About This Trek
Climb Africa's Highest Peak Through Five Climate Zones
Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895m is Africa's highest peak and the world's tallest free-standing volcano. Unlike most high-altitude summits, Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing skills. What it does require is determination, physical fitness, and deep respect for altitude and the mountain itself.
Our 8-day Lemosho Route is widely considered the best Kilimanjaro route available. Longer than most alternatives, it provides superior acclimatization and significantly higher summit success rates. You will ascend through five distinct climate zones: montane rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert, and finally the arctic summit zone with its famous ancient glaciers.
We use KPAP certified guides and porters - Tanzania's Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project ensures fair wages and proper treatment of all mountain staff. Our team prioritizes both the welfare of every crew member and giving every trekker the best possible summit success rate on Africa's greatest mountain.
Summit
Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Stand on the roof of Africa at the highest point on the continent
Zones
Five Climate Zones
Trek through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic zones in one journey
Volcano
Ancient Volcanic Landscape
Walk on the rim of an ancient volcanic caldera with dramatic lava formations
Glaciers
Summit Glaciers
See the famous and rapidly retreating glaciers of Kilimanjaro's summit
Night
Midnight Summit Push
Dramatic pre-midnight summit attempt by headlamp beneath a billion stars
Safari
Optional Serengeti Add-On
Combine with a 2-day Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater safari for the perfect Tanzania trip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1
Arrive Moshi - Welcome Dinner and Trek Briefing
Arrive Kilimanjaro AirportTransfer to MoshiHotel Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi, the colourful town at the foot of the mountain. Trek briefing, equipment check, and introduction to your guide team over a welcome dinner.
2
Day 2
Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m)
Drive to gate4-5 hrs trekkingMti Mkubwa Camp
Drive to the Lemosho Route trailhead at Londorossi Gate. Enter the dense montane rainforest alive with colobus monkeys, colourful sunbirds, and giant heather trees. Camp in the forest clearing - first night on the mountain.
3
Day 3
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
6-7 hrs trekkingOpen plateau viewsShira 1 Camp
Exit the rainforest onto the vast open Shira Plateau, an ancient collapsed caldera with dramatic lava formations. First dramatic views of Kibo summit cone appear ahead. Excellent acclimatization walk to nearby viewpoints in the afternoon.
4
Day 4
Shira 1 to Barranco Camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower (4,630m)
7-8 hrs trekkingLava Tower acclimatizationBarranco Camp
The classic climb-high-sleep-low acclimatization day. Climb to the Lava Tower at 4,630m for an important altitude stimulus, then descend to Barranco Camp for the night. The dramatic Barranco Wall looms above camp.
5
Day 5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via Barranco Wall
5-6 hrs trekkingBarranco Wall scrambleKaranga Camp
The famous Barranco Wall - a spectacular hands-and-feet scramble up a 300m cliff face that every trekker conquers with confidence. Extraordinary views from the top. Descend through the Karanga Valley to camp.
6
Day 6
Karanga Camp to Barafu High Camp (4,673m)
4-5 hrs trekkingSummit base campBarafu High Camp
Short but crucial ascent to Barafu High Camp - the launch point for tonight's summit attempt. Arrive early, eat a substantial meal, hydrate thoroughly, and attempt to sleep. Summit briefing at 6pm. Wake-up call at 11pm.
7
Day 7
Midnight Summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Descend to Mweka Camp
Midnight startSummit reached at dawnMweka Camp 3,100m
Midnight departure by headlamp in below-freezing temperatures. The 5-7 hour summit push to Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim, and then the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise. The roof of Africa. Long descent all the way to Mweka Camp for a very well-earned sleep.
8
Day 8
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate - Certificate and Celebration
3-4 hrs final descentOfficial summit certificateReturn to Moshi
Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate - a proud moment. Transfer to Moshi for a hot shower, cold Kilimanjaro beer, and a spectacular celebration dinner with your guide team.
