Tanzania · Trekking

9-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Lemosho Route with Crater Camp

9 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Challenging pace
Uhuru Peak
Mount Kilimanjaro

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone
  • 02 Cross the dramatic Shira Plateau with expansive views of Kibo Peak
  • 03 Benefit from a gradual ascent designed for effective altitude acclimatization
  • 04 Spend a rare overnight at Crater Camp high inside Kilimanjaro's crater
  • 05 Explore features such as Reutsch Crater, Furtwängler Glacier, and the ash pit, conditions permitting

Embark on a challenging yet unforgettable 9-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the remote and scenic Lemosho Route. This carefully designed itinerary allows ample time for altitude acclimatization and includes a rare overnight stay at Crater Camp, one of the highest campsites on the continent. Begin in the lush rainforest at Lemosho Gate and ascend through stunning ecological zones including heath, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone. Along the way, enjoy awe-inspiring views of volcanic formations, glaciers, and expansive vistas across the African plains.

Embark on a challenging yet unforgettable 9-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the remote and scenic Lemosho Route.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Moshi or Arusha and Pre-Trek Briefing

  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or your designated pickup point.
  • Meet your mountain guide and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
  • Attend an evening pre-trek briefing and gear check with the team.

Overnight at a hotel.

Meals: Dinner

2
Day 02

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp Through Rainforest

  • Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
  • Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest
  • Drive from Moshi to Lemosho Gate (approximately 4 hours).
  • Complete entry formalities and begin the trek through lush rainforest.
  • Reach Mti Mkubwa Camp for your overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3
Day 03

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

  • Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
  • Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Heath
  • Ascend from the rainforest into heather and moorland.
  • Cross rolling hills and streams before arriving at Shira Ridge.
  • Descend slightly to Shira 1 Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4
Day 04

Shira 1 to Moir Hut via the Shira Plateau

  • Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
  • Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Heath
  • Hike across the scenic Shira Plateau.
  • Divert to Moir Hut, located beneath the Lent Hills.
  • Optional acclimatization walks are available in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5
Day 05

Moir Hut to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

  • Lava Tower Elevation: 15,190 ft
  • Barranco Camp Elevation: 13,044 ft
  • Total Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Ascend to the Lava Tower rock formation, ideal for acclimatization.
  • Descend through the surreal Senecio Forest to Barranco Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6
Day 06

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp and Barafu Camp

  • Elevation: 13,044 ft to 15,331 ft
  • Total Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
  • Hiking Time: 8-9 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Climb the Great Barranco Wall.
  • Cross valleys to Karanga Camp.
  • Continue the ascent to Barafu Camp.
  • Prepare for the summit attempt.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7
Day 07

Summit Attempt to Uhuru Peak and Overnight at Crater Camp

  • Barafu to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
  • Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp Elevation: 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft
  • Total Distance: 6 km / 3.6 miles
  • Hiking Time: 8-9 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic
  • Begin the summit push in the early morning hours.
  • Reach Stella Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
  • Descend slightly to Crater Camp for an overnight stay inside the crater.
  • Optional hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8
Day 08

Crater Camp to Mweka Camp

  • Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft
  • Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert to Rainforest
  • Descend from Crater Camp to Barafu for a short break and lunch.
  • Continue down to Mweka Camp, located in the forest zone.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9
Day 09

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Hotel

  • Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
  • Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest
  • Continue the final descent to Mweka Gate.
  • Collect your summit certificates.
  • Drive back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Lemosho Gate, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak

Where this trip takes you

Lemosho Gate, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 3 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transportation to and from your selected route
  • Airport pick-up
  • Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent for the camp route
  • Certified, experienced, English-speaking mountain guides
  • All Kilimanjaro National Park fees
  • Government climbing taxes
  • All hot meals prepared by our cook while on the mountain
  • Guides', porters', and cook salaries
  • Enough porters to carry your luggage
  • Personal summit certificate signed by the National Park and your guide

What's Not Included

  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Hotel (available as an optional add-on)
  • Transfers (available as an optional add-on)
  • Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, and clothes (available for rent)
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cook
  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • All items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, fax, and email
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Visa and international flight ticket fees

What to bring

  • Top Base Layer
  • Bottom Base Layer
  • 4-5 Pairs of Underwear
  • 3-4 Short Sleeve shirts
  • 1 Insulated Trekking Pants
  • 1-2 Long Sleeve Hiking Shirts
  • 1-2 Pairs of Hiking Trousers
  • 1 Insulated Winter Jacket

Know before you go

  • French-, Spanish-, German-, and other language-speaking mountain guides are available on request for a supplement of $25 per day, subject to availability.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
hotel
Tour start
Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Mt Kilimanjaro.

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