Kilimanjaro Adventure 9 Days 8 Nights Via Lemosho Route

Overview

See the Wild, Feel the Heights, and Love the Coast

SAFARI INTRODUCTION & BRIEF

 

 

Route Lemosho route 9 Days Itinerary
Duration 9 Days 8 Nights
Best time Trek June – October & December – January

Introduction

This is one of the least well known yet beautiful routes up Kilimanjaro, your efforts will be rewarded with a unique scenic splendour that is not seen on the other commonly traversed routes. The start is west of the other gates, and you pass through the Lemosho Glades where you may view some of the game in this side of the park (Buffalo, elephants and some other big game animals.) It is not unusual for climbers to be accompanied by an armed ranger on the first day. By day 4, climbers join the Machame route.

This route is often referred to as the "Whiskey route" and is better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker. Unlike the Marangu route, in which you sleep in huts, you will sleep in tents on this route. However, all your equipment and supplies will be carried up the mountain by our friendly porters, and delicious meals will be made for you each day.

Most climbers choose to use 9 days to climb (although 7 days is also possible if you lose the acclimatisation day). However, acclimatisation is the key to success with this mountain, so we always recommend that those who are worried should opt to take their time.

Below is an example itinerary; all our programmes are flexible and tailored to the individual groups, so please let us know if you would like to make any changes.

The day before your climb, you will receive a full briefing from our climbing team, all your equipment will receive a final check, and we will be able to answer any of your questions.

Camping equipment is included in the price, including tents and sleeping mats. Sleeping bag (which can be rented), flashlight, and clothes are not included. Below is a list of suggestions:

  • 1 Mountaineering Sleeping bag (usually a -10 degree rating or better is recommended)

  • 2 litters water canteen (sturdy plastic or steel).

  • 1 LED Flashlight with spare batteries

  • 1 Pair of comfortable trekking boots

  • 1 towel

  • 2 pairs of thick thermal socks and several pairs of regular socks

  • 2 Fleeces

  • 1 down jacket or long-sleeved wind-breaker (down jacket is unnecessary if you have good fleeces)

  • 1 set of thermal underwear (i.e. thermal vest & long-johns)

  • 2 pairs of trekking trousers

  • 1 waterproof jacket

  • 1 pair of waterproof trousers

  • 1 balaclava or ski-mask

  • 1 sun hat

     

 

 

Days Destination Accommodation Basis Duration
Day-1 Arusha Planet Lodge Arusha HB 1 Night
Day-2 Mti Mbukwa Camp Mount Kilimanjaro FB 1 Night
Day-3 Shira Camp 1 Mount Kilimanjaro FB 1 Night
Day-4 Shira Camp 2 Mount Kilimanjaro FB 1 Night
Day-5 Barranco Camp Mount Kilimanjaro FB 1 Night
Day-6 Barafu Camp Mount Kilimanjaro FB 1 Night
Day-7 Mweka Camp Mount Kilimanjaro FB 1 Night
Day-8 Arusha Planet Lodge Arusha HB 1 Night

KEY:

HB: Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
BB: Bed and Breakfast
FB: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arusha Planet Lodge, Arusha

Arusha
Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is the safari capital of northern Tanzania and a perfect base for exploring the scenic surroundings, including Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Manyara, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro National Parks. With its pleasant climate and lush greenery, it's an ideal place to relax before or after a safari. Visitors can also explore the wildlife-rich Serengeti and Arusha National Parks or take on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, Africa's fifth-highest mountain.

Day Itinerary
Pick up at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to the hotel by private car.

Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge
Nestled in the heart of Arusha, Planet Lodge blends natural Tanzanian beauty with authentic African décor. Each chalet features large panoramic windows, artisan bedding, a mosquito net, and a private bathroom with a solar-powered shower. Rooms include a safe, desk, telephone, and balcony for relaxing or enjoying the morning birdsong. Powered by solar and grid electricity, the lodge offers both comfort and sustainability, with attentive housekeeping ensuring a fresh and welcoming stay.

meals Plan

  • Half Board – Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Overnight

  • At Planet lodge in Arusha

DAY 2  : Mti Mbukwa Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro's snow-capped summit is one of Africa's most breathtaking sights. Rising 5,896 metres above sea level, it's the continent's highest peak, one of the world's tallest volcanoes, and the highest free-standing mountain on Earth. Set within Kilimanjaro National Park, it ascends from the wide Tanzanian plains through lush rainforests, moorlands, and icy glaciers. Visitors can take on the thrilling challenge of climbing this legendary mountain, explore its forested foothills, or spot wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, leopard, eland, blue monkeys, and hyrax.

