks and alpine meadows. The trail gradually ascends, allowing trekkers to adapt to the higher altitude. Along the way, you’ll see panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit and the surrounding plains. Shira 2 Camp is located at the edge of the plateau, with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. This day is a crucial part of the acclimatization process as you prepare for the more demanding days ahead.

Today’s hike is one of the most beautiful and diverse sections of the Lemosho Route. You’ll leave the plateau and descend into the Barranco Valley, passing through stunning landscapes and a variety of ecosystems. The Barranco Camp sits in a picturesque location surrounded by cliffs and rolling hills. The day’s hike is not overly difficult, but it does involve a descent, which helps with acclimatization by avoiding the "climb high, sleep low" principle. The Barranco Wall, a large rock face, is a key landmark that you will see in the distance.

After a well-deserved rest at Barranco Camp, today’s trek involves ascending the Barranco Wall, a fun and challenging scramble that requires minimal technical skills but provides amazing views. Once at the top, you’ll hike through a combination of rocky terrain and alpine desert landscapes, gradually climbing towards Karanga Camp. This day offers great opportunities for panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding valleys. Karanga Camp is a small, sheltered camp where you’ll rest and prepare for the final stretch towards the summit.

Today’s climb takes you from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, which serves as the base camp for the final summit push. The route today takes you through dry and rocky terrain, with stunning vistas of glaciers and valleys. Barafu Camp sits high on the mountain, and it can be quite cold and windy, which makes proper clothing and gear essential. Once you arrive, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt later in the evening. Dinner will be served early to allow for an early start.

Summit day is the highlight of the climb, and it starts with a midnight departure from Barafu Camp. You’ll hike in the darkness with your headlamp illuminating the trail as you ascend toward the summit. The climb is demanding, and the altitude can make it challenging, but the view at the top is absolutely worth it. As you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the glaciers and the vast expanse of the Tanzanian plains below. After celebrating at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp, where a warm meal and rest await. This is the final night of your trek, and you’ll have time to reflect on your amazing achievement.

On the final day, you’ll trek from Mweka Camp back to Mweka Gate, where your descent ends. The trail is mostly downhill, passing through lush forest, where you might spot some wildlife. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, marking the successful completion of your Kilimanjaro climb. From here, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved celebration and rest.