8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb via the Lemosho Route

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), our friendly driver will be waiting for you just outside customs control, holding a Nyange Adventure sign with your name on it. They’ll assist you with your luggage and whisk you comfortably to Kibo View Farm as Pre-arranged accommodation in Moshi.

At the Kibo View Farm Lodge, your expert guide will conduct a pre-climb briefing to answer any questions you have and provide important details about the trek. This includes an equipment check to ensure you have everything for a safe and comfortable climb. Don’t worry if you’re missing something! Good quality gear can be rented locally at reasonable prices. If you arrive at night, the briefing and equipment check might be scheduled for the following morning. With everything prepared, you can relax in Moshi, ready to embark on your exciting Kilimanjaro challenge!

In the morning, your guide and mountain support crew will meet you at the hotel for a short briefing before setting off. You’ll then travel by vehicle for approximately 3–4 hours to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance: Londorossi Gate (2,250 m / 7,381 ft). Here, you’ll complete the necessary formalities, including obtaining climbing permits and registering with the park’s search and rescue service.

From the gate, the trek begins through lush rainforest terrain, heading toward Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). Rain gear is especially important on this day, as the rainforest is often wet and humid.

By the time you arrive at camp, the mountain crew will have set up your tents and started preparing lunch. After a short rest, the group will set out on an acclimatization hike toward Shira 1 Camp, gaining approximately 300 meters (984 feet) in elevation before returning to Mti Mkubwa Camp. A hot dinner will be ready upon your return, and you’ll spend the night at the camp.

On this day, you’ll wake up early to a hearty breakfast before beginning your trek. The group will ascend to an altitude of 3,610 meters (11,843 feet), where you’ll be rewarded with your first panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and the towering Kibo Volcano in the distance.

The hike from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp is relatively gentle and takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. This gradual ascent plays a key role in helping your body acclimate to the increasing altitude—an essential part of a safe and successful climb.

Upon arrival at Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,843 ft), your crew will prepare lunch while you take time to relax in your tent or explore the surrounding landscape at your own pace.

Today, you’ll depart from Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,843 ft) and continue your journey to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). The trek is relatively easy and offers spectacular scenery, including sweeping views of the African savannah, Kilimanjaro’s unique high-altitude flora, and the surrounding landscape. Weather permitting, Shira 2 is also the best vantage point on the route to see Mount Meru—Africa’s fifth-highest peak and Tanzania’s second tallest.

Along the way, your guides may offer the opportunity to ascend Cathedral Peak (3,872 m / 12,703 ft), one of the highest points on the extinct Shira Volcano. This optional hike is non-technical and suitable for most trekkers. On clear days, the summit provides breathtaking views over the valley below—a scene many consider one of the most magical on the mountain. Even if the peak is partially obscured by clouds, a stela at the summit marks the spot and makes for a great photo opportunity.

While the hike to Cathedral Peak is optional, it’s highly recommended. For those who prefer to skip it or if the weather doesn’t cooperate, heading directly to Shira 2 Camp is always an option. Because both destinations sit at similar elevations, skipping the peak won’t affect your acclimatization.

Upon arrival at Shira 2, lunch will be served, followed by a two-hour rest. In the afternoon, you’ll set off on an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower Camp, gaining approximately 300 meters (984 feet) in elevation before returning to Shira 2 for the night.

After breakfast, you’ll depart Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) and begin the trek toward one of the key acclimatization points on the route: Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,091 ft). This stretch involves a series of ascents and descents through changing terrain. While some sections may be physically demanding and you might begin to feel the effects of the altitude, this part of the journey is essential for proper acclimatization. You’ll spend at least 1–2 hours at Lava Tower to help your body adjust, and lunch will be served here.

Following your rest at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). As you approach the camp, you’ll be greeted by the dramatic sight of the Barranco Wall—an imposing, steep rock face that rises directly above the campsite. Although it looks intimidating from below, the trail up the wall is straightforward and requires no technical climbing skills. You’ll tackle it the next morning, but for now, you’ll enjoy a hot meal and a well-earned rest at camp.

You’ll start the day early with a hearty breakfast before setting out to climb the Barranco Wall. It’s best to leave camp as soon as possible to stay ahead of other groups and avoid potential delays. Despite its imposing appearance, the ascent up the wall is not technically difficult and usually takes about an hour. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic rest spot and photo opportunity with the Kibo volcano in the background.

After a short break, the trek continues toward Karanga Camp. This section of the route includes several ascents and descents, making it more challenging, but your experienced guides will maintain a steady, manageable pace to keep the group comfortable and energized.

Upon arrival at Karanga Camp, you’ll be served a warm lunch and given time to rest. Later in the afternoon, you’ll head out on an acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp, gaining around 200 meters (656 feet) in elevation before returning to Karanga for the night. This short hike is a crucial step in preparing your body for the summit push ahead.

After a warm and filling breakfast, you’ll set out on the trek to Barafu Camp—the final base before your summit attempt. The trail to Barafu is steadily uphill, and you’ll feel the thinning air as you climb higher, but the pace remains slow and steady to help with acclimatization.

When you arrive at Barafu Camp (4,673 m / 15,331 ft), your tents and sleeping bags will already be set up by the support team, so you can simply rest and recover. This is the launch point for your summit bid to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft), the highest point in Africa.

The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest. It’s important to conserve energy and try to sleep early, as you’ll be starting your summit hike around midnight.

Your summit attempt begins just after midnight as you depart from Barafu Camp (4,673 m / 15,331 ft) and make your way toward the highest point in Africa—Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft). While the trail itself is not technically difficult, the high altitude makes every step feel more demanding. To ensure your safety and well-being, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a dedicated guide who will closely monitor your physical and mental condition throughout the ascent.

Reaching Uhuru Peak is the ultimate goal of your Kilimanjaro journey, and standing at the top is an unforgettable achievement. If conditions allow and you have the energy, you may also choose to descend briefly to a nearby glacier for a closer look.

After taking in the views and capturing your summit moments, you’ll begin the descent back to Barafu Camp, where you’ll have about two hours to rest and recover. From there, the journey continues downhill to Millenium Camp (3,950 m / 12,959 ft), where you’ll enjoy a well-earned dinner and a full night’s sleep at a lower, more comfortable altitude.

The Millenium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,380 ft). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.

Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home (or to Zanzibar?). Breakfast is included in your Kilimanjaro Trek Package. Hotel Checkout is at 10am but if you have a later flight we might be able to negotiate a late checkout or book a dayroom for you (additional charge for a dayroom).