9-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route with Crater Camp

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Day 01

Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp

• Distance covered: 7 km / 4.3 mi, Approx. time taken: 4 hours, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
• You will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha/Moshi around 08:00 and taken to Lemosho Gate on the west side of Kilimanjaro. After checking in, continue with a steady climb through the forests from Lemosho Gate to reach Big Tree Camp, where you will spend your first night.

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Day 02

Big Tree Camp to Shira I Camp

• Distance covered: 7 km / 5.3 mi, Approx. time taken: 5 hours, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
• Today, you walk across a plateau of grass and heather-covered moorland dotted with volcanic rock formations. We arrive at Shira I Camp, where there is often a glimpse of Kibo Peak in the distance through the clouds. You gain quite a bit of altitude today, and parts of the route are quite steep.

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Day 03

Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp

• Distance covered: 10 km / 5 mi, Approx. time taken: 4 hours, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
• On this day, you will have the opportunity to see the Northern Ice Fields from the west side of Kilimanjaro, along with unusual views of Kibo Peak. The steady climb through the Shira Plateau wasteland helps with acclimatization, and you will enjoy great panoramic views. You then arrive at Shira II Camp. In the afternoon, you will have an acclimatization walk before returning to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

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Day 04

Shira II Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

• Distance covered: 10 km / 6.2 mi, Approx. time taken: 6 hours, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
• Continue your climb, beginning with sweeping panoramic views as you trek into the desert climate zone of the highlands and across the lava ridges below the Western Breach Glaciers. You will reach the prominent top of the Lava Tower, the highest point of the day and a great place to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, descend steeply to your overnight camp at the foot of the Gran Valle de Barranco, sheltered by towering cliffs and offering sweeping views of the plain.

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Day 05

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Distance covered: 5 km / 3.4 mi, Approx. time taken: 4 hours, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
• This day begins with the descent to the Gran Barranco, a vast gorge. Then climb steeply up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a rocky climb that is not technical, but it is long and tiring. Continue beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers toward the Karanga Valley, followed by a steep climb to Karanga Camp. In the afternoon, you can opt for an acclimatization hike at around 4,200 m before returning to camp for the night.

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Day 06

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Distance covered: 4 km / 1.9 mi, Approx. time taken: 4 hours, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
• After a good night's sleep and breakfast, begin the trek to Barafu Camp, which is not far from Karanga Camp. The hike takes you through lonely, sunny slopes without vegetation. It is a challenging and steep hike, made more difficult by the altitude. Once at camp, eat and spend the afternoon resting as you prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is essential to stay hydrated and warm. After an early dinner, try to get some sleep, as you will be up between 11 pm and 12 am to begin the climb to Uhuru Peak.

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Day 07

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp

• Distance covered: 5 km / 1.9 mi, Approx. time taken: 7 hours, plus 1-2 hours to Crater Camp, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
• Wake up before sunrise to approach the summit. Arrive at Uhuru Peak in the early afternoon, when only a few groups are out. A short descent then takes you to Crater Camp on soft sand near the famous Furtwangler Glacier. Crater Camp is not a separate route but a challenging extension that can be added to any route, including an overnight stay in the crater bowl. It is an incredible experience enjoyed by some of the most adventurous climbers.

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Day 08

Crater Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

• In the morning, after an early breakfast, begin your descent by returning to Stella Point and descending a scree slope past Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing to Millennium Camp for a well-deserved rest.

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Day 09

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

• Today, you will trek through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where the park paperwork will be completed and you will receive certificates to display proudly. Your vehicle will then pick you up and return you to your pre-arranged hotel in Arusha/Moshi.