8 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking (Lemosho Route)

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Rest and get a full briefing from your guides and a final equipment check in preparation for the trek ahead.
Overnight at Meru View Lodge

 

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Day 2: Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa

Begin your adventure with a drive to Lemosho Gate, followed by a gentle hike through pristine rainforest. Watch for colobus monkeys and rich birdlife as you approach camp.

Trek Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Start Altitude: 2,100m
End Altitude: 2,800m
Habitat: Montane Forest
Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp

 

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Day 3: Big Tree Camp – Shira 1 Camp

The trail ascends through forest and transitions into moorland. This day offers your first sweeping views of Shira Plateau and the chance to witness Kilimanjaro’s glaciers from afar.

Trek Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Start Altitude: 2,800m
End Altitude: 3,500m
Habitat: Moorland
Overnight at Shira 1 Camp

 

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Day 4: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

Cross the wide open plateau with panoramic views and volcanic rock formations. A relatively easy day that allows for gentle acclimatization.

Trek Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Start Altitude: 3,500m
End Altitude: 3,850m
Habitat: Moorland
Overnight at Shira 2 Camp

 

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Day 5: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Climb up to Lava Tower (acclimatization point), then descend to Barranco Valley. The day follows a “climb high, sleep low” strategy to help your body adjust.

Trek Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Start Altitude: 3,850m
High Point: 4,600m (Lava Tower)
End Altitude: 3,950m
Habitat: Alpine Desert to Moorland
Overnight at Barranco Camp

 

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Day 6: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

Begin the day with a scramble up the iconic Barranco Wall, followed by a scenic trek across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.

Trek Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Start Altitude: 3,950m
End Altitude: 4,035m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Overnight at Karanga Camp

 

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Day 7: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

A steady ascent takes you to the final base camp. Rest and refuel before your midnight summit attempt.

Trek Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Start Altitude: 4,035m
End Altitude: 4,640m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Overnight at Barafu Camp

 

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Day 8: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Start your summit bid at midnight, reaching Stella Point by sunrise and then Uhuru Peak. Celebrate, then descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp.

Trek Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Start Altitude: 4,640m
High Point: 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
End Altitude: 3,100m
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Overnight at Mweka Camp

 

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Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Transfer to Arusha
Your final descent through the lush rainforest ends at Mweka Gate. You will be transferred back to Arusha, where you will have your last lunch with your crew to celebrate and receive your certificates before a farewell to the crew and be transferred back to Meru View

Trek Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Start Altitude: 3,100m
End Altitude: 1,640m
Habitat: Montane Forest
Overnight at Meru View Lodge

 

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Day 10: Meru View Lodge – Transfer to Airport or Start a New Adventure

After a restful night at Meru View Lodge and a well-deserved breakfast, you will either be transferred to the airport for your international flight or continue on to explore more of Tanzania.

Options after your climb:

• ✈️ Airport Transfer – Head to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your journey home.

• 🐘 Safari Extension – Start a thrilling wildlife safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire.

• 🏝️ Zanzibar Beach Getaway – Catch a flight to Zanzibar for a relaxing beach extension.