6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Lemosho Route

Your journey begins with a morning hotel pickup in Moshi or Arusha and a scenic drive to Lemosho Gate (2,100 m). After park registration and gear checks, you’ll start your trek through the lush montane rainforest. The trail is peaceful, and you may encounter blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and rare forest flowers. This 7 km walk takes about 3–4 hours and offers a gentle start to your climb. Tonight, you’ll camp at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m), tucked in the trees. Your team will prepare a hearty dinner and help you settle in for your first night on the mountain.

Today’s trek is the longest of the entire trip, split into two scenic segments. You’ll first ascend to Shira 1 Camp in about 3–4 hours through steep, open ridgelines. After a relaxing lunch stop, the path continues across the expansive Shira Plateau—a breathtaking stretch of high-altitude moorland listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Views of Mount Meru and the glaciers of Kilimanjaro are constant companions as you complete the 16 km total hike. You’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) by late afternoon, surrounded by rugged beauty and open skies.

This is a key acclimatization day designed to help your body adjust to higher elevations. The route leads you steadily upward into the alpine desert, eventually reaching Lava Tower (4,600 m), a striking volcanic rock formation where you’ll stop for lunch. Though this is your highest point so far, the altitude exposure is brief—afterward, you’ll descend gradually to Barranco Camp (3,940 m), one of the most scenic spots on Kilimanjaro. The trail passes through valleys rich with giant senecios and lobelia plants. This up-and-down strategy is critical to reducing altitude sickness.

The day starts with the exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall—a rocky scramble that rewards you with breathtaking views of the Karanga Valley. This section is often a favorite for trekkers due to its mix of adventure and scenery. After reaching Karanga Camp, you’ll have lunch and time to acclimatize before continuing to Barafu Camp (4,673 m), your base camp for the summit. This is a long day (9 km total), but you’ll take it slow and steady. Once at Barafu, you’ll rest, hydrate, and prepare for your midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Summit day! You’ll begin around midnight, ascending steep switchbacks under the stars with your headlamp lighting the way. After a few hours, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,756 m) just as the sun begins to rise. From here, it’s a final push along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—the highest point on the continent. Pause to celebrate with photos and soak in the surreal, icy landscapes. Afterward, you’ll descend to Barafu for a short break and brunch, then continue down to Millenium Camp (3,700 m) for your final night on the mountain.

Your final descent is a gentle return through the rainforest, alive with birdsong and rich greenery. It’s a 10 km trek that takes about 4–5 hours. Upon reaching Mweka Gate (1,800 m), you’ll receive your summit certificate and have a celebratory lunch with your crew. After final goodbyes, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Many trekkers use this day to reflect on the journey, the friendships formed, and the unforgettable accomplishment of standing at the top of Africa.