9 Day Mt Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Route

Day 2: Lemosho Forest Camp to Shira Camp
(Elevation: 2,650 meters to 3,800 meters)

After breakfast at Lemosho Forest Camp, you’ll begin your journey into the next phase of your Kilimanjaro adventure. The day’s trek will take you through a stunning transition from the rainforest to the heath zone, characterized by moorland and gently rolling hills. The trail is well-maintained and ascends steadily as you make your way out of the lush forest.

As you progress, the vegetation becomes sparser, and the landscape opens up with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s majestic slopes. You’ll notice the landscape’s dramatic change, with striking giant lobelias and groundsels standing guard along the path. On a clear day, the towering peak of Kibo will become more prominent as it looms in the distance, a constant reminder of the summit awaiting you.

This trek takes about 5-6 hours, covering approximately 8-10 kilometers, as you make your way up to Shira Camp, located at 3,800 meters. As you approach the camp, you’ll be greeted by the open plains of the Shira Plateau, with expansive views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to a well-deserved lunch and have the opportunity to rest, taking in the scenery and preparing for the upcoming days.

In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner with your team, and settle in for an overnight stay at Shira Camp. The altitude will make the night cooler, so be sure to bundle up in warm layers.

Highlights of the Day:

• Transition from Rainforest to Moorland: Experience the dramatic shift in vegetation as you ascend from the dense rainforest to the open heath zone.

• Views of Mount Kilimanjaro: Enjoy incredible panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau as you trek through the diverse landscapes.

• Giant Lobelias and Groundsels: Spot these unique and fascinating plants that thrive in the higher altitudes of Kilimanjaro.

• Shira Camp: Rest in a stunning high-altitude campsite at 3,800 meters, where you’ll soak in the beauty of the Shira Plateau.

Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,150 meters
Accommodation: Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3,550 meters) to Shira Camp 2 (3,900 meters)
(Elevation: 3,550 meters to 3,900 meters)

After a hearty breakfast at Shira Camp 1, you’ll continue your ascent on this exciting and scenic day of the trek. Today’s journey is a short but rewarding trek, taking you up to Shira Camp 2, located at 3,900 meters on the Shira Plateau. The day will be a relatively gentle walk, with a steady climb over about 5-6 kilometers (3-4 miles) that will take around 4-5 hours.

The path follows a gradually ascending trail through alpine moorland, where you’ll be surrounded by the fascinating giant groundsels and other hardy plant life that survive at this altitude. As you walk, you’ll enjoy the expansive views of the plateau and the surrounding valleys, with the Kibo Peak growing ever more prominent in the distance.

Along the way, you’ll have ample opportunities to stop and take in the stunning panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and the far-reaching landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite the gentle gradient, the altitude is starting to become more noticeable, so you’ll need to take it “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) to allow your body to adjust.

Upon reaching Shira Camp 2, you’ll have time to relax and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. The camp sits at a higher elevation than Shira Camp 1, offering incredible views across the plateau and providing a perfect resting spot for the night.

In the evening, you’ll enjoy a well-earned dinner and prepare for another day of trekking. The air will be cooler at this altitude, so be sure to bring extra layers for warmth.

Highlights of the Day:

• Gentle Ascent on Shira Plateau: Enjoy a short, scenic trek through the vast Shira Plateau with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Giant Groundsels and Alpine Moorland: Spot the unique plant life of the higher altitudes, including giant groundsels that are iconic to Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes.

• Views of Kibo Peak: As you climb, the towering Kibo Peak comes more into focus, offering breathtaking views throughout the day.

• Shira Camp 2: Spend the night at Shira Camp 2, a high-altitude camp offering magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes.

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Moir Camp
(Elevation: 3,900 meters to 4,200 meters)

On Day 4 of your Kilimanjaro adventure, you’ll continue your trek across the stunning alpine landscape of the mountain. After breakfast at Shira Camp 2, you’ll set off on a steady ascent toward Moir Camp, located at an elevation of 4,200 meters. The hike today covers a distance of about 5-7 kilometers (3-4 miles) and will take approximately 5-6 hours.

