Elevation: 1,200 m to 1,950 m to 2,800 m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

You’ll travel to the Londrossi Gate, where your climb officially begins. After checking in and completing the necessary formalities, you’ll embark on a 3-4 hour trek through the lush rainforest to Big Tree Campsite, situated at an elevation of 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). The hike is relatively easy, allowing for gradual acclimatization to the altitude. The peaceful campsite, nestled under large trees, offers a perfect spot for a restful first night on the mountain.

Elevation(m): 2850m to 3500m
Distance: 13km
Hiking time: 8 hours
Habitat: Moorland and heather land

Today, you’ll trek from Big Tree Campsite to Shira 1 Campsite, covering about 8-10 km (5-6 miles) in 5-6 hours. The hike takes you through the transition from lush rainforest to the open moorland zone, offering stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape. As you ascend to 3,500 meters (11,483 feet), you’ll encounter the unique flora of the Shira Plateau, including giant lobelias and senecios, while gradually acclimatizing to the higher altitude. The day offers a chance to rest and take in the spectacular scenery before settling in for the night at Shira 1 Campsite.

Elevation: 3500m to 3800m
Distance: 7km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland and rocky

This day, you’ll trek from Shira 1 Campsite to Shira 2 Campsite, covering about 6 km (4 miles) in 3-4 hours. The hike is relatively easy, with a gentle ascent through the moorland zone, offering stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plateau. At 3,850 meters (12,630 feet), Shira 2 Campsite provides excellent panoramic views and a chance to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude. This short trek helps your body adjust to the altitude while enjoying the unique volcanic landscape.

Elevation: 3800m to 3960m.
Distance: 13km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland.

Today, you’ll trek from Shira 2 Campsite to Barranco Campsite, covering 10-12 km (6-7 miles) in 6-7 hours. The day involves a significant altitude gain as you ascend to Lava Tower at 4,600 meters (15,090 feet), followed by a descent to Barranco Campsite at 3,960 meters (12,992 feet) for acclimatization. The trek takes you through rugged volcanic terrain, offering stunning views of Kilimanjaro. The descent to Barranco Campsite helps your body adjust to the higher elevation, preparing you for the famous Barranco Wall the following day.

Elevation: 3950m to 3900m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Moorland

You’ll trek from Barranco Campsite to Karanga Campsite, covering 5-6 km (3-4 miles) in 4-5 hours. The day’s highlight is climbing the iconic Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable scramble that rewards you with amazing views. After conquering the wall, the trail becomes gentler as you continue to Karanga Campsite, located at 4,035 meters (13,268 feet). The trek is relatively short, allowing time for acclimatization, and the campsite offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Elevation: 3900m to 4640m.
Distance: 8 km.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Today, you’ll trek from Karanga Campsite to Barafu Campsite, covering 4-5 km (2-3 miles) in 3-4 hours. The ascent to Barafu, located at 4,640 meters (15,223 feet), offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit and the surrounding glaciers. This day is crucial for acclimatization as you prepare for the summit attempt. You’ll have time to rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the challenging night ascent that will begin the following day.

Elevation: 4620m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 10 – 12 hours
Habitat: Desert and ice.

On Summit Day of the Lemosho Route, you’ll depart from Barafu Campsite around midnight for the challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). After 5-7 hours of climbing through rocky terrain and the final stretch along the crater rim to Stella Point, you’ll reach the summit and be rewarded with breathtaking views. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll begin the descent to Mweka Campsite, which takes about 5-7 hours, passing through alpine meadows and forests. The day is long and physically demanding, but upon arrival at Mweka, you’ll enjoy a well-earned rest and have time to reflect on your incredible accomplishment.

Elevation: 3100m to 1700m
Distance: 9km
Descending time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest.

You’ll descend from Mweka Campsite to Mweka Gate through lush rainforest on a gentle 3-4 hour trek. After arriving at the gate, you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate if you reached Uhuru Peak, taking a moment to reflect on your achievement. Following this, you’ll be transported back to Arusha Town, where you can relax and celebrate the successful completion of your Mount Kilimanjaro trek.