Tour Overview
Lemosho: Our Top Recommendation for Kilimanjaro
Lemosho stands out as our personal favorite route for reaching the summit of Africa’s highest peak. This trail captivates climbers with its stunning scenic beauty, pristine encounters with wildlife, exceptional acclimatization opportunities, and minimal climber traffic, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more serene and enriching experience.
Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route
The Machame Route, affectionately nicknamed the “Whiskey Route,” is one of Kilimanjaro’s most picturesque and highly acclaimed trails. Known for its dramatic landscapes, this popular path winds through lush forests before ascending to a ridge that leads to the expansive Shira Plateau via the moorland zones. From there, it follows the Barafu Route toward the summit, offering breathtaking views beneath the glaciated cliffs of the Southern Ice Fields.
Thanks to its flexible itinerary, which allows for longer trek durations, and its gradual, manageable incline, the Machame Route boasts a significantly higher summit success rate compared to shorter or steeper alternatives. Whether you’re drawn to its diverse ecosystems or its awe-inspiring vistas, this route promises an unforgettable journey to the rooftop of Africa.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi (1400m) – Londorossi Gate (2100m) – Mti Mkubwa camp on Day 1 (2750m)
Time Spent Hiking: 3 hours
Habitat: Montane ForestAfter breakfast at your hotel, your guide will provide a detailed overview of the day’s activities. From Moshi (1,400m), you’ll travel to the Londorossi Park Gate (2,100m). Before reaching the gate, you’ll stop in a nearby village where you can purchase mineral water for the hike and receive a packed lunch to fuel your journey. The final 45 minutes of the drive to the gate will be on a rugged forest track, requiring 4WD vehicles to navigate the bumpy terrain. Upon arrival, guides and porters will distribute supplies and complete the registration process with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).
With everything prepared, you’ll embark on a 3-hour hike through the lush montane rainforest. Keep an eye out for the graceful Colobus monkeys swinging through the trees—a highlight of this section of the trail. Along the way, you’ll pause for a refreshing lunch break before continuing onward. By early evening, you’ll arrive at Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Campsite, nestled at an elevation of 2,750 meters.
Upon arrival, the porters, who have already set up camp, will ensure your tent is ready and boil water for drinking and washing. Meanwhile, the chef will prepare a delicious snack followed by a hearty dinner to replenish your energy. As night falls, remember that mountain temperatures can drop below freezing, so dress warmly and settle into your cozy tent for a well-deserved rest after an exciting first day on Kilimanjaro.
Day 2: Shira 2 Camp (2750m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m) (3840m)
Time Spent Hiking: 6.5 hours
Habitat: MoorlandAfter an early morning breakfast, you’ll begin your ascent out of the rainforest and into the heather moorland zone. The trail takes you across several streams and along a scenic plateau, gradually leading to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m). Nestled beside a stream, this campsite offers breathtaking views of the Western Breach and its majestic glaciers to the east, providing a stunning backdrop for your evening.
Upon arrival, your tents will already be set up, just as they were on the first night, ensuring a comfortable stop after a long day of hiking. The porters will prepare drinking and washing water for your convenience, while the chef serves evening snacks before preparing a satisfying dinner.
Be prepared for a chilly night at this exposed camp, as temperatures often plummet below freezing. Despite the cold, the tranquility and beauty of the moorland make it a memorable resting point on your journey toward Kilimanjaro’s summit. Wrap up warmly and settle in for the night, surrounded by nature’s grandeur.
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (2600m) – Second Tarn Cave (3600m).
Time Spent Hiking: 7 hours
Approximate Distance: 15 kilometersAfter an early morning breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to the moorland habitat and enter the semi-desert and rocky landscape. For the first 5 hours of your trek, the trail leads you eastward until you reach the impressive Lava Tower at 4,630 meters. Here, hikers can enjoy their packed lunches, and if weather permits, they may even climb this colossal volcanic formation for a closer look. At this elevation, it’s common to start feeling the effects of altitude, such as headaches or shortness of breath, so take your time and listen to your body.
Following lunch, you’ll descend from Lava Tower (4,630m) down to Barranco Campsite (3,950m). This descent of approximately 680 meters is incredibly beneficial for acclimatization, giving your body valuable time to adjust to the high-altitude conditions. The descent to camp takes around 2 hours and brings you into a stunning valley nestled between the Western Breach and the towering Great Barranco Wall—often referred to as the “Breakfast Wall.”
