8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Itinerary 8 days

Arrival in Tanzania

Your 8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro adventure begins when you arrive in Tanzania. Depending on your booking arrangements, a transfer will take you from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Kahawa House in Arusha. The drive usually takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

After checking in, take time to rest after your journey and prepare for your Kilimanjaro climb. Check your trekking equipment and confirm your briefing and departure arrangements with (hidden) before the trek begins.

Arrival details

• Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

• Accommodation: Kahawa House, Arusha

• Transfer destination: Kahawa House, Arusha

• Estimated driving time: 1 to 1.5 hours

• Trekking begins: The following day, according to your confirmed itinerary

• Meals and transfer inclusions: As stated in your confirmed package

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

The first trekking day of the 8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Itinerary begins at Londorossi Gate on Mount Kilimanjaro’s western side and ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp. The trail passes through montane rainforest, where tall trees, ferns and dense vegetation surround the path.

After breakfast in Arusha, your team transfers you to the Londorossi Gate area for park registration. Once the formalities are complete, you begin hiking through the forest on a gradual ascent toward Mti Mkubwa Camp. The trail can be damp and muddy, so suitable hiking boots and waterproof clothing are useful.

The walk usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on trail conditions and the group’s pace. At camp, you settle into your tent while the mountain crew prepares dinner. Your guide will explain the next day’s plan and help you prepare for the climb into the higher heath and moorland zone.

Daily trekking details

• Starting point: Londorossi Gate area

• Destination: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp)

• Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours

• Distance: Approximately 6 to 7 km (about 4 miles)

• Starting elevation: Approximately 2,100 to 2,360 m, depending on the actual trail access point

• Sleeping elevation: Verify the camp elevation used in your confirmed itinerary

• Habitat: Montane rainforest

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to the package

• Accommodation: Camping at Mti Mkubwa Camp

Today’s highlights

• Begin the climb on Kilimanjaro’s western approach.

• Walk through the montane rainforest.

• Experience the first day of the mountain camping routine.

• Prepare for the ascent toward Shira Plateau on Day 2.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Today, you leave the forest and climb onto the Shira Ridge. The path becomes steeper, and the trees gradually give way to open heath, grasses, volcanic rock, and low shrubs.

This is a steady uphill day, so you need to manage your energy. Your guide keeps the pace slow and gives the group time to stop for water and snacks. As the trail rises, the views become wider, and the air begins to feel cooler.

By afternoon, you reach Shira 1 Camp on the Shira Plateau. This open camp sits much higher than the forest camp, and temperatures often drop soon after the sun goes down. Put on warm layers early, eat well at dinner, and keep drinking water.

Hiking time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 to 8 km / 4 to 5 miles
Start elevation: Mti Mkubwa Camp, approximately 2,650 to 2,895 m
Sleeping elevation: Shira 1 Camp, approximately 3,500 to 3,610 m
Habitat: Heath and moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Shira 1 Camp

Today’s highlights

• Climb from forest terrain onto the Shira Ridge

• Leave tall trees behind for open moorland

• Reach the Shira Plateau

• Sleep above 3,500 m for the first time

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today gives you more time on the Shira Plateau and lets your body adjust to the higher elevation before the Lava Tower day. The route travels across open volcanic ground with wide views of the plateau and Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes when weather allows.

The walking day is shorter than Day 2, but you still need to take altitude seriously. Keep the pace relaxed, eat small snacks, and drink water throughout the day. The group arrives at Shira 2 Camp in time for lunch or early afternoon rest.

Use the afternoon wisely. Do not treat this as a day to walk around camp for no reason. Rest, organise your layers for the cooler evening, and listen to your guide’s advice about hydration and altitude symptoms.

Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 to 10 km / 4 to 6 miles
Start elevation: Shira 1 Camp, approximately 3,500 to 3,610 m
Sleeping elevation: Shira 2 Camp, approximately 3,840 to 3,850 m
Habitat: Shira Plateau and alpine moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Shira 2 Camp

Today’s highlights

• Cross the open Shira Plateau

• Give your body extra time at altitude

• See Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes when conditions are clear

• Prepare for the Lava Tower acclimatisation day

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

After breakfast, you leave Shira 2 Camp and move into a more rugged alpine environment. The trail climbs toward Lava Tower, a volcanic formation that stands at approximately 4,630 m.

This day brings you to a much higher elevation before you sleep lower at Barranco Camp. You may notice that simple tasks take more effort in the thinner air. Your guide sets a patient pace and checks on the group during the climb.

The team stops near Lava Tower for lunch, then begins the descent toward Barranco Camp. The descent matters as much as the climb. It gives your body time at a high point during the day while allowing you to sleep at a lower altitude that night.

Barranco Camp sits in a striking valley below the Barranco Wall. Giant groundsels, steep rock faces, and views toward Kibo create a completely different setting from the Shira Plateau.

Hiking time: Approximately 6 to 8 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km / 6 miles
Start elevation: Shira 2 Camp, approximately 3,840 to 3,850 m
Highest point: Lava Tower, approximately 4,630 m
Sleeping elevation: Barranco Camp, approximately 3,900 to 3,976 m
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp

Today’s highlights

• Climb toward Lava Tower at approximately 4,630 m

• Spend time at a higher elevation before descending to camp

• Follow the climb-high, sleep-low acclimatisation pattern

• Enter the Barranco Valley and camp below Barranco Wall

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today’s trek begins with the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable sections of the 8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Itinerary. Although the wall looks steep from camp, the route follows a hiking trail with short scrambles where you may use your hands for balance. Technical climbing skills are not normally required, but careful footing and following your guide’s instructions are important.

