6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking – Lemosho Route - 6 Days

Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Lemosho Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from your lodge in Moshi or Arusha. After a pre-climb briefing and gear check, drive to Lemosho Gate where permits are issued. Begin your trek through pristine montane rainforest, a biodiversity hotspot where you may encounter blue monkeys, Colobus monkeys, and exotic flora like impatiens Kilimanjaro.
• Distance: 7 km | Time: 3–4 hours
• Zone: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Budget Camping)
• Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Today is the longest day of hiking, split into two phases. Start with a 3–4 hour climb to Shira 1 Camp, followed by a picnic lunch. Continue across the Shira Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with wide-open views of Mount Meru and distant glaciers. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, nestled at the base of a dramatic lava ridge.
• Distance: 16 km total | Time: 7–8 hours
• Zone: Moorland
• Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp (3,940m) via Lava Tower (4,600m)
A key acclimatization day. Ascend steadily through alpine desert to the Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation standing 150m tall. This is your first taste of high-altitude conditions, with lunch served at 4,600m. After acclimatizing, descend to Barranco Camp via a scenic trail surrounded by dramatic cliffs, giant senecios, and lobelia plants.
• Distance: 9 km | Time: 6–7 hours
• Zone: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco to Karanga to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Begin by tackling the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble that offers epic views. Continue to Karanga Valley Camp for lunch and acclimatization, then trek onward to Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt. Rest early and prepare your gear for the climb to the top.
• Distance: 9 km | Time: 7–8 hours total
• Zone: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Summit Day! Barafu to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Descend to Millenium Camp (3,700m)
Midnight start. Hike by headlamp under the stars on steep switchbacks to Stella Point (5,756m), then continue to the summit at Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. Celebrate briefly with photos before descending back to Barafu for brunch. Continue to Millenium Camp for a well-earned rest.
• Distance: 5 km ascent + 12 km descent
• Time: 12–14 hours
• Zones: Arctic > Alpine Desert > Moorland
• Accommodation: Millenium Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Millenium Camp to Mweka Gate (1,800m)
Your final descent leads you through lush rainforest terrain rich in birdlife. At Mweka Gate, collect your certificate of completion. Enjoy a celebratory lunch and meet your full crew for final farewells. Transfer back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
• Distance: 10 km | Time: 4–5 hours
• Zone: Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
• Accommodation: Not included (available on request)
• Start Point: Moshi or Arusha (Hotel pickup included)
• Extra Nights: Hotel stays before or after trek available at extra cost