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting warm hues over the rugged terrain, you’ll arrive at Barranco Camp. Porters will have already set up your tents and prepared drinking and washing water for your convenience. Dinner will be served shortly after, allowing you to relax and recharge amidst the dramatic surroundings. With temperatures likely to drop significantly during the night, bundle up and prepare for a restful evening in this breathtaking location.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950m) – Barafu Camp (4550m)
Time Spent Hiking: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 13 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine DesertAfter an early morning breakfast, it’s time to tackle the iconic Great Barranco Wall! Despite its imposing reputation, most hikers find this Class 2 scramble much easier than anticipated. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views above the clouds and a stunning sight of the Heim Glacier in the distance. From here, the trail winds up and down through the scenic Karanga Valley, where it intersects with the Mweka Route—the path used for the descent during the final two days.
Continuing onward, you’ll reach Barafu Hut after about an hour of hiking from Karanga Camp. Keep in mind that there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4,550m), making it the porters’ last water stop before the summit attempt. The Swahili word “barafu” translates to “ice,” and true to its name, this camp is perched on a rocky, exposed ridge surrounded by the stark beauty of the alpine desert.
Before darkness falls, take some time to familiarize yourself with the campsite, as navigating the wind-swept, rocky terrain in the dark can be challenging. Your dinner will be served earlier than usual to allow ample rest ahead of the grueling summit night. Afterward, your guide will provide a detailed briefing on how to prepare for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak. To ensure maximum energy conservation, lights-out should ideally occur by 19:00, giving you several hours to rest and mentally prepare for the adventure that lies ahead. Though conditions may feel harsh and exposed, the anticipation of reaching Africa’s highest point makes this stop all the more meaningful.
Day 5: Barafu Camp (summit attempt) (4550m) – Mweka (5895m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) (3100m)
Time to Reach Uhuru Peak: 8 hours
Descent to Mweka: 7-8 hours
Distance: 7 kilometers ascending, 23 kilometers descending
Habitats: Stone Scree and Ice-Capped SummitAt approximately 23:30, your guide will rouse you with a warm cup of tea and some biscuits to fuel your body for the summit push. With headlamps illuminating the path ahead, you’ll set off into the night, beginning your ascent over rugged stone scree along a northwest-bound route. Many climbers find this segment to be the most mentally and physically challenging part of the journey, as the thin air and steep incline test both endurance and determination. After about 6 hours of climbing, you’ll arrive at Stella Point (5,685m), perched on the crater rim, where—if weather permits—you’ll witness an awe-inspiring sunrise that makes the effort feel instantly worthwhile.
From Stella Point, it’s another 2-hour climb along a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, and you’ll have a brief moment to celebrate, take photos, and sip tea while soaking in the surreal atmosphere of Kilimanjaro’s icy peak. Once you’ve savored this milestone, you’ll begin the descent back to Barafu Camp, which takes around 3 hours.
Upon returning to Barafu, you’ll enjoy a short rest and a hot lunch under the sun, allowing your body to recover before continuing downward. From here, the trek resumes, leading you toward Mweka Hut (3,100m). The Mweka Trail guides you through varied landscapes—first across rocky scree, then through the moorland zone, and finally into the lush rainforest below. As you approach Mweka Camp, nestled within the upper rainforest, be prepared for potential fog or light rain typical of this habitat.
At camp, porters will provide drinking and washing water, and the chef will prepare a satisfying dinner. After a long day of climbing and descending, you’ll settle into your tent for a well-deserved rest, knowing you’ve accomplished something extraordinary. Sleep soundly amidst the serene surroundings of the rainforest, ready to conclude your adventure the following day.
Day 6: Mweka camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (Day 6) (1980m)
Time Spent Hiking: 3 hours
Approximate Distance: 15 kilometers
Habitat: ForestAfter a well-earned breakfast, your team will gather for a joyous celebration filled with dancing and singing to mark the successful completion of your Kilimanjaro adventure. This is also the perfect opportunity to express gratitude and share feedback with your guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters, who have played an instrumental role in your journey. Following the celebrations, which last about three hours, you’ll begin the descent back to Mweka Gate.
Upon reaching Mweka Gate, all hikers are required to sign their names to receive an official certificate of completion from Kilimanjaro National Park. Those who reached Stella Point (5,685m) will be awarded green certificates, while climbers who summited Uhuru Peak (5,895m) will proudly receive gold certificates—a testament to their incredible accomplishment.
After collecting your certificates, the descent continues into Mweka Village, a gentle 1-hour walk covering 3 kilometers. Here, amidst the lush forest habitat, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch prepared just for you. With the climb now behind you, you’ll make your way back to Moshi, where refreshing rain awaits along with further celebrations to honor your achievement. It’s here, surrounded by friends and fellow adventurers, that your unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience truly comes full circle.
