7 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a Tanzania Globe Tour representative will greet you and take you to your hotel. Your accommodation is prepared for a relaxing stay, offering comfortable rooms, hot showers, friendly staff, a swimming pool, and reliable internet access. In the evening, you’ll meet with our team for a detailed briefing to ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Additional fees apply for extra individual transfers, so coordinating your group’s arrival and departure times is the best way to avoid extra costs.

Your guide and mountain support team will meet you at the hotel in the morning for a short briefing before you begin your journey. You’ll then drive for about 3–4 hours to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance, Londorossi Gate. After completing the required permit formalities and registering with the search-and-rescue service, you’ll continue by off-road vehicle to your drop-off point at 3,600 m (11,811 ft). This is where you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking views of the expansive Shira Plateau.

From the drop-off point, the hike to your first high-altitude camp, Shira 1, involves only a modest elevation gain and is relatively gentle — perfect for easing into proper acclimatization. When you arrive, you’ll find camp already set up by our experienced mountain crew, with tents ready and dinner being prepared so you can relax and settle in for the evening.

This morning, you’ll leave Shira 1 Camp and enjoy an easy trek toward your next high-altitude stop, Shira 2 Camp. The trail is gentle and rewarding, offering sweeping views of the African savannah and the unique plant life found only on Kilimanjaro. Weather permitting, Shira 2 also provides one of the best vantage points to see Mount Meru — Africa’s fifth-highest peak and Tanzania’s second tallest.

Along the way, your guides may offer the option to ascend Cathedral Peak (3,872 m / 12,703 ft), one of the highest points of the ancient Shira volcano. This side hike is straightforward and non-technical, and on a clear day the summit reveals breathtaking valley views that feel like a hidden world. Even if clouds cover the peak, there’s a stella marking the top — perfect for a memorable photo. If you prefer not to take on the ascent, or if weather conditions aren’t favorable, you can continue directly to Shira 2 without affecting your acclimatization, as both points sit at a similar altitude. Still, we highly recommend the Cathedral Peak hike — it’s a truly special experience.

Upon arriving at Shira 2 Camp, you’ll have lunch and time to rest. After about two hours, the group will take an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower, gaining approximately 200 m (656 ft) before returning to camp for the evening.

After breakfast, you’ll leave Shira 2 Camp and begin your journey toward one of the major highlights of the Lemosho Route — the Lava Tower. This stretch involves a series of ups and downs, eventually leading you to an altitude of over 4,600 m (15,091 ft). Some parts can feel challenging, and mild discomfort is normal at this height, but spending 1–2 hours here is essential for proper acclimatization. You’ll stop at Lava Tower for a well-deserved lunch before continuing.

From there, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, where the dramatic Barranco Wall comes into view — a towering, steep rock face that looks both impressive and intimidating. Despite its appearance, the route up the wall is a straightforward hiking trail, and you’ll tackle it the following morning with your guides.

You’ll start the day early with a hearty breakfast before beginning your ascent of the Barranco Wall. Leaving camp early is ideal, as it helps you avoid the crowds that can build up on this popular section. Despite its dramatic appearance, the climb up the wall is quite manageable and usually takes about an hour. Once at the top, you can rest, take in the scenery, and capture photos with the magnificent Kibo volcano in the background.

Next, you’ll continue on a more challenging stretch toward Karanga Camp, a route filled with a series of ups and downs. There’s no need to worry — your guides will set a comfortable pace tailored to the group. Upon reaching Karanga, you’ll enjoy a warm lunch and some time to relax. Later in the afternoon, you’ll take an acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp, gaining about 300 m (984 ft) before returning to camp for the night.

After a warm and hearty breakfast, you’ll begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp — the final base before your nighttime ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft). This is the stage that brings you closest to your ultimate goal.

Our mountain team will move ahead to prepare everything in advance, so when you reach Barafu, your tents and sleeping bags will already be set up and waiting. Once you arrive, the focus is rest. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing, hydrating, and sleeping as much as possible to ensure you’re ready for the summit push later that night.

Your summit attempt begins at night as you leave Barafu Camp and make your final push toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft). While the trail itself is not technically difficult, the high altitude makes this section physically demanding. To ensure your safety and comfort, each pair of climbers is accompanied by a dedicated guide who closely monitors your condition and supports you throughout the ascent.

After celebrating your achievement at the Roof of Africa, you may choose to descend briefly to a nearby glacier for photos before heading back to Barafu Camp. There, you’ll take a well-deserved two-hour rest before continuing your descent to Millennium Camp for the night.

Millennium Camp sits within a lush tropical rainforest, and by morning you’ll feel both the relief of lower altitude and the pride of having reached the summit. After enjoying a warm breakfast, you’ll begin your final descent toward Mweka Gate, the official exit of Kilimanjaro National Park.

Once you arrive, the group will come together to celebrate your accomplishment, and you’ll have the opportunity to record your thoughts and experiences in the climbers’ guestbook. Finally, you’ll receive your well-earned summit certificates at our office before being transferred back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

After breakfast on the final morning, you are transferred back toward Arusha and onward to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight. Your 5-day Tanzania Kilimanjaro trek — part of the Tanzania Globe Tour — concludes, leaving you with memories of varied ecosystems and the wild heart of Tanzania.