After crossing the Barranco Wall, you continue along Kilimanjaro’s southern circuit. The trail passes over rocky ridges and through valleys, with several ascents and descents along the way. Although the distance is relatively short, the high elevation can make the trek physically demanding.

You arrive at Karanga Camp, where you spend the night before continuing to Barafu Camp on Day 6. This additional overnight stop creates a more gradual progression toward the summit attempt. However, individual responses to altitude vary, and this itinerary cannot guarantee that altitude-related illness will be avoided.

At camp, take time to eat, rest and prepare your equipment for the next day’s climb to Barafu Camp.

Hiking time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 to 6 km (3 to 4 miles)
Starting elevation: Barranco Camp, approximately 3,900 to 3,976 m
Sleeping elevation: Karanga Camp, approximately 3,995 to 4,035 m
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to the package
Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Camp

Today’s highlights

• Cross the famous Barranco Wall with guidance from your mountain team.

• Navigate rocky ridges and valleys along Kilimanjaro’s southern circuit.

• Reach Karanga Camp before the ascent to Barafu Camp.

• Prepare for the final approach to the summit.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Day 6 takes you from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, the final campsite before you attempt to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. The trail climbs steadily through Kilimanjaro’s rocky alpine desert, where vegetation becomes sparse, and the terrain grows increasingly rugged.

As you gain elevation, you may enjoy views of Kibo Peak and Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes when weather conditions allow. Your guide sets a suitable pace and monitors the group as you approach the high camp.

After approximately 3 to 4 hours of hiking, you arrive at Barafu Camp. Eat your evening meal, organise your warm layers and summit equipment, and follow your guide’s instructions for the night ascent. You will have a limited period to rest before the summit attempt, which typically begins around midnight, depending on conditions and your guide’s plan.

Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 4 km (2.5 miles)
Starting elevation: Karanga Camp, approximately 3,995 to 4,035 m
Sleeping elevation: Barafu Camp, approximately 4,673 m
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to the package
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp

Today’s highlights

• Trek through Kilimanjaro’s rugged alpine desert.

• Reach Barafu Camp, the final campsite before the summit attempt.

• Enjoy views of Kibo Peak when conditions are clear.

• Organise your summit clothing and equipment before resting.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Today, you’ll attempt to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, before descending to Mweka Camp. Your summit climb usually begins around midnight as you follow a steep trail toward Stella Point on Kilimanjaro’s crater rim.

After reaching Stella Point (5,756 m), you’ll continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Weather permitting, you may enjoy spectacular sunrise views across Kilimanjaro’s summit landscape. At Uhuru Peak, celebrate your achievement and capture memorable photos at the Roof of Africa.

After the summit attempt, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshments before continuing to Mweka Camp. This long descent takes you to a lower elevation, where you can recover, enjoy your evening meal, and rest after a demanding day on the mountain.

Hiking time: Approximately 12 to 15 hours
Distance: Approximately 17 km / 10.5 miles
Starting elevation: Barafu Camp, approximately 4,673 m
Crater rim: Stella Point, approximately 5,756 m
Highest point: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
Sleeping elevation: Mweka Camp, approximately 3,100 m
Habitat: Arctic summit zone, alpine desert, and moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, according to your package
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp

Today’s highlights

• Begin the summit attempt beneath the night sky

• Reach Stella Point on Kilimanjaro’s crater rim

• Attempt to reach Uhuru Peak, subject to health, weather, and guide assessment.

• Descend to Barafu Camp for refreshments and a short rest

• Continue through the mountain’s changing vegetation zones to Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi

Today, you’ll descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, completing your 8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro climb. After breakfast, you’ll follow the trail through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest as you make your way down the mountain.

As you descend, the air becomes warmer, and the forest grows thicker. You may hear colourful birds or spot monkeys among the trees while enjoying the final hours of your Kilimanjaro trek.

After 3 to 4 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Mweka Gate and sign out of Kilimanjaro National Park. If you reach the qualifying summit point, you’ll receive your summit certificate and celebrate with your mountain crew. Afterwards, our driver will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha Kahawa House for a well-earned rest.

Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km / 6 miles
Start elevation: Mweka Camp, approximately 3,100 m
Finish elevation: Mweka Gate, approximately 1,640 to 1,800 m
Habitat: Montane rainforest
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Kahawa House Hotel

Today’s highlights

• Descend through Kilimanjaro’s rainforest

• Complete the trek at Mweka Gate

• Say goodbye to your mountain team

• Transfer back to Kahawa House for rest and recovery

Depart Tanzania

Today marks the end of your 8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro adventure. After breakfast at your Kahawa House Hotel, you’ll have time to relax and prepare for your departure.

At the arranged time, our driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. You’ll leave Tanzania with unforgettable memories of Mount Kilimanjaro and the achievement of reaching the Roof of Africa.

Activity: Airport transfer
Driving Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Departure Point: Kahawa House Hotel in Arusha
Accommodation: None

Today’s Highlights

• Relax at your hotel before departure.

• Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

• Depart Tanzania after completing your Kilimanjaro adventure.