8 DAYS ULTIMATE LEMOSHO ROUTE
This 9-day itinerary combines an arrival day in Tanzania with an 8-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route. Starting on the western side, this route offers breathtaking views, diverse ecosystems—rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit—and a high summit success rate due to its extended duration. With tented camps and a well-paced climb, it’s perfect for a rewarding journey to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha (about 1-hour drive). Rest after your journey or explore the town if time permits. Meet your guide in the evening for a pre-climb briefing to review the itinerary and gear.
- Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel (or similar in Arusha)
- Meal Plan: Full Board begins
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Distance: 6 km
- Elevation: 2,360m to 2,850m
- Time: 3-4 hours
After breakfast, drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate (2.5-3 hours). Register with park authorities, then trek through lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and vibrant birdlife. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp for your first night on the mountain.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Distance: 8 km
- Elevation: 2,850m to 3,500m
- Time: 5-6 hours
Trek out of the rainforest into moorland after breakfast, with views of the Shira Plateau ahead. The trail ascends gradually, offering a first glimpse of Kibo Peak. Reach Shira 1 Camp, a scenic spot on the plateau’s western edge.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Distance: 7 km
- Elevation: 3,500m to 3,840m
- Time: 3-4 hours
Cross the Shira Plateau after breakfast, a vast volcanic expanse with gentle terrain. This shorter day aids acclimatization, with stunning views of Kibo and the western breach. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp by midday to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
- Distance: 10 km
- Elevation: 3,840m to 4,600m (Lava Tower), then down to 3,950m
- Time: 6-8 hours
Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) after breakfast for acclimatization, trekking through alpine desert. After lunch near the tower, descend to Barranco Camp, nestled beneath the imposing Barranco Wall. This “climb high, sleep low” day enhances your altitude adaptation.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Distance: 5 km
- Elevation: 3,950m to 4,050m
- Time: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, scale the Barranco Wall—a steep, scenic scramble requiring some handholds. Traverse rolling hills and valleys, descending slightly before ascending to Karanga Camp. This day further supports acclimatization with its moderate pace.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Distance: 4 km
- Elevation: 4,050m to 4,673m
- Time: 4-5 hours
Trek through alpine desert after breakfast, ascending steadily to Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt. The short distance allows time to rest and prepare for the midnight climb. Enjoy views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit ahead.
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Mweka Camp
- Distance: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent
- Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m (summit), then down to 3,100m
- Time: 12-15 hours total
Start the summit push at midnight, climbing steeply through scree to Stella Point (5,756m) by dawn, then to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) for sunrise. After celebrating, descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue to Mweka Camp in the rainforest.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Return to Arusha
- Distance: 10 km
- Elevation: 3,100m to 1,650m
- Time: 3-5 hours
After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate (if successful), then drive back to Arusha (1.5-2 hours). Relax at your hotel or prepare for departure.
- Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel (or similar in Arusha)
- Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
What's Included on the Price
INCLUDED
- Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport to/from your hotel in Arusha.
- Accommodation: Pre- and post-climb
- Meals: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Park Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping/hut fees, and rescue fees.
- Guide and Porters: Professional English-speaking guide, cook, and porters to carry gear and set up camp.
- Transport: Transfers between Arusha and Trekking Gate.
- Summit Certificate: Provided upon successful summiting (Green Certificate for Gilman’s Point, Gold for Uhuru Peak).
EXCLUDED
- International Flights: Airfare to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Visa Fees: Tanzania entry visa (check requirements based on your nationality).
- Personal Gear: Trekking equipment (e.g., sleeping bag, trekking poles, clothing, headlamp, boots).
- Tips: Gratuities for guides, porters, and cook (suggested: $15-20/day for guide, $10-15/day for porters, split among group).
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory coverage for high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation.
- Beverages: Alcoholic drinks, sodas, or bottled water (water is provided but may need purification tablets).
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, or additional activities in Arusha.
- Extra Nights: Accommodation if you arrive early or stay longer post-climb.