This part of the trek is known for its beautiful and diverse terrain as you move through alpine desert and rocky paths. You’ll follow a winding trail that gradually ascends through a variety of landscapes, including barren highland slopes interspersed with patches of vegetation and scattered rock formations.

One of the highlights of today’s trek is the panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak, the other two majestic volcanic peaks that form the stunning silhouette of Kilimanjaro. The Moir Camp sits on the northern side of the mountain, offering an incredible vantage point of the peaks and the surrounding valleys.

Moir Camp is a relatively quiet and peaceful location, and although the climb is steady, the route is less crowded compared to other paths on the mountain, giving you the chance to experience the mountain’s raw beauty and tranquility.

As you climb higher, it’s essential to maintain a steady, slow pace (“pole pole”) to allow your body to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. The altitude begins to make itself felt on this day, so staying well-hydrated and mindful of your energy levels is key.

After arriving at Moir Camp, take time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the stunning views surrounding you. Dinner will be served in the evening, and you’ll be able to rest in your tent for the night, preparing for the next day’s trek.

Highlights of the Day:

• Alpine Desert Terrain: Experience the stark beauty of Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert, a landscape characterized by rugged rocks, dry vegetation, and panoramic views.

• Spectacular Views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Kilimanjaro’s iconic volcanic peaks, which will be your companions throughout the day.

• Less-Crowded Path: The northern route to Moir Camp offers a quieter, more peaceful trekking experience, with fewer climbers on this part of the mountain.

• Moir Camp: Spend the night at Moir Camp, a peaceful and scenic campsite offering incredible views of the surrounding mountain landscape.

Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 300 meters
Accommodation: Moir Camp

Day 5: Moir Camp to Barranco Camp
(Elevation: 4,200 meters to 3,950 meters)

On Day 5 of your Kilimanjaro adventure, you will continue your trek to Barranco Camp, located at 3,950 meters, which will take approximately 6-7 hours. This section of the trek is known for its stunning scenery and challenging terrain, offering trekkers a chance to experience some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes on the mountain.

The day begins with a gradual ascent as you leave the Moir Camp. As you proceed, you’ll pass through alpine desert and rocky paths, with the landscape becoming increasingly barren and rocky, though still rich in natural beauty. The route offers spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding valleys as you trek along.

One of the highlights of today’s hike is the Barranco Wall, which you will have to climb to reach Barranco Camp. This rocky ascent is a fun and adventurous part of the journey, often referred to as the “Kilimanjaro Staircase.” While the Barranco Wall might look intimidating from a distance, it is actually a non-technical climb, and your guide will be there to assist you through this section, making it a safe and enjoyable challenge. You will be using your hands in some sections to scramble up rocks, but it’s not a technical climb and requires no specialized equipment.

Once at the top of the Barranco Wall, the final approach to Barranco Camp is more gradual, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and Kibo Peak. The camp itself is set in a beautiful valley surrounded by towering cliffs and is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the stunning beauty of the mountain.

Highlights of the Day:

• Alpine Desert Landscape: Continue to enjoy the barren, rocky terrain, a hallmark of Kilimanjaro’s higher altitudes, with occasional views of colorful flora and fauna.

• Barranco Wall: Experience the thrill of climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a rocky, fun scramble offering incredible views and a sense of accomplishment.

• Kibo Peak Views: Along the way, you’ll enjoy incredible views of Kibo Peak, as well as panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and ridges.

• Barranco Camp: Settle at Barranco Camp, a beautiful and scenic campsite surrounded by towering cliffs, perfect for taking in the grandeur of Kilimanjaro.