Day Itinerary
Londorossi Gate (2,100 m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m)
Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: approximately 10 kilometres
Habitat: mountain forest

After breakfast, drive for about two hours from the lodge to the Londorossi Gate for park registration. Continue by 4WD to the Lemosho Glades, where you'll have lunch before beginning your hike to the Mti Mkubwa ("Big Tree") campsite. On arrival, your crew will set up camp while you relax and enjoy the forest atmosphere.

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Located at the edge of the forest zone, Mti Mkubwa Camp offers a peaceful setting surrounded by towering trees and mountain sounds—the perfect first stop on your Kilimanjaro ascent.

Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, and Lunch
Tea, coffee, and soft drinks included

Meals Plan

  • Dinner, Bed, Breakfast & Lunch. Tea, Coffee & Soft Drinks Included

Overnight

  • At Mti Mkubwa Camp

DAY 3: Shira Camp 1, Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro
As previously described.

Day Itinerary
Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m) → Shira Camp (3,500 m)
Hiking time: approximately 6.5 hours
Distance: approximately 8 kilometres
Habitat: moorland

After an early breakfast, begin climbing for about an hour to the top of the forest, then continue for two hours at a gentler gradient through the open moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, proceed up a rocky ridge to the dramatic Shira Plateau due west of Kibo offering spectacular views of its glaciers. A short final walk brings you to Shira Camp at 3,840 metres. Here, your team will serve a hearty meal, leaving you time to unwind and take in the mountain vistas.

Overnight: Shira Camp 1
Located on the western side of the Shira Plateau, this camp offers stunning views across the plains and a glimpse of unique alpine flora and fauna, with chances to spot the inquisitive white‑naped raven.

Meals Plan – Full Board 

  • Dinner, Bed, Breakfast & Lunch. Tea, Coffee & Soft Drinks Included

Overnight

  • At Shira Camp 1

DAY 4 : Shira Camp 2, Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro
As previously described.

Day Itinerary
Optional Acclimatisation Day
Hiking time: a few hours at an easy pace, as decided by the group
Habitat: plateau

Spend the day gently exploring the Shira Plateau to aid acclimatisation. The terrain offers expansive views, unique high‑altitude plants, and clear vistas toward Kibo's summit. Short hikes help your body adjust while allowing plenty of time for rest and photography amid the mountain's wide‑open beauty.

Overnight: Shira Camp 2
Situated at the eastern edge of the Shira Plateau, Shira Camp 2 provides sweeping views, including a striking perspective of Uhuru Peak. It's a peaceful campsite ideal for adapting to altitude before continuing the ascent.

Meals Plan – Full Board 

  • Dinner, Bed, Breakfast & Lunch. Tea, Coffee & Soft Drinks Included

Overnight

  • At Shira Camp 2

DAY 5 : Barranco Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro
As previously described.

Day Itinerary
Shira (3,500 m) → Lava Tower (4,600 m) → Barranco Camp (3,900 m)
Hiking time: approximately 5–7 hours
Distance: approximately 11 kilometres
Habitat: semi‑desert

The trail turns east toward the rocky, semi‑desert terrain surrounding Lava Tower. After lunch, climb a steep scree path up to Lava Tower at 4,630 metres—a challenging section where some may start feeling the effects of altitude. Our experienced team will guide and support you through any symptoms.

After a well‑deserved rest at Lava Tower, descend about 680 metres to Barranco Camp. Though it may seem counterproductive to go down, this "climb high, sleep low" approach greatly helps acclimatisation. The descent takes around two hours, revealing stunning views of the Western Breach and Great Barranco Wall. Barranco Camp sits in a sheltered valley beneath these towering cliffs, offering a remarkable sunset to end the day.

Overnight: Barranco Camp
Located along the Machame Route, Barranco Camp lies in a scenic valley close to the Great Barranco Wall within the semi‑desert zone—a spectacular resting point before tackling the next ascent.

Meals Plan – Full Board 

  • Dinner, Bed, Breakfast & Lunch. Tea, Coffee & Soft Drinks Included

Overnight

  • At Barranco Camp

DAY 6 : Barafu Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro
As previously described.

