9 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro – Lemosho–Shira Route (6 Days Trek)
This itinerary combines the scenic Lemosho approach with the Shira Plateau, offering remote trails, beautiful landscapes, and good acclimatization in a shorter 6-day mountain program, with arrival and departure days included.
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Arusha (approx. 1 hour). Rest and prepare for the climb.
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Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
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Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha – Londorossi Gate – Forest Camp
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate (2,100m) for registration, then continue to the Lemosho trailhead. Begin trekking through pristine rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and rich birdlife, to Forest Camp.
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Elevation: 2,100m → 2,750m
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Distance: ~6 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Habitat: Rainforest
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Accommodation: Forest Camp
Day 3: Forest Camp – Shira 1 Camp
The trail leaves the forest and enters open moorland with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock formations. Ascend gently onto the Shira Plateau, with stunning views of Kibo Peak.
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Elevation: 2,750m → 3,540m
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Distance: ~8 km
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Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
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Habitat: Moorland
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
A key acclimatization day. Walk across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp, then ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending to Barranco Camp.This “walk high, sleep low” approach greatly improves summit success.
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Elevation: 3,540m → 4,600m → 3,950m
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Distance: ~10 km
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Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
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Habitat: Semi-desert
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
After breakfast, climb the famous Great Barranco Wall, a fun but non-technical scramble. Continue through the Karanga Valley before ascending to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt.Early dinner and final summit briefing.
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Elevation: 3,950m → 4,600m
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Distance: ~9 km
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Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Around midnight, begin the summit ascent. Climb steadily through scree to Stella Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa.After photos, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch, then continue to Mweka Camp.
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Elevation: 4,600m → 5,895m → 3,100m
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Distance: ~7 km up / ~23 km down
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Hiking Time: 7–8 hours up / 6–7 hours down
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Habitat: Arctic zone & rainforest
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate:Gold Certificate – Uhuru PeakGreen Certificate – Stella PointTransfer back to Arusha for a well-earned shower and celebration.
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Elevation: 3,100m → 1,980m
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
Day 8: Free Day in Arusha
A rest day to relax after the climb. Optional activities include:
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Arusha city tour
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Coffee plantation visit
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Cultural experiences
🌍 Safari or Zanzibar beach add-ons available on request.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Departure from TanzaniaTransfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight home.
Meals: Breakfast