Walking Time: 6–7 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss: Gain of 500 meters, followed by a descent of 250 meters

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
(Elevation: 3,950 meters to 4,035 meters)

After a restful night at Barranco Camp, today’s trek takes you to Karanga Camp, located at an elevation of 4,035 meters. This day’s trek will take around 4-5 hours, offering a relatively short but rewarding hike compared to previous days.

The Trek:

The trail starts with a gradual ascent as you leave Barranco Camp and head towards Karanga Valley. As you walk, the terrain remains rocky, and you’ll continue to experience the rugged beauty of Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert zone. The path today is not overly steep, but there will still be some short ascents and descents as you traverse the valley before reaching the camp.

One of the highlights of this day’s hike is the views of the surrounding mountain ranges and Kibo Peak looming in the distance. As you approach Karanga Camp, you will have the chance to see some of the tropical vegetation that still survives in this high-altitude region, with small shrubs and a few hardy trees.

Despite the moderate nature of the trek, altitude is a consideration, and you should take it easy and walk “Pole Pole” (slowly) to allow your body to adjust to the increasing elevation.

Karanga Camp itself is located in a scenic valley, and the camp offers fantastic views of the surrounding ridges and the Barafu Ridge (where you’ll be heading in the coming days). This is a great place to rest and relax, preparing for the final push towards the summit.

Highlights of the Day:

• Moderate Trek: A relatively easy day compared to the longer hikes, offering a chance to rest your body while still enjoying stunning views.

• Kilimanjaro Views: As you walk, enjoy the panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding alpine landscape.

• Rocky Terrain: Continue experiencing the rugged beauty of Kilimanjaro, passing through rocky terrain with beautiful vistas of valleys and ridges.

• Karanga Camp: A well-positioned camp offering spectacular views of the landscape around you and a good place to rest before the summit push.

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation Gain: 85 meters

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
(Elevation: 4,035 meters to 4,640 meters)

Today’s trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp will take you to an elevation of 4,640 meters, marking a key milestone on your journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek will take approximately 4-5 hours and is one of the more challenging days due to the altitude and the steepness of the path.

After a hearty breakfast at Karanga Camp, you will set off on the final leg of the trek to Barafu, which is the base camp for your summit attempt. The first part of the trail is a steady ascent through the alpine desert zone. As you climb higher, the environment becomes more barren with scattered volcanic rocks and sparse vegetation.

This section of the trek is rocky and can be physically demanding as you gain elevation. However, it is relatively short compared to the long days ahead. As you approach Barafu Camp, the landscape opens up to spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and ridgelines, with Kibo Peak towering above. The trail is quite exposed, with little to no shelter, so make sure you’re prepared for the weather and have enough water.

Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll have time to relax and acclimatize. This camp is crucial for rest and preparation before your summit attempt to Uhuru Peak. After a brief rest and some tea, you’ll have a chance to eat dinner and get some rest. It’s important to get a good night’s sleep, as you will start your summit climb late in the night.

Barafu Camp is strategically located to provide the necessary rest before summiting, and it’s important to hydrate well and prepare all your gear for the summit climb.

Highlights of the Day:

• Moderate Trek: The trek to Barafu Camp is a crucial step before summiting. The scenery is awe-inspiring, and you’ll feel the anticipation as you near your goal.

• Incredible Views: Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak, the southern glaciers, and the vast Kilimanjaro landscape.

• Base Camp for Summit: Barafu Camp is the launch point for your summit attempt, and today marks a pivotal moment in your Kilimanjaro adventure.

• Sense of Accomplishment: Completing this stage will give you a huge sense of achievement as you are one step closer to reaching the summit.

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation Gain: 605 meters

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then to Millennium Camp
(Elevation: 4,640 meters to 5,895 meters, then to 3,100 meters)

Summit Day – The Final Push to Uhuru Peak:

This is the day you’ve been working towards! You’ll rise early, around midnight or 1:00 AM, to begin your final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek to the top is long, strenuous, and requires mental determination as you climb in the cold, dark night. You’ll follow the Coca-Cola Route, which is marked and well-trodden, but the going will still be tough.

