Tanzania · Trekking

9-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via the Lemosho Route to Uhuru Peak

9 Days Round trip from Tanzania Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Ascend Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Lemosho Route
  • 02 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
  • 03 Trek through five distinct climate zones
  • 04 Enjoy expert guidance, quality camping, and nutritious meals

Embark on an unforgettable 9-day Kilimanjaro adventure via the scenic Lemosho Route, designed for both first-time climbers and seasoned trekkers. Ascend gradually through lush rainforests, open moorlands, alpine deserts, and the arctic summit zone while enjoying expert guidance, quality camping, and nourishing meals. Reach iconic Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and witness a breathtaking sunrise after trekking through some of the mountain's most spectacular landscapes. This fully guided trek combines safety, comfort, and adventure for a once-in-a-lifetime achievement in Tanzania.

Ascend under a star-filled sky to Stella Point (5,685 m) for a breathtaking sunrise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp Through Rainforest

  • After an early breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue to the Lemosho trailhead.
  • Trek through the lush, green canopy of Kilimanjaro's rainforest, rich in biodiversity. Look out for colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and colorful tropical birds.
  • Reach Mti Mkubwa Camp in time for dinner and spend the first night sleeping in the forest under canvas - a gentle start to your adventure.

Elevation: 7,800 ft to 9,500 ft | Distance: 6 km | Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs.

Zone: Rainforest.

2
Day 02

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp Across Moorland

  • Leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone, characterized by open grasslands, rolling hills, and volcanic rock formations.
  • Trek steadily uphill, enjoying sweeping views of the Shira Ridge and distant Mount Meru.
  • Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, perched on the western edge of the Shira Plateau. Watch the sky turn brilliant shades of orange and red as the sun dips behind the horizon.

Elevation: 9,500 ft to 11,500 ft | Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs.

Zone: Moorland.

3
Day 03

Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp via the Scenic Plateau

  • Trek gradually but steadily across the wide and scenic Shira Plateau, soaking in views, taking photos, and acclimatizing to the higher altitude.
  • Arrive at Shira 2 Camp and enjoy stunning views of Kibo Peak - the summit cone of Kilimanjaro.
  • After a hearty dinner, your guides review the importance of acclimatization to prepare for the higher days ahead.

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft | Distance: 14 km | Hiking Time: 5-7 hrs.

Zone: Moorland.

4
Day 04

Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

  • Ascend to the striking Lava Tower, a jagged rock formation that serves as a key landmark and lunch stop at 4,600 m.
  • Descend into Barranco Valley, filled with giant groundsels and surreal high-altitude vegetation.

Overnight at Barranco Camp, nestled beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall, as you prepare for tomorrow's climb.

Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,200 ft (Lava Tower), then down to 13,000 ft | Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 6-8 hrs.

Zone: Alpine Desert.

5
Day 05

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via Barranco Wall

  • Begin the morning with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble offering spectacular views without technical climbing.
  • Trek through glacial valleys to Karanga Camp.
  • Rest, hydrate, and enjoy a hot meal.
  • This shorter day allows you to recover and build strength for the summit approach.

Elevation: 13,000 ft to 13,100 ft | Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4-5 hrs.

Zone: Alpine Desert.

6
Day 06

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp for Summit Preparation

  • Climb steadily to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt.
  • Enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Summit above the clouds.
  • Arrive early to rest, eat, and mentally prepare.
  • Have an early dinner and turn in for the night to begin the final push to Uhuru Peak just after midnight.

Elevation: 13,100 ft to 15,300 ft | Distance: 4 km | Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs.

Zone: Alpine Desert.

7
Day 07

Summit Day to Uhuru Peak and Return to Barafu Camp

  • Rise around midnight for a hot drink and a light snack before starting the summit push.
  • Ascend under a star-filled sky to Stella Point (5,685 m) for a breathtaking sunrise.
  • Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
  • Celebrate, take photos, and descend carefully back to Barafu Camp.
  • Stay a second night at Barafu to rest and recover, ensuring safety and comfort.

Elevation: 15,300 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak), return to 15,300 ft | Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 10-12 hrs total.

Zones: Arctic & Alpine Desert.

8
Day 08

Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp Descent Day

  • Begin the descent after a relaxing breakfast and a slow start.
  • Trek through the alpine desert and into the lush green rainforest.
  • Arrive at Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
  • Enjoy a well-earned rest and the sense of quiet triumph beneath the trees.

Elevation: 15,300 ft to 10,000 ft | Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 4-5 hrs.

Zone: Alpine Desert to Rainforest.

9
Day 09

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Arusha

  • Trek gently downhill through the thick rainforest.
  • Arrive at Mweka Gate and receive your official summit certificate.
  • Transfer back to Arusha by vehicle.
  • Enjoy hot showers, a hearty meal, and a celebratory atmosphere.

Overnight at the lodge, reflecting on your Kilimanjaro adventure and your last night in Tanzania.

Elevation: 10,000 ft to 6,500 ft | Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs.

Zone: Rainforest.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Tanzania 3 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation as per the itinerary
  • Lodges on a full-board basis
  • Road transportation in a 4WD Land Cruiser safari vehicle
  • Game drives as per the itinerary
  • Park entrance fees and crater service fees
  • English-speaking guides available for the safari

What's Not Included

  • Visit to Masai Cultural Village
  • All international flights and local flights with taxes
  • Visa fees, travel and personal accident insurance
  • Excursions, services, and activities not mentioned in this program
  • Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, drinks, tips, and gratuities

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania
Tour start
Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Tanzania.

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