Tour Itinerary for Kilimanjaro 8 Days Lemosho Route Trekking
Day 1: Departure from Hotel/Office, Start of Hike from Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Embark on your Kilimanjaro expedition with an early departure from your hotel or office in Moshi or Arusha. After a satisfying breakfast and a final check of your gear, set out for the Lemosho Gate, the starting point of your trek. As you pass through the gate, the excitement builds as you take your first steps on the trail. Trekking through the lush rainforest, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, you'll have opportunities to spot playful monkeys and colorful bird species. After several hours of hiking, arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 meters), nestled amidst towering trees. Here, you'll set up camp for the night, surrounded by the serene beauty of the forest.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Bid farewell to the verdant rainforest as you ascend towards the moorland zone. Traverse across the Shira Plateau, taking in panoramic views of the landscape. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,505 meters) for dinner and overnight stay. The expansive plateau offers a sense of space and tranquility, with the rugged peaks of Kilimanjaro looming in the distance.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Continue your journey across the Shira Plateau, ascending gradually towards Shira 2 Camp (3,840 meters). The trek offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro's volcanic formations and the surrounding landscape. As you reach camp, take time to acclimatize to the increasing altitude and enjoy the unique beauty of the alpine desert environment.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Trek through the alpine desert, passing by the iconic Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp (3,960 meters). The day's hike offers a mix of challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery, with panoramic views of Kilimanjaro's glaciers and rocky slopes. Arrive at Barranco Camp, nestled in a scenic valley beneath towering cliffs, and settle in for the night amidst the rugged beauty of the landscape.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Ascend the Barranco Wall, a steep and rocky section of the trail that requires some hands-on scrambling. Traverse the Karanga Valley, where hardy alpine vegetation thrives amidst the rocky terrain. Arrive at Karanga Camp (3,995 meters) for dinner and overnight stay. The camp offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and a sense of accomplishment after conquering the Barranco Wall.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Continue your ascent towards the summit, trekking through the barren landscape of the alpine desert. Arrive at Barafu Camp (4,600 meters), the final base camp before the summit push. Take time to rest and mentally prepare for the challenges ahead, as you anticipate the summit attempt in the early hours of the morning.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Mweka Camp
Begin the summit attempt in the early hours, trekking under the cover of darkness towards Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). As the first light of dawn breaks over the horizon, reach the summit and celebrate your achievement. Descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters) for the night. The descent offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a sense of accomplishment after reaching the summit.
Day 8: Descend to Mweka Gate, Transfer to Moshi
Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, completing park formalities and receiving your summit certificates. Transfer back to Arusha/Moshi, where you can celebrate your accomplishment and reflect on the incredible journey you've undertaken. The descent offers a chance to soak in the sights and sounds of the forest one last time, as you bid farewell to Kilimanjaro and the memories made along the way.