10 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is one of the more attractive and undeveloped routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. The key features of this route are gradual ascent and significant acclimatization opportunities. The route offers amazing views of the range of scenery, including rainforest, alpine desert, and the glaciated peak. The standard package is the 10-day Lemosho Route, which is paced so that trekkers can enjoy a relaxed trekking experience, which is ideal for those who want to mix adventure with sufficient rest.
This Kilimanjaro Hike package fits the profile of quality service, seasonally qualified guides, full mountain accommodation, and rewarding and safe presentation to Uhuru Peak.
10 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Lemosho Route Highlights.
Day 1: Arrival to Kilimanjaro Airport to Your Hotel in Arusha
Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp (2,650 m)
Day 3: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Camp (4,200 m)
Day 5: Moir Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950 m)
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and Down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Day 9: Trek Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Day 10: Departure Day
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival to Kilimanjaro Airport to Your Hotel in Arusha
Kilimanjaro begins upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival, our friendly safari representative will be waiting at arrivals to assist you with your drive to your hotel in Arusha. Once you’ve checked in, you will meet your mountain guide, who will lead you through a comprehensive briefing about your trek, including safety info, equipment checks, and what to expect on the mountain. Take it easy at your hotel for the rest of the evening after your briefing. A delicious dinner will be served and you will prepare for your upcoming good time.
Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp (2,650 m)
After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) situated on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Upon completing your park formalities, you will begin your trek through the dense rainforest, which is filled with birds, monkeys, and lush vegetation. The air is fresh, and the trail is tranquil, with gently ascending slopes—a great way to warm up. After 3–4 hours of trekking, you will come to Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa), where your crew will set up camp and prepare a warm dinner. This first night in the forest will unveil some of the biodiversity of the mountain.
Day 3: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)
After breakfast you will continue to climb out of the rainforest into the heath and moorland zone. The vegetation continues to change, and your views will open up to see the vast expanse of the Shira Plateau beyond. The day’s hike is moderate and will take about 5–6 hours. You will reach Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m) at the edge of the plateau just in time for a late lunch. You will have your first views of Kibo Peak, Kilimanjaro’s main summit, from here. Relax for the evening with a warming dinner and some stargazing beneath the African sky.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Camp (4,200 m)
After breakfast, you will trek across the Shira Plateau, arguably the prettiest section of the mountain. The landscape becomes more rocky and open as you enter the high-altitude area. The path is a relatively easy incline, and you will have great views of Mount Meru and the valleys below you. In around six hours of walking, you will arrive at Moir Camp, which is situated under large lava features. This camp is perfectly suited for acclimatization, and if desired, we can arrange optional short hikes to higher altitudes before dinner.
Day 5: Moir Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950 m)
Today’s trek is an acclimatization climb from Moir Camp up to the Lava Tower (4,630 m) and back down to Barranco Camp. It is a long hike but very important in giving your body a chance to adjust to the altitude. You will stop for lunch at Lava Tower and will have an opportunity to appreciate the volcanic rocks surrounding you. After the lunch break, you will descend into the Barranco Valley with its giant groundsels/senecio plants. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at Barranco Camp, where you will have a warm meal and stunning views. You’ll arrive at Barranco Camp in the late afternoon, where you will have a hot meal and be treated to beautiful views of the Breach Wall of Kibo.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
After breakfast, you will begin your day by tackling the Barranco Wall. This is a fun scramble with wonderful views from the top. Although the climb is not technical, it requires attention and steady steps. Once you are over the wall, the trail gets easier as you cross several valleys and ridges until you arrive at Karanga Camp, which sits on a spectacular ridge looking down over the plains. The camp is a fantastic place to acclimatize before the final push to higher altitudes.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
After a leisurely breakfast, you will hike up to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The trail steadily climbs through a very barren alpine desert landscape with few plants but incredible views. After you arrive at Barafu Camp, you will lunch and rest before the big climb. Your guide will meet with you to talk about the summit attempt that will start around midnight. The afternoon will be spent preparing your gear, drinking fluids and eating an early dinner before heading off to bed early.
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and Down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
This day is regarded as the most difficult, yet also the most rewarding day. All the efforts and struggle you have experienced so far will all be worth it on this day. You will start your ascent to Uhuru Peak around midnight. You will hike slowly in the cold and dark with the aid of your headlamps illuminating the trail. The journey to the top will take about 7 hours. Once at the top, you will earn the privilege of witnessing one of the most unforgettable sunrises you will view on the African continent, and enjoy an experience that only a small percentage of persons have the privilege of experiencing; standing on Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa, is an experience of pride and joy.
After taking time to celebrate and take pictures of your achievement, you will then descend down to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch. After lunch you will continue down to Mweka Camp, your final camp and night on the mountain.
Day 9: Trek Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Upon waking and enjoying breakfast, you will continue with the descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m). The trail is beautiful and relaxing with the amazing sounds of bird songs and lush tropical plants. Upon arrival at Mweka gate; you will receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate and say goodbye to your mountain crew. You will be driven from the entry point of Mweka gate back to Arusha to enjoy a hot shower, dinner, and a good night’s sleep.
Day 10: Departure Day
Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may wish to do some souvenir shopping or have a little time in the gardens prior to your private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.
End of 10 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Lemosho Route
What is included in the standard package.
– Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
– Accommodation before and after the trek
– Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
– All park entrance fees and camping fees
– Full board meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
– Purified drinking water for the duration of the trek
– Mountain tents, tables and chairs
– Oxygen cylinder and first aid kit
– Certificate of summit achievement
What is not included.
– International flights and Tanzania entry visa
– Travel and medical insurance
– Climbing gear (boots, poles, gloves, and others)
– Tips for guides, porters and cooks
– Alcoholic and soft drinks
– Additional hotel nights after trek
