8-Day Lemosho Route Itinerary – A Classic Climb to Uhuru Peak
Time climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Experience the ultimate Kilimanjaro climb with our expert-guided 8-day Marangu Route — the perfect balance of acclimatization, scenery, and summit success.
Minimum age: 10+
Adventure awaits! Children aged 10 and up can join the trek with proper preparation, guidance, and parental supervision.
Expert Guides
Our knowledgeable guides will enrich your experience with insights into Tanzania's ecosystems and cultures.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Londorossi Gate (2,100m / 6,890ft) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,800m / 9,185ft)
- Distance~7 km (~4.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Elevation Gain: +700m (+2,295ft)
Begin your Kilimanjaro trek at Londorossi Gate , entering through the lush rainforest. The trail gradually ascends through thick vegetation to reach Mti Mkubwa Camp ("Big Tree"), offering a peaceful introduction to the mountain.
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,800m / 9,185ft) → Shira Camp 1 (3,500m / 11,500ft)
- Distance: ~8 km (~5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain:+700m (+2,300ft)
Exit the forest and enter the open heathland with panoramic views. Today’s hike brings you to Shira Camp 1 , one of the original campsites on the historic Shira Route — the oldest path on Kilimanjaro.
Day 3
Shira Camp 1 (3,500m / 11,500ft) → Moir Hut (4,200m / 13,800ft)
- Distance: ~7 km (~4.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Elevation Gain:+700m (+2,300ft)
Trek across moorland toward the base of Kilimanjaro’s dramatic cliffs , arriving at Moir Hut , nestled beneath the towering Barranco Valley . This lesser-traveled section offers solitude and stunning scenery.
Day 4
Moir Hut (4,200m / 13,800ft) → Lava Tower (4,600m / 15,100ft) → Barranco Camp (3,950m / 12,950ft)
- Distance~10 km (~6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time:6–8 hours
- Elevation Gain/loss:+400m / -650m (+1,310ft / -2,130ft)
A challenging “climb high, sleep low” day. Ascend to the Lava Tower (a dramatic rock formation), then descend into the valley to Barranco Camp , resting below the famous Barranco Wall .
Day 5
Barranco Camp (3,950m / 12,950ft) → Karanga Camp (4,050m / 13,285ft)
- Distance:~5 km (~3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Elevation Gain: +100m (+330ft)
Start the day with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall , followed by a gentle ascent to Karanga Camp , an important acclimatization stop before the final push to the summit.
Day 6
Karanga Camp (4,050m / 13,285ft) → Barafu Camp (4,600m / 15,100ft)
- Distance: ~4 km (~2.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Elevation Gain+550m (+1,800ft)
This short day allows for rest and preparation before summit night. Ascend steadily to Barafu Camp , located on the edge of the crater ridge, where you’ll spend the night ahead of your midnight summit attempt.
Day 7
Barafu Camp (4,600m / 15,100ft) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft) → Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,170ft)
- Distance:~14 km (~9 miles)
- Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
- Elevation Gain/loss: +1,295m / -1,795m (+4,250ft / -5,890ft)
Begin your summit attempt around midnight , trekking steeply toward Stella Point on the crater rim, then onward to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka Hut for the night, tired but triumphant.
Day 8
Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,170ft) → Mweka Gate (1,630m / 5,350ft) → Moshi/Arusha
- Distance:~10 km (~6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Elevation Loss: -1,470m (-4,820ft)
Descend through the lush Mweka Rainforest , passing waterfalls and wildlife. Arrive at Mweka Gate , where you'll receive your summit certificate . Transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved celebration.
Includes
- All transfers
- Professional and experienced mountain guide, cook and porters
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Rescue fees
- Clean purified water
- Accommodation before climbing
- All entry fees
- All meals during your trekking
- Large portion of fresh healthy nutritious food
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees ($50 -$100, varies by nationality)
- Sleeping bags, bring your own sleeping bag but still you can rent it in Arusha at reasonable
- Gratitude’s for Kilimanjaro climbing crews
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses ((e.g. laundry bills, telephone bills, beverages etc.))
- Tips & gratuities
- Optional activities