Arrow Trekking and Safaris – Conquer Africa’s most iconic peaks with expertly crafted mountain adventures.
Trip Overview
The 8-Day Lemosho Route is a breathtaking journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It provides a perfect balance of challenging ascents and rewarding landscapes, with multiple days designed for acclimatization. Starting in lush rainforests, you’ll trek through alpine meadows and high-altitude deserts, finally reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This itinerary allows ample time to adjust to the altitude, maximizing your chances for success while enjoying unforgettable views and experiences along the way.
Trip Highlight
- Diverse landscapes: Rainforests, alpine meadows, and the stark alpine desert
- Scenic beauty: Stunning vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro and surrounding areas
- Wildlife encounters: Spot monkeys, birds, and more during the trek
- Achieve the ultimate goal: standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level on Uhuru Peak.
Itineray
- Activities: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi for a relaxing evening. After check-in, you will receive a comprehensive briefing about the trek, gear checks, and a chance to prepare for the adventure ahead.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Booked accommodation in Moshi/Arusha.
- Altitude: 2,350 m (Lemosho Gate) → 2,750 m (Mti Mkubwa Camp)
- Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, your adventure begins with a scenic drive to Lemosho Gate. The trek begins in the lush rainforest, providing a gentle start to your climb. This section is rich with vibrant flora, and you may spot wildlife like monkeys, birds, and other forest creatures. The easy pace of today’s trek allows for optimal acclimatization. You'll arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you can enjoy the evening surrounded by nature and the sounds of the forest.
- Altitude: 2,750 m (Mti Mkubwa Camp) → 3,505 m (Shira Camp)
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you’ll trek through the moorland zone as you ascend toward Shira Camp. The landscape transitions to alpine meadows, offering panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding areas. The trail gradually gains altitude, giving you an opportunity to acclimatize to the thinner air. By the time you reach Shira Camp, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the highland environment and prepare for the more challenging days ahead.
- Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
- Altitude: 3,840 m (Shira Camp) → 4,630 m (Lava Tower) → 3,960 m (Barranco Camp)
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will ascend toward the Lava Tower, an impressive rock formation that rises to 4,630 meters. This is a challenging part of the trek, but the views are rewarding. After a brief stop and lunch, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters to aid in acclimatization. The trek offers dramatic scenery, and the descent helps your body adjust to the altitude while still advancing.
- Altitude: 3,960 m (Barranco Camp) → 4,035 m (Karanga Camp)
- Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trek begins with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, a thrilling climb that challenges your strength but rewards you with expansive views. Once at the top, the trail flattens, and you continue through the alpine desert terrain to Karanga Camp. From here, you will be able to rest while enjoying stunning vistas of the mountain.
- Altitude: 4,035 m (Karanga Camp) → 4,640 m (Barafu Camp)
- Distance: 5 km
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s journey takes you to Barafu Camp, your final stop before summit day. The path will take you through alpine desert, where the surroundings become starker as you gain altitude. Once you reach Barafu Camp, you’ll have a chance to rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the challenging summit push the following day.
- Altitude: 4,700 m (Barafu Camp) → 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak) → 3,100 m (Mweka Camp)
- Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Trekking Time: 12-15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your summit day begins around midnight with a strenuous ascent to Uhuru Peak. The climb through the Arctic Zone will be challenging due to freezing temperatures and thin air, but reaching the top at 5,895 meters will offer breathtaking views and an immense sense of accomplishment. Afterward, you will descend to Mweka Camp for rest.
- Altitude: 3,100 m (Mweka Camp) → 1,640 m (Mweka Gate)
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The descent to Mweka Gate is gentle and picturesque. As you pass through the lush rainforest once again, you'll reflect on your achievement. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, and our team will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved celebration.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Tents and sleeping mats.
- Transportation to and from the mountain gate.
Excludes
- International flights and visas.
- Personal trekking gear (can be rented).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook.
- Beverages and personal expenses.
Trip Map
Gallery
FAQs
Yes, most international visitors require a visa to enter Tanzania. Tourist visas can be obtained online, at Tanzanian embassies, or upon arrival at the airport. It’s advisable to check specific visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Visitors are typically advised to get vaccinations for yellow fever (if traveling from a yellow fever-endemic country), typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus. Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended, as Tanzania is a malaria-endemic area. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted, especially in hotels, lodges, and for safari bookings. It’s advisable to carry smaller denominations and exchange money at authorized bureaus or banks.
Yes, Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed without technical climbing experience. However, it requires a good level of physical fitness, determination, and preparation. Guided treks with professional tour operators are essential for safety and success.
Swahili is the official language of Tanzania, and English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few Swahili phrases is appreciated and can enhance your cultural experience (greeting people with “Jambo” (hello) )
Climbing Kilimanjaro is safe with the right preparation and a reputable tour operator. Guides monitor climbers' health, and the crew ensures safety throughout the trek.
You’ll need a valid passport, a Tanzanian visa, and permits provided by your tour operator to access Kilimanjaro National Park.
The minimum age for climbing Kilimanjaro is 10 years old. There is no maximum age, but climbers should be in good health and consult a doctor before attempting the climb.
Enquiry
Other Trekking Packages
Stories from Our Adventurers
Hear from those who’ve walked the paths, seen the wildlife, and lived the adventure with Arrow Trekking & Safaris. Their feedback says it all!
Arrow Trekking & Safari
– Your gateway to unforgettable adventures in East Africa, from thrilling safaris to epic mountain treks!
Experiences
© 2015 – 2025 Arrow Trekking and Safari. All rights reserved