8-Day Lemosho Route Climbing Kilimanjaro with Crater

This route traverses diverse ecological zones, from lush rainforest and expansive moorlands to alpine desert and arctic summit terrain. The gradual ascent profile of the Lemosho Route allows for excellent acclimatization, while the crater extension offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore Kilimanjaro’s inner caldera, glaciers, and ash pit.

This itinerary is recommended for experienced trekkers or very fit adventurers who want a unique, challenging, and rewarding Kilimanjaro climb.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Moshi

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your guide for a full trek briefing and equipment check.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 :

Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)

Altitude: 2,100 m – 2,650 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue to the trailhead. Begin trekking through dense rainforest rich with wildlife and birdlife.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 :

Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp

Altitude: 2,650 m – 3,500 m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Leave the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone. Enjoy wide views across the Shira Plateau as the terrain opens up dramatically.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 :

Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp

Altitude: 3,500 m – 3,850 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

A shorter trekking day allows time for acclimatization. Walk across the Shira Plateau with stunning views of Kibo Peak.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 :

Shira 2 – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Altitude: 3,850 m – 4,600 m – 3,950 m
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Trek to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend into the Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” day is key to summit success.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 :

Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

Altitude: 3,950 m – 4,035 m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Climb the famous Barranco Wall and continue through rolling alpine terrain to Karanga Camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 :

Karanga – Barafu Camp – Crater Camp

Altitude: 4,035 m – 4,673 m – 5,750 m
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours

Trek to Barafu Camp for rest and early dinner, then begin the summit ascent to Stella Point and continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). After reaching the summit, descend slightly into Kilimanjaro’s crater to Crater Camp, located near the Ash Pit and glaciers.
Overnight: Crater Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 :

Crater Camp – Mweka Camp

Altitude: 5,750 m – 3,100 m
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Explore the crater area in the early morning before descending via the Mweka Route.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 :

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Departure

Altitude: 3,100 m – 1,640 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificates, and transfer back to Moshi or Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

8-Day Lemosho Route Climbing Kilimanjaro with Crater

Overview

Itinerary

Cost