Mount Kilimanjaro 9 Day Lemosho Route Private Trek

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival Day: Moshi & Climb Preparation⌄

   Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by a Sunrise Expedition driver and transferred to Chanya Lodge in Moshi. Here, you can relax after your journey and prepare for the adventure ahead. In the evening, you will meet a member of our experienced mountain team for a personal pre-climb briefing. During this session, you will receive important information about the trek, safety procedures, and equipment requirements. We will also review your gear together and assist with any equipment that may still be needed. Overnight accommodation is at Chanya Lodge.

   Meals: Dinner

   Overnight: Stay overnight at Chanya Lodge, a charming 3-star lodge in Moshi.

2. 2Lemosho Route: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp⌄

   Altitude: 2,100 m to 2,650 m Hiking Time: approx. 3–4 hours Distance: approx. 6 km Vegetation Zone: Rainforest After registration at Londorossi Gate, a short drive takes you to the starting point of the trek. The climb begins through the dense rainforest on the remote western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Towering trees, ferns, and moss-covered vegetation create a peaceful atmosphere and provide a gentle introduction to the adventure. The first overnight stay is at Mti Mkubwa Camp, whose name means “Big Tree.”

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Tent

3. 3Lemosho Route: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp⌄

   Altitude: 2,650 m to 3,850 m Hiking Time: approx. 7–8 hours Distance: approx. 16 km Vegetation Zone: Rainforest, Heath and Moorland The trail gradually leaves the rainforest behind and ascends into the open heath and moorland zone. As the elevation increases, spectacular views of the vast Shira Plateau and surrounding mountain landscapes begin to unfold. The vegetation changes dramatically, giving way to Kilimanjaro’s unique high-altitude flora. In the afternoon, trekkers arrive at Shira 2 Camp, which offers stunning views of Kibo Peak.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Tent

4. 4Lemosho Route: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower⌄

   Altitude: 3,850 m to 4,630 m and down to 3,960 m Hiking Time: approx. 6–7 hours Distance: approx. 10 km Vegetation Zone: Heath and Moorland to Alpine Desert This is one of the most important acclimatization days on the route. The trail climbs steadily to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters, an impressive volcanic rock formation. After a short break, the route descends to Barranco Camp. Following the principle of “climb high, sleep low,” this stage helps the body adapt more effectively to the altitude. Barranco Camp is beautifully located beneath the towering Barranco Wall.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Tent

5. 5Lemosho Route: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp⌄

   Altitude: 3,960 m to 4,035 m Hiking Time: approx. 4–5 hours Distance: approx. 5 km Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert After breakfast, the trek begins with the ascent of the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most exciting and scenic highlights of the entire climb. After reaching the upper plateau, the route traverses spectacular high-altitude terrain with panoramic views of glaciers, valleys, and the summit region. A descent into the Karanga Valley is followed by a short climb to Karanga Camp.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Tent

6. 6Lemosho Route: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp⌄

   Altitude: 4,035 m to 4,640 m Hiking Time: approx. 3–4 hours Distance: approx. 4 km Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert Today's trek leads through the barren landscape of Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. The surroundings are dominated by rocky terrain, scree slopes, and impressive views of the summit area. Upon arrival, there is time to rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the overnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Tent

7. 7Lemosho Route: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp⌄

   Altitude: 4,640 m to 5,895 m and down to 3,820 m Hiking Time: approx. 10–14 hours Distance: approx. 15 km Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert, Arctic Zone and Moorland Shortly after midnight, the summit ascent begins. By headlamp light, the trail climbs steep scree slopes to Stella Point on the crater rim before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. After celebrating this remarkable achievement, the descent begins via Barafu Camp and continues to Millennium Camp. The significantly lower altitude allows for a more comfortable recovery after the demanding summit day.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Tent

8. 8Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate⌄

   Altitude: 3,820 m to 1,640 m Hiking Time: approx. 4–5 hours Distance: approx. 12 km Vegetation Zone: Moorland and Rainforest After breakfast, the final stage of the climb begins. The trail descends through moorland before entering the lush rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes. As the altitude decreases, the vegetation becomes denser and temperatures gradually rise. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, the climb officially comes to an end, followed by a transfer back to your accommodation.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Stay overnight at Chanya Lodge, a charming 3-star lodge in Moshi.

9. 9Departure Day: Farewell⌄

   After breakfast, and according to your onward travel plans, an African Sunrise Expedition driver will transfer you from Chanya Lodge to your next destination, whether that is Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha, a safari, Zanzibar, or another location. Before your departure, our team will personally say goodbye and assist with any final questions or arrangements. With unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure, you will continue your journey through Tanzania or begin your trip home. We wish you safe travels and hope to welcome you back to Tanzania in the future.

   Meals: Breakfast