Day Itinerary
Barranco Camp (3,995 m) → Barafu Camp (4,680 m)
Hiking time: approximately 8–10 hours
Distance: approximately 9.5 kilometres
Habitat: alpine desert

The day begins with the exciting climb up the Great Barranco Wall—an impressive sight that proves easier than it looks. From the top, enjoy spectacular views before descending into the Karanga Valley and crossing a series of ridges and valleys to join the Mweka Route. Continuing upward, you'll eventually arrive at Barafu Camp, meaning "ice" in Swahili.

Perched on a narrow, rocky ridge and exposed to strong mountain winds, Barafu Camp offers a rugged and exhilarating environment. The summit lies just 1,345 metres above, and preparations for the final ascent take place here. After an early dinner and careful organisation of gear for the climb, you'll head to bed around 19:00 to rest before the midnight summit attempt.

Overnight: Barafu Camp
Usually reached on the fifth day, Barafu Camp marks the final base before the push to Uhuru Peak. True to its name, "Barafu" reflects the cold and icy conditions of this high‑altitude camp.

Meals Plan – Full Board 

  • Dinner, Bed, Breakfast & Lunch. Tea, Coffee & Soft Drinks Included

Overnight

  • At Barafu Camp

DAY 7 : Mweka Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro
As previously described.

Day Itinerary
Barafu Camp (4,680 m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Hiking time: 6–8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, plus 5–8 hours to descend to Mweka
Distance: approximately 4.5 km ascent and 11 km descent
Habitat: stone scree and ice‑capped summit

 

At around 23:30, you'll be awakened with tea and biscuits before setting out into the cold night. The climb heads northwest across steep scree slopes toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This six‑hour ascent is often the most physically and mentally demanding part of the entire trek. Upon reaching Stella Point (5,685 m), you'll pause for a short rest and, weather permitting, witness one of Africa's most extraordinary sunrises.

From there, snow usually lines the final two‑hour stretch to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro—and the proudest moment of your climb. After celebrating at the top, descend carefully back to Barafu Camp for a well‑earned rest and to retrieve your gear. Then continue down to Mweka Camp through scree, moorland, and back into lush forest, the terrain gradually softening as you drop in altitude.

Overnight: Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp marks the final overnight stop on your Kilimanjaro expedition. Tucked within the forest zone, it offers a welcome rest after conquering the summit—an ideal spot to reflect on your incredible achievement.

Meals Plan – Full Board 

  • Dinner, Bed, Breakfast & Lunch. Tea, Coffee & Soft Drinks Included

Overnight

  • At Mweka Camp

DAY 8 : Arusha Planet Lodge, Arusha

Arusha
As previously described.

Day Itinerary
Mweka Camp (3,100 m) → Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
Hiking time: approximately 3–5 hours
Distance: approximately 9 kilometres
Habitat: forest

After an early and well‑earned breakfast, enjoy a gentle and scenic 3‑hour descent through lush rainforest to the park gate. At Mweka Gate, you'll receive your summit certificates—green for those who reached Stella Point (5,685 m) and gold for those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Afterward, you'll be transferred back to the lodge for a warm welcome, refreshing drink, and hearty celebration meal.

Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge
Located in the heart of Arusha, Planet Lodge offers a serene retreat surrounded by the vibrant beauty of Tanzania. Each chalet, decorated in warm African style, includes panoramic windows, artisan bedding, mosquito nets, and private bathrooms with solar‑heated showers. With welcoming staff, tidy rooms, and peaceful gardens, it's the perfect place to relax and reflect on your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Meals Plan – Full Board 

  • Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Overnight

  • Arusha Planet Lodge

DAY 9 : End of Itinerary

After breakfast transfer to Kilimanjaro airport by private car.

Activities of the day

  • Transfer to Airport

Accommodation

  • No Accommodation

Congratulation you are among the heroes who have successfully Climbed Mt Kilimanjaro Marangu route in 9 days.

THIS TOUR INCLUDES

  • Return transfer to & from the Mountain
    4 Overnight stays in mountain Huts

  • Professional & well experienced Mountain guides chef & porters

  • All Park fees

  • Rescue fees

  • All meals while on the Mountain

  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees

  • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

  • Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food

  • Clean, purified drinking water

  • Crisis management and safety procedures

  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters

THIS TOUR EXCLUDES

  • Flight tickets

  • Tanzania Visa

  • Sleeping bag, please bring your own sleeping bag or can be rent in Arusha at reasonable price

  • Gratuity for Kilimanjaro climbing Crew (please tip separately)

  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages etc)

  • Meals not listed above

  • Travel insurance if applicable

  • Hiking Gears(Can be rent at Kilimanjaro at a reasonable price)

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