9-Day Mt Kilimanjaro Trek in Tanzania via the Scenic Lemosho Route

• Stay at Arusha Safari Lodge, a beautiful hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and a perfect place to prepare for the adventure.

• Gather at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and equipment check.

Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.

• After breakfast, drive for approximately 2 hours through the rural countryside to Londorossi Gate.

• After completing the necessary park registration formalities at the Londorossi National Park gate, continue driving through varied farmland to reach the Lemosho Gate.

• Begin your ascent along the forest trail until you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m); 3-4 hours walking.

• Leave the forest behind as the trail climbs steadily to the rim of the Shira Plateau. A slow and steady pace up to camp will help you save your energy.

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp (3,550 m); 6-7 hours walking.

• Walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views greeting you along the way.

• Traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach.

• After a hot lunch at the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m), descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,900 m).

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,900 m); 5-7 hours walking.

• A steep climb up the eastern wall leads to a point just below the Heim Glacier, where you are bound to have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro.

• Then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides the trail from the southeastern slopes of Kibo.

• The trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, followed by a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,000 m); 4-5 hours walking.

• Take the Traverse Route, climbing to the Barafu Ridge.

• Walk quite slowly to the final camp before your last ascent day to the summit.

• The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m); 3-4 hours walking.

• Start the final and most demanding part of the climb at around 1 a.m. A steep ascent over loose volcanic scree and a slow but steady pace will take you to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735 m.

• Rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to the main peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.

• The descent to Barafu is amazingly fast, and after some refreshment, the trail continues down to Mweka Camp.

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (3100 m); 13-15 hours walking.

• A gentle walk takes you down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers will receive their summit certificates.

• After lunch, drive back to Arusha Safari Lodge.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.

Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.

• Head to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight.