9 Days Lemosho Route (7-Day Trek + 2 Nights in Arusha)

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by our Pita Safaris representative and transferred to your comfortable hotel in Arusha. After check-in, spend the remainder of the day relaxing and preparing for your upcoming Mount Kilimanjaro adventure. Your mountain guide will meet you for a detailed climb briefing, equipment check and final preparations, including an overview of the Lemosho Route, altitude considerations and what to expect during the trek.

Elevation: Approx. 1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Distance: Airport transfer only

Hiking Time: None

Habitat: Arusha highland environment

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge

After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive towards the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro and Lemosho Gate, where you will complete park registration and meet your mountain crew. Begin your climb through the lush montane rainforest, following a scenic trail beneath tall trees and dense vegetation. The forest environment provides opportunities to observe colourful birds and occasional monkey species before the trail gradually begins to climb towards Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Settle into camp, enjoy a nourishing dinner and rest beneath the forest canopy as you prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

Start Elevation: Approx. 1,400 m / 4,593 ft

End Elevation: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft

Distance: Approx. 8–10 km / 5–6 miles

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Montane rainforest

Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, continue your Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro trek as the rainforest gradually gives way to open heath and moorland. The trail becomes more expansive as you ascend towards the spectacular Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic sections of the mountain.

With the forest behind you, enjoy increasingly impressive views across the surrounding landscape and towards Kibo Peak, the highest volcanic cone of Kilimanjaro. Your guide will maintain a steady pace to help your body adjust to the increasing elevation before arriving at your high-altitude camp.

Start Elevation: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft

End Elevation: Approx. 3,850 m / 12,631 ft

Distance: Approx. 10–12 km / 6–7.5 miles

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Moorland and heath

Accommodation: Shira Camp

After breakfast, continue across the high-altitude landscape towards Lava Tower, following an important acclimatisation stage often described as “climb high, sleep low.” The trail gradually rises to approximately 4,630 metres, allowing your body to experience a higher elevation before descending to the lower Barranco Valley for the night.

Along the way, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with volcanic rock formations and expansive views across Kilimanjaro's upper slopes. Continue down towards Barranco Camp, surrounded by towering mountain walls and striking high-altitude scenery.

This carefully planned elevation profile provides valuable acclimatisation before the more demanding stages of the climb.

Start Elevation: Approx. 3,850 m / 12,631 ft

Highest Point: Approx. 4,630 m / 15,190 ft

End Elevation: Approx. 3,900 m / 12,795 ft

Distance: Approx. 10 km / 6 miles

Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert and high-altitude terrain

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

After breakfast, begin one of the most memorable sections of the Lemosho Route by tackling the spectacular Barranco Wall. The ascent involves scrambling over rocky sections with the guidance and assistance of your experienced mountain crew.

Once above the wall, continue across a series of ridges and valleys towards Karanga Camp. The landscape is increasingly rugged, with impressive views of Kilimanjaro's upper slopes and surrounding mountain terrain.

Arrive at Karanga Camp in the afternoon, where you can relax, enjoy a warm meal and prepare for the final approach towards Barafu Camp.

Start Elevation: Approx. 3,900 m / 12,795 ft

End Elevation: Approx. 4,000 m / 13,123 ft

Distance: Approx. 6–8 km / 4–5 miles

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert and high-altitude terrain

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

After breakfast, continue your ascent towards Barafu Camp, the high-altitude base for your summit attempt. The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as you enter the upper alpine desert, with spectacular views across the surrounding mountain landscape.

Arrive at Barafu Camp and have an early meal before resting for the afternoon. Your guides will provide a final summit briefing, check your equipment and explain the early-morning ascent. Focus on hydration, nutrition and rest as you prepare for the most demanding stage of your Kilimanjaro climb.

Start Elevation: Approx. 4,000 m / 13,123 ft

End Elevation: Approx. 4,600 m / 15,092 ft

Distance: Approx. 6 km / 4 miles

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Wake shortly after midnight for the most challenging and rewarding stage of your Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Begin the slow ascent through the darkness, following the trail towards the crater rim. With the support of your experienced guides, continue steadily towards Stella Point and, conditions permitting, onward to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa.

Reach the summit around sunrise and take time to celebrate this extraordinary achievement while taking in panoramic views across the surrounding landscape.

After the summit experience, begin your long descent through the upper mountain towards Mweka Camp, where you will enjoy a well-earned meal and rest after the demanding summit day.

Start Elevation: Approx. 4,600 m / 15,092 ft

Summit Elevation: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft

End Elevation: Approx. 3,100 m / 10,170 ft

Distance: Approx. 15–18 km / 9–11 miles

Hiking Time: Approx. 10–15 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert, summit terrain and upper montane zone

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

After breakfast, begin your final descent through the lush rainforest towards Mweka Gate. The dramatic change in vegetation provides a welcome contrast after several days in the high-altitude environment.

At the gate, complete the necessary park formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate before saying farewell to your mountain crew. Continue by road to Arusha, where you will check into your comfortable hotel and enjoy a well-earned evening of relaxation after your climb.

Start Elevation: Approx. 3,100 m / 10,170 ft

End Elevation: Approx. 1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Distance: Approx. 10 km / 6 miles

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Montane rainforest

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge

After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Arusha before your scheduled transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) for your flight home or onward journey.

Depending on your travel plans, you may continue to another destination in Tanzania. Travellers looking to unwind after their mountain adventure can extend their journey with a relaxing Tanzania beach holiday in Zanzibar or along the mainland coast, combining the challenge of Kilimanjaro with time to rest beside the Indian Ocean.

You can also extend your adventure with a Tanzania wildlife safari, creating a memorable combination of mountain, wildlife and beach experiences.

Departure: Arusha

Destination: Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) or onward destination

Transfer: Private road transfer

Accommodation: Optional Arusha Planet Lodge