6-Day Kilimanjaro