9-Day Lemosho Route Climbing Kilimanjaro

9 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Airport transfers, Arusha hotel stay, and a detailed pre-trek briefing with your guide
  • 02 Trek through changing habitats: rainforest, moorland, semi-desert, and alpine terrain
  • 03 Acclimatization day via Lava Tower (4,630 m) to Barranco for “climb high, sleep low”
  • 04 Begin a midnight summit attempt to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) with sunrise views from Stella Point, followed by descent to Mweka and return to Arusha

Conquer Kilimanjaro on the scenic Lemosho Route with a well-paced itinerary built for strong acclimatization and sweeping views. Start with airport pick-up and a full briefing in Arusha, then trek from lush montane forest to the open Shira Plateau. Continue past Lava Tower for key acclimatization before descending to Barranco and tackling the famous Barranco Wall. Make a midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then descend to Mweka Gate and return to Arusha.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Arusha, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival & Relaxation

  • Meet our dedicated driver upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), holding a sign with your name.

  • Enjoy a smooth and comfortable transfer to your hotel in Arusha.

  • Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal.

  • Later, our experienced mountain coordinators and your guide will provide a pre-trekking briefing about your upcoming Kilimanjaro expedition.

2
Day 02

Arusha to Mti Mkubwa Camp

  • After breakfast and a briefing from your guide, transfer to Lemosho Park Gate (2,100 m) - a 1.5-hour drive

  • At Londorossi Gate, complete registration

  • Begin the trek along scenic forest trails to Mti Mkubwa Campsite (2,750 m) - about a 3-hour hike

  • On arrival, porters set up the tents and the chef prepares lunch

  • Relax after lunch until dinner

  • In the evening, your guide provides a briefing about the next day’s trek

Elevation: 1830 m/6000 ft to 2650 m/8700 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Fores

3
Day 03

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp

  • Start early with breakfast.

  • Begin a short hike from Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp (typically up to 5 hours).

  • Enjoy views of the west face of Kibo Volcano (Kilimanjaro).

  • Trek through lower moonland with large shrubs and vibrant wildflowers.

  • Arrive at Shira 2 Camp; porters set up tents while the chef prepares lunch.

  • Relax after lunch until dinner.

  • In the evening, your guide briefs you on the next day’s trekking plans.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3850m/12,600ft

Distance: 16km/10mi

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Moorland

4
Day 04

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

  • Early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek

  • Climb to the Lava Tower (4,630 m) through a semi-desert, rocky landscape

  • 5-hour hike, then lunch

  • Ascend the rocky scree path to Lava Tower

  • Challenging day as you adjust to higher altitude

  • After lunch, descend 680 m to the Barranco campsite for acclimatization benefits

  • 2-hour descent with photo opportunities of the Western Breach

  • Sunset and dinner at Barranco camp

  • Elevation: 3,850 m/12,600 ft to 4,000 m/13,000 ft
    Distance: 8 km/5 mi
    Walking time: 5-6 hours
    Habitat: Semi-desert

5
Day 05

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • Start your day early with a wake-up call and a nourishing breakfast to fuel your trek.

  • Ascend the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding section.

  • Descend into the scenic Karanga Valley, known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes.

  • Arrive at the Karanga campsite, where the porters will set up tents while our chef prepares lunch.

  • After your meal, take an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, ascending 200 meters before returning to camp.

  • In the evening, enjoy a hot meal prepared by the chef.

  • After dinner, your experienced guide will brief you on the next day’s trek, including the route, challenges, and key details.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

6
Day 06

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Start your day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek toward Barafu campsite.

  • Follow a trail with varied terrain, including rocky sections and gradual slopes, with views of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude landscapes.

  • Focus on acclimatization as you ascend to help avoid altitude-related issues.

  • Upon reaching Barafu, porters will set up camp while the chef prepares lunch.

  • After eating, rest until dinner.

  • In the evening, your guide will brief you on the upcoming summit attempt, including the route, challenges, safety measures, and preparations.

  • Try to rest well, as the summit ascent begins late in the evening. -

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

7
Day 07

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

  • Wake up around 11:30 PM and start the ascent after tea and biscuits.

  • Head northwest and climb through scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim.

  • Trek to Stella Point (5685m) takes about 6 hours and is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb.

  • Brief rest at Stella Point, then enjoy a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting.

  • Continue with a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak.

  • Summit time depends on the weather; do not linger too long due to cold and fatigue.

  • Descend to Barafu (about 3 hours) for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.

  • Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft; down to 3090m/10,150ft.

  • Distance: 5km/3mi up; 13km/8mi down.

  • Hiking time: 5-7 hours up; 5-6 hours down.

  • Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

8
Day 08

Mweka Camp to Arusha

  • After breakfast at Mweka Camp, descend to Mweka Gate and drive back to Outpost Lodge Arusha, where a hot meal and refreshing shower await.

  • At the end of the trip, tipping the team is encouraged and appreciated; special envelopes are available at the hotel.

  • If you wish to extend your adventure with a safari, meet with our safari coordinator at the hotel.

  • After some rest, the coordinator will provide a briefing on the various safari options available.

  • We highly recommend booking a safari with us to experience Tanzania’s stunning wildlife and natural beauty, making your journey truly unforgettable.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest

9
Day 09

Departure Day

  • After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to the airport for your departure.

  • If you wish to extend your adventure, you may add a day trip to your itinerary, exploring nearby attractions or immersing yourself in local culture.

  • For more details, visit our Day Trip page.

  • Alternatively, continue your journey with a visit to the stunning island of Zanzibar.

  • Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or delving into the island’s rich culture, Zanzibar offers something for everyone.

  • Explore our Zanzibar page to discover the perfect package for your next excursion.

  • If you’re interested in adding a safari experience, visit our Safari page for more information on our exciting safari options.

The route

Where you'll travel

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

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All airport transfer (Unless labeled as option)

  • All accommodation in Arusha (Unless labeled as optional)

  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)

  • All park fees

  • Dedicated crew - Mountain guides, Chef & Porters

  • Fresh Meals as specified in the day by day section

  • Pure drinking water & Soft drinks

  • Camping Equipment

  • Sleeping bag

  • Private portable mobile toilet

  • Pulse Oximeter - Safety Gear

  • First Aid Kit Box - Safety Gear

  • Oxygen Cylinder - Safety Gear

  • Day by day health check-up

  • All Taxes/VAT 18% charged by Government

What's Not Included

  • Flights

  • Optional activities

  • Alcoholic drinks

  • Tips

  • Visa Fees

  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.

Logistics

Meeting & route

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

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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