The Trek to Uhuru Peak:

The trek begins at Barafu Camp (4,640 meters) and will take 6-8 hours to reach the summit. As you head into the night, you’ll ascend through the alpine desert zone, following a well-defined trail that zigzags upwards towards Stella Point (5,756 meters). The first part of the hike is challenging, but the anticipation of reaching the summit keeps you going.

Once you reach Stella Point, you will be at the edge of the Crater Rim, and from here, it’s only a short distance (about 45 minutes) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). You’ll be walking along the Crater Rim with the glaciers and volcanic craters on one side and the expansive view of the African plains on the other.

Reaching Uhuru Peak will be an unforgettable moment, as you’ll stand on top of Africa’s highest point. The views are breathtaking, and the sense of achievement will be overwhelming. You’ll have time to take photos, enjoy the moment, and celebrate this incredible accomplishment.

After reaching the summit, you’ll begin your descent.

Descent to Millennium Camp:

After spending some time at the summit, you’ll begin your descent back down to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and some snacks. From Barafu, you’ll continue down to Millennium Camp (3,100 meters), where you will spend the night. The descent will take approximately 4-5 hours and provides an opportunity to rest and reflect on your incredible achievement.

Millennium Camp is nestled in the lush, forest zone of Kilimanjaro and provides a peaceful and well-deserved resting spot after the intense day. You’ll enjoy dinner and a night’s rest, surrounded by the beauty of the mountain.

Highlights of the Day:

• Summit Success: The achievement of reaching Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, is the ultimate highlight of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

• Spectacular Sunrise: Enjoy the incredible sunrise from Stella Point or Uhuru Peak itself as you take in panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and landscapes.

• Breathtaking Views: The descent to Millennium Camp offers stunning views of the mountain’s valleys and peaks.

• Sense of Accomplishment: Completing the summit push and reaching Uhuru Peak is an experience that will stay with you forever.

Walking Time:

• Barafu to Uhuru Peak: 6-8 hours

• Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp: 4-5 hours

Elevation Gain:

• Barafu to Uhuru Peak: 1,255 meters

• Descent to Millennium Camp: 2,795 meters

Accommodation: Millennium Camp

Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate, then Transfer to Moshi / Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport
(Elevation: 3,100 meters to 1,650 meters)

After a well-deserved rest at Millennium Camp, you’ll begin your final descent from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. This part of the trek takes you through lush forest paths, providing a gentle end to your climb. The trail is well-maintained and offers a more relaxed pace as you make your way down. The rainforest zone is full of vibrant greenery, and you might catch glimpses of wildlife such as birds and monkeys as you descend.

The trek to Mweka Gate takes approximately 4-6 hours. You’ll pass through the moorland and rainforest zones, descending to an altitude of 1,650 meters. Along the way, you’ll be able to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed, appreciating the diversity of the landscapes you’ve traversed.

Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll officially complete your Kilimanjaro trek. Here, you’ll check out and receive your summit certificate if you successfully reached Uhuru Peak. This is a proud moment, as you commemorate your achievement and reflect on the incredible journey to the summit.

After completing the necessary formalities at the gate, your guide will arrange a transfer for you back to Moshi or Arusha, depending on your preferences. If you’re flying out, you will be taken to Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your flight back home.

This transfer gives you the opportunity to relax and unwind after your adventure, as you reflect on your achievement.

Highlights of the Day:

• Scenic Descent: Enjoy the beautiful rainforest as you descend towards Mweka Gate, taking in the final views of Kilimanjaro’s slopes.

• Mweka Gate: Celebrate the completion of your epic trek with the presentation of your summit certificate.

• Transfer to Moshi / Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport: Relax and reflect on your incredible journey during your transfer to your next destination.

Walking Time: 4-6 hours

Elevation Loss: 1,450 meters

Accommodation: No overnight, transfer to Moshi / Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport