Lemosho Route 8-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing

Day 2 of the climb involves a 7km hike that takes about 4-5 hours. After breakfast, you will begin the trek to Shira 1 Camp, which offers stunning views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. The trail starts with a steady climb that becomes more gradual as you near the camp. Along the way, you’ll pass through varied terrain, including heather and moorland zones, offering a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the changing landscapes. As you reach Shira 1 Camp, you’ll be greeted with a hot, freshly prepared lunch. Afterward, take some time to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the plateau and the towering Kibo Peak. The day will end with a peaceful rest at the camp, allowing your body to acclimatize to the higher altitude.

On Day 3, you’ll hike a distance of 10 kilometers, which will take about 3-4 hours. The journey begins with a short climb to Shira Cathedral at 3,872 meters, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the mountain. From there, the trail continues on a gentle ascent towards Shira 2 Camp, situated at 3,850 meters. The day’s hike is relatively short and offers excellent acclimatization opportunities. Upon reaching the camp, you’ll be able to rest and take in the stunning surroundings. The evening will include a short acclimatization walk to further help your body adjust to the altitude. Afterward, enjoy a warm dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep under the stars, preparing for the more challenging days ahead.

Day 4 is a critical day for acclimatization, as you’ll hike to Lava Tower at 4,600 meters before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters. The day begins with an early breakfast before you start the challenging trek. The path to Lava Tower is a steady ascent, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Once at Lava Tower, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch while taking in the breathtaking views. Afterward, the descent to Barranco Camp will take a few hours, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude before the next day’s hike. This strategy of climbing high and descending low is designed to help your body acclimatize effectively. Once at Barranco Camp, relax and enjoy a nutritious dinner before resting for the night.

Day 5 is a relatively short day, with a 6-kilometer trek to Karanga Camp. The day starts with the famous Barranco Wall, a steep and challenging section of the climb that requires some scrambling. While it may seem daunting, it offers a sense of accomplishment as you make your way to the top. After conquering the wall, the trail levels out and undulates through valleys and rocky terrain, providing stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. You will arrive at Karanga Camp in about 3-4 hours, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch and rest for the afternoon. From here, you’ll also have incredible views of Mount Meru in the distance and Kibo Peak, which grows closer as you progress. The day ends with a relaxing evening at camp, preparing for the final push to the summit.

Day 6 is another exciting day, where you will hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, located at 4,673 meters. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin your trek, which will take around 4-5 hours. The terrain is rocky, with several ups and downs along the way. As you approach Barafu Camp, you’ll begin to feel the thin air at higher altitudes, but the views of the glaciers and snow-covered Kibo Peak will motivate you to push forward. Upon arriving at Barafu Camp, you will have lunch and some time to relax before the big day ahead. Remember, the summit climb starts in the middle of the night, so you must conserve your energy and rest well. After dinner, get ready to sleep early, as you’ll be waking up in the middle of the night to start your ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Day 7 is the ultimate challenge. You will begin your summit attempt from Barafu Camp at around midnight, with a light snack to fuel you for the journey. The climb to Uhuru Peak is long and strenuous, with freezing temperatures, high winds, and thin air. However, with determination and perseverance, you’ll make your way to Stella Point at 5,756 meters. From there, it’s only 45 minutes to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise and a sense of incredible achievement. After taking photos and celebrating your success, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest. The descent will take several hours, allowing your body to recover from the altitude and the intense climb.

On the final day, you’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast before descending to Mweka Gate, about 10 kilometers away. The descent through the rainforest is a relaxing and scenic walk, taking around 2-3 hours. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate, commemorating your achievement. Afterward, you’ll have a celebratory lunch with your climbing team, reflecting on the unforgettable journey you’ve just completed. Following the celebration, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-earned shower and rest, ready to reflect on your successful ascent of Kilimanjaro and prepare for any other adventures ahead.