9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route With Crater Overnight

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Moshi Town

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our friendly driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your trekking guide, who will provide a detailed briefing about the trek, including safety tips, route overview, and a gear check to ensure everything is in order. Any essential equipment may be rented today. This day is designed to help you acclimatize and prepare mentally for your adventure.

• Meals: Not included
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

Day 2: Moshi – Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at around 8:00 AM and driven through scenic countryside to the Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Once registration formalities are complete, you begin your trek through lush rainforest alive with bird calls, colorful flora, and the possibility of spotting colobus monkeys swinging through the canopy. Your first camp, Big Tree Camp, awaits beneath towering trees — a serene spot to rest and soak in your first night on the mountain.

• Distance covered: 7km / 4.3mi
• time taken: 4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)

Today’s trek takes you out of the rainforest and onto a plateau of rolling moorland dotted with heather and volcanic rock formations. The climb is steady as you ascend toward the Shira Plateau, where stunning views of Kibo Peak often float above a sea of clouds. You’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon, perfectly situated for magnificent sunsets and panoramic views of the mountain.

• Distance covered:5km / 5.3mi
• time taken: 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)

This day offers a gradual ascent across the wide, open expanse of the Shira Plateau — one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic areas. As you trek, you’ll have the chance to admire the Northern Ice Fields from a new perspective, with spectacular views of Kibo and the rugged landscape surrounding you. After lunch, you’ll take a short acclimatization hike before returning to camp for dinner and rest under the star-filled African sky.

• Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
• time taken: 5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

You’ll begin your day with a steady climb toward the Lava Tower (4640m), an impressive volcanic formation marking the day’s high point. This section helps your body adjust to the altitude before descending into the lush Barranco Valley. The descent brings dramatic views of towering cliffs and hanging glaciers, creating one of the most photogenic landscapes on the mountain. You’ll camp at Barranco, surrounded by the dramatic walls of the Great Barranco Valley.

• Distance covered: 10km / 6.2mi
• time taken: 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)

The day starts with an exhilarating scramble up the Great Barranco Wall — a non-technical but challenging climb offering some of the most memorable views on the route. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of Kibo and the southern glaciers. The path then descends gently through alpine terrain before a final climb to Karanga Camp. In the afternoon, an optional acclimatization hike is available for those feeling strong, providing even better preparation for summit day.

• Distance covered:5km / 3.4mi
• time taken: 5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Karanga Camp (3963m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

After breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent across a stark landscape of volcanic scree toward Barafu Camp — the final base before your summit attempt. The trail is steep but rewarding, as you watch the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo rise dramatically above the clouds. Upon arrival, take time to rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear for the summit push. An early dinner is served before you turn in for a few hours of rest ahead of your midnight departure for the summit.

• Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi
• time taken: 3 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 8: Barafu Camp (4640m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Crater Camp (5790m)

Your summit adventure begins just before midnight under a blanket of stars. Slowly and steadily, you ascend toward Stella Point (5739m), reaching the rim of the crater at sunrise. After a short rest, the final push takes you to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. Savor this once-in-a-lifetime moment before descending into the magnificent crater itself. Tonight, you’ll camp beside the Furtwangler Glacier at Crater Camp, surrounded by breathtaking icy formations — a truly rare and unforgettable experience.

• Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi
• time taken: 5–6 hours ascent & 1–2 hours to Crater
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 9: Crater Camp (5790m) to Millennium Camp (3790m)

After breakfast in the crater, you’ll make a short ascent back to Stella Point before beginning your descent. The trail leads down through Barafu for a brief rest, then continues to Millennium Camp — a warmer, greener environment where you can finally relax and celebrate your achievement with your team.

• Distance covered:4km / 8.3mi
• time taken: 12–15 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 10: Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

Your final descent takes you through lush montane forest alive with birdlife and tropical vegetation. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll complete park formalities and receive your official summit certificates — a proud reminder of your accomplishment. You’ll then be met by our vehicle and transferred back to Moshi for a well-deserved shower, hot meal, and rest at your hotel.

• Distance covered:1km / 7.5mi
• time taken: 6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Day 11: Departure and Optional Excursions

On your final day, we ensure your adventure concludes smoothly and memorably. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will provide a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport. For guests with extra time before departure, optional activities can be arranged, including cultural experiences, wildlife visits, scenic nature excursions, or relaxing opportunities. Extended stays can include safaris or beach holidays to continue your Tanzanian adventure.

• Meals: Not included