7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport — Transfer to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your Trust Tours & Safaris representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. After checking in, take time to rest, hydrate and recover from your journey before meeting your mountain guide for a detailed pre-climb briefing.

During the briefing, your guide will explain the route, daily hiking schedule, altitude-related risks, mountain weather, campsite arrangements, emergency procedures and the importance of walking slowly. Your guide will also help check your essential equipment, including warm clothing, waterproof layers, suitable hiking boots, a headlamp, gloves and personal medication, so that any missing items can be addressed before departure.

Overnight:

Hotel in Arusha

Meals:

Depending on your package and arrival time

Day 2

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, depart Arusha and travel to the Lemosho Gate, where your guide and crew will complete the required registration and park entry procedures. Once the preparations are complete, begin trekking through the beautiful montane rainforest, following a natural trail beneath towering trees, dense vegetation and hanging moss while listening for forest birds and other wildlife.

The route climbs gradually through a humid environment, where the path may be muddy or slippery after rain. Your guide will set a comfortable pace, encourage regular water breaks and help you become familiar with the rhythm of mountain trekking. Later in the day, arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, where the crew will have prepared your sleeping tent and evening meal.

Overnight:

Mti Mkubwa Camp (tents)

Meals:

Lunch and dinner

Day 3

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and continue towards the heathland and moorland zones of Kilimanjaro. As the vegetation becomes lower and the landscape opens, you will notice the changing environment and increasingly broad views across the mountain’s western slopes. This transition is one of the most rewarding features of the Lemosho approach.

Continue at a steady pace along the rising trail towards Shira 1 Camp on the edge of the Shira Plateau. The terrain becomes more exposed, so the weather can feel cooler and windier than it did in the forest. Upon arrival, settle into camp, enjoy a warm meal and rest while your guide checks how you are responding to the altitude.

Overnight:

Shira 1 Camp (tents)

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, continue across the magnificent Shira Plateau towards Shira 2 Camp. On this itinerary you trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp, rather than going directly from Shira 1 to Moir Hut.

The trail crosses open high-altitude terrain with wide views of the surrounding plateau and, when the weather is clear, impressive views towards Kibo Peak. The walking is generally less steep than on some later sections, but the altitude can make even moderate distances feel tiring. Maintain a slow, consistent pace, drink water regularly and tell your guide if you experience a headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue or other symptoms.

Arrive at Shira 2 Camp and allow time to rest, enjoy a freshly prepared meal and prepare for the next day’s longer walk towards the Lava Tower area and Barranco Camp.

Overnight:

Shira 2 Camp (tents)

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via the Lava Tower area

Today’s trek crosses more rugged high-altitude terrain as the route approaches the upper slopes of Kibo. After breakfast, continue from the Shira Plateau towards the Lava Tower area, where the landscape becomes increasingly rocky and sparse. Depending on the precise route variation, weather and the group’s condition, the high point of the day is approximately 4,600 metres.

After spending time in the higher terrain, descend towards Barranco Camp, which lies at a lower elevation beneath the spectacular Barranco Wall. This climb-high-and-sleep-lower pattern can support acclimatisation, although no itinerary can eliminate the risk of altitude sickness. Your guide will monitor the group and may adjust the plan if symptoms or conditions make continuing unsafe.

Arrive at Barranco Camp, enjoy a hot meal and rest before the next day’s demanding journey over the Barranco Wall and onward to Barafu Camp.

Overnight:

Barranco Camp (tents)

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp via the Barranco Wall and Karanga

Begin the morning with the ascent of the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable sections of the Lemosho Route. The trail involves steep sections where careful footing and occasional use of your hands may be necessary. Your guide will advise you on where to step and how to move steadily, allowing the group to progress without unnecessary rushing.

After reaching the top of the wall, continue across the mountain terrain towards Karanga Valley. Instead of staying overnight at Karanga Camp, this seven-day version continues onwards towards Barafu Camp. Combining these sections makes today physically demanding, so it is essential to maintain a measured pace, take appropriate breaks, eat sufficiently and communicate honestly with your guide about your condition.

Arrive at Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. After dinner, your guide will provide the final summit briefing and explain the planned departure time, clothing layers, headlamp requirements, hydration and descent procedures. Prepare your equipment before trying to sleep, as the summit attempt normally begins around midnight or in the early hours of the morning.

Overnight:

Barafu Camp (tents)

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak — Descend to Mweka Camp

The summit day begins in darkness, with your guide leading the group slowly up the steep trail towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The cold, altitude and length of the climb make this the most demanding part of the expedition. Your guide will monitor the group closely, encourage a sustainable pace and assess whether it is safe for each climber to continue.

If conditions and your physical condition allow, continue along the crater rim towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa. Take time to appreciate the achievement and photograph the summit, while following your guide’s instructions and respecting the conditions at the top.

After the summit, descend carefully to Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshments before continuing down to Mweka Camp. The long ascent and descent can be exhausting, so follow your guide’s instructions, use trekking poles if appropriate and take care on loose or uneven ground.

Overnight:

Mweka Camp (tents)

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate — Return to Arusha

After breakfast, begin the final descent through the montane rainforest towards Mweka Gate. The trail can be slippery, particularly after rain, so take your time and use appropriate footwear and trekking poles where helpful. At the gate, complete the required park exit procedures and receive a summit certificate if you meet the relevant park criteria.

Your vehicle will meet you for the transfer back to Arusha. On arrival at your hotel, enjoy a shower, a comfortable bed and time to recover after your climb. This is also an opportunity to celebrate your achievement with your guide and crew and to discuss onward travel arrangements with Trust Tours & Safaris.

Overnight:

Hotel in Arusha

Meals:

Breakfast

Day 9

Departure from Tanzania

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your scheduled transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport, or continue with a separately arranged safari or Zanzibar holiday. Trust Tours & Safaris can help plan additional experiences in Tanzania if you wish to extend your stay after the climb.

Meals:

Breakfast