8 Days Lemosho Kilimanjaro Climb

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate, where you complete registration and entry formalities. The trek starts through the rainforest zone, offering chances to spot wildlife like Colobus monkeys. After a few hours, you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet), where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail ascends steeply to the heather and moorland zone. The path becomes more open, and you get your first views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. After approximately 5-6 hours of trekking, you arrive at Shira 1 Camp, situated at 3,610 meters (11,843 feet).

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

The trek across the Shira Plateau is relatively gentle, with stunning panoramic views of the mountain. You’ll traverse the high-altitude desert, gaining only a slight elevation. This day allows for good acclimatization. After about 4-5 hours of walking, you reach Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 meters (12,631 feet).

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Today is crucial for acclimatization. You trek from Shira 2 Camp, ascending to Lava Tower at 4,600 meters (15,091 feet), where you have lunch. The terrain is rugged and rocky. Afterward, you descend to Barranco Camp at 3,900 meters (12,795 feet). The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude, and the day concludes with a total of 7-8 hours of trekking.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The day begins with the challenging Barranco Wall, a steep scramble but non-technical climb. Once atop the wall, you traverse several ridges and valleys, enjoying breathtaking views. After about 4-5 hours, you reach Karanga Camp at 4,035 meters (13,235 feet), your resting place for the night.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

You trek steadily uphill, crossing desolate alpine desert terrain, toward Barafu Camp. The path is straightforward but can be challenging due to the altitude. After 3-4 hours of trekking, you arrive at Barafu Camp at 4,640 meters (15,223 feet). The camp sits on a narrow, windswept ridge, and you’ll rest here in preparation for the summit attempt.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp

Around midnight, you start the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The trek is physically demanding, with steep and loose scree. After 6-7 hours of climbing, you reach Stella Point (5,739 meters/18,829 feet) and then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet). After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you begin the descent to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,080 meters/10,105 feet). The total trekking time for the day is approximately 12-15 hours.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The final day is a gentle descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. This 3-4 hour trek offers a chance to reflect on your journey and savor the last moments on the mountain. At the gate, you receive your summit certificates, and then you’ll be driven back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.