9 Days Lemosho Route + Crater Camp | Ultimate Kilimanjaro Summit Experience

Day 0: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha

Your adventure begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. In the evening, you’ll meet your experienced mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing, final gear check, and packing recommendations. This is also your last chance to rent any missing gear before the climb. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Moshi or Arusha..

• Meals Included : None
• Overnight Moshi : Stella Maris Executive Lodge
• Overnight Arusha : Malkia Trees Lodge

Day 1: Lemosho Glades (2,385m) to Big Tree Camp (2,780m)

After breakfast, we drive to Lemosho Gate, where we complete registration before trekking through the lush rainforest. The trail is alive with black-and-white colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and the sounds of nature. We arrive at Big Tree Camp, our first overnight stop.

• Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Trekking Distance: ~7km (~4–5 hours)
• Accommodation: Big Tree Camp (Forest Camp)

Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2,780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)

Leaving the rainforest behind, we ascend into the moorland zone, where the vegetation changes dramatically. As we reach Shira Ridge, the first panoramic views of Kibo Peak emerge. We then descend slightly to Shira 1 Camp.

• Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Trekking Distance: ~8km (~5–6 hours)
• Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)

Today is an easier trek across the stunning Shira Plateau. The route allows for gradual acclimatization as we approach Shira 2 Camp. Along the way, we may encounter buffalo and eland roaming the open plains.

• Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Trekking Distance: ~7km (~3–4 hours)
• Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,900m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)

A challenging yet rewarding day, we ascend to Lava Tower (4,640m) for acclimatization before descending into the Barranco Valley. The descent provides much-needed oxygen, helping your body adjust to the altitude. The day ends at Barranco Camp, famous for its views of the Great Barranco Wall.

• Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Trekking Distance: ~10km (~7–8 hours)
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (3,963m)

The adventure begins with a thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, a non-technical but steep ascent that rewards you with incredible views. After crossing rolling ridges, we reach Karanga Camp, our overnight stop.

• Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Trekking Distance: 5km (~4-5 hours)
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Today's short but steep trek leads to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. You’ll have an early dinner and rest before beginning the midnight summit push.

• Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Trekking Distance: 4km (~3-4 hours)
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to UHURU PEAK (5,895m) to Crater Camp (5,790m)

Summit day! We begin at midnight, trekking in the cold, dark conditions to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, we descend slightly to Crater Camp, one of the most surreal places on Earth, nestled near Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.

Reaching the crater floor requires much dedication, but it is well worth it! When you arrive, you will be astonished by the ancient glaciers and snow. If you want, you may choose to trek further to the Ash Pit (it takes approximately 90 minutes), or save this endeavor for the next day.

• Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Trekking Distance: ~15km (~12–14 hours)
• Accommodation: Crater Camp

Day 8: Crater Camp (5,790m) to Millennium Camp (3,790m)

On this day you can make another summit attempt in the morning, your general condition permitting. If you don’t want to get back to Uhuru, you can proceed with hiking out of the crater to Barafu summit camp and further down the slope to Millenium camp, your next overnight site.

Or, if you feel like it, you can go to the Ash Pit, a still warm ice-free part of the crater with a diameter of 340 m, consisting of lava gravel (in case you didn't explore it yesterday). Its whitish-yellow sulfur slopes drop about 200 m into the depth of the volcano. Together with the Reusch crater that is encircling Ash Pit, Kilimanjaro has one of the most perfect crater shapes on earth. The amount of snow in the crater will determine the possibility of getting to the Ash Pit.

• Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Trekking Distance: 16km (5-6 hours)
• Accommodation: Millennium Camp

Day 9: Millennium Camp (3,790m) to Mweka Gate (1,630m) to Moshi/Arusha

Our final descent takes us through the lush rainforest, arriving at Mweka Gate for your summit certificate ceremony. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.

• Meals Included : Breakfast and Lunch. Dinner is not included.
• Trekking Distance: 10km (~4-5 hours)
• Overnight Moshi : Stella Maris Executive Lodge
• Overnight Arusha : Malkia Trees Lodge

Day 10: Departure Date/Flight Day

A long or short safari and Zanzibar beach holiday adventure can seamlessly be arranged before or after your Kilimanjaro trek with us. For those wishing to explore Moshi Town and immerse themselves in its vibrant culture, including visits to local attractions, markets, and communities, we recommend adding an extra overnight stay. We’ve curated a dedicated guide to Moshi’s top destinations to enhance your experience. Explore Our Moshi Destination Guide Here.

If you prefer to conclude your journey after the trek, we’ll arrange a timely transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or onward travel.

• Meals Included : Breakfast Only.