Lemosho Route

Daily Itinerary – Kilimanjaro Trek

Itinerary Overview

This trek covers 7 – 22 kilometers per day on mountain trails at elevations between 1,400 and 2,200 meters. The walking is strenuous, with steep and sometimes slippery trails. Expect challenging hikes due to the many ridges and valleys, but your guide will maintain a slow and steady pace suitable for your group. Trekking poles are strongly recommended.

Overnights are spent in comfortable camps with spacious walk-in tents (for 1-2 people or families). Enjoy locally-inspired meals served in a dining tent, prepared by our expert mountain cooks.

Itinerary Summary

• Day 1: Marangu, Kilimanjaro

• Day 2: Village Walking, Kilimanjaro

• Day 3: Lemosho to Big Tree Camp

• Day 4: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

• Day 5: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• Day 6: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Camp

• Day 7: Lava Tower Camp to Karanga Camp

• Day 8: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Day 9: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

• Day 10: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate; Moshi Town

• Day 11: Moshi Town

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu, Kilimanjaro

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, we will pick you up and transfer you to Marangu Hotel, located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, approximately a 2-hour drive from the airport.

Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: Dinner (D)

Day 2: Village Walking, Kilimanjaro

Enjoy a relaxing morning. Your trip leader will provide a climb orientation and equipment check. Later, embark on a guided tour around the villages, with opportunities to swim in the river and waterfall flowing through the Marangu area.

Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

Day 3: Lemosho to Big Tree Camp

After breakfast, we drive to Lemosho Gate for check-in, where you will meet the guides and mountain crew. We begin our trek through the pristine montane forest towards Big Tree Camp. Expect to see beautiful flowers and possibly colobus monkeys. In the evening, you may hear the unique calls of the tree hyrax.

Overnight: Big Tree Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Today’s trek leads us to the west side of the Shira Plateau, taking approximately six hours. The journey transitions from the montane forest to the heather zone, where old lava flows become visible. Your guides will highlight key environmental changes throughout the hike. After a picnic lunch, we continue to our campsite, which offers a spectacular view of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

A shorter, acclimatization-focused hike of 4 to 5 hours leads us to Shira 2 Camp. The afternoon includes an optional conditioning hike to explore clusters of giant lobelias and senecios unique to this altitude.

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Camp

We ascend gradually over five hours to reach an altitude of over 15,000 feet. The landscape transitions from alpine moorland to an alpine desert zone. Expect dramatic views of the Western Breach.

Overnight: Lava Tower Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Lava Tower Camp to Karanga Camp

After descending briefly from Lava Tower Camp, we climb the Great Barranco Wall, which is a rewarding challenge made accessible through the pole pole (“slowly” in Kiswahili) technique. After enjoying breathtaking views of the Heim Glacier, we descend into Karanga Valley before making the final ascent to our campsite.

Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 8: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Today’s trek becomes noticeably steeper as we gain altitude towards Barafu Camp, meaning “ice” in Kiswahili. The camp, situated on an exposed ridge, serves as the staging point for the summit push. An early dinner and summit briefing prepare us for the next challenge.

Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 9: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

We begin our ascent at midnight, trekking under the stars toward Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, arriving shortly after sunrise. Enjoy breathtaking views before descending to Barafu Camp for lunch and a short rest. The journey continues towards Millennium Camp, where we celebrate our achievement.

Overnight: Millennium Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 10: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate; Moshi Town

A final descent of 7,000 feet takes us through the forest to Mweka Gate, where we celebrate with a farewell lunch. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Moshi Town for relaxation. Those continuing their journey to safari destinations will overnight in Arusha.

Overnight: Ameg Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Day 11: Moshi Town

For those continuing on safari or to Zanzibar, transfers will be arranged. For those returning home, a guided tour of Moshi Town’s vibrant market and curio shops is available. Lunch can be taken in town or at the lodge (not included). A transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport will be provided.

Meals: B

Inclusions ✅

✔️ All accommodations (lodging & camping)
✔️ All meals as indicated (B, L, D)
✔️ Bottled or filtered water, coffee, teas, and cocoa
✔️ Services of an expert hiking guide and camp crew
✔️ Use of all camping equipment (except sleeping bag)
✔️ Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Moshi, or Arusha

Exclusions ❌

❌ Tips & gratuities for guides, crew, or staff
❌ Cold drinks & alcohol
❌ Additional accommodations & meals due to airline changes or inability to complete the climb
❌ Pre-trip expenses (immunizations, travel insurance, passports, visas)
❌ International airfare & airport departure taxes
❌ Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)

Disclaimer

Trip prices are based on Rocky Africa Experience costs at the time of booking. Rocky Africa Experience reserves the right to adjust trip prices if affected by:

• Inflation, fuel, labor, or material costs

• Exchange rate fluctuations

• Increased park fees (TANAPA), hotel/lodge rates, airline fares, or other service provider costs
  Should these changes occur, additional payment may be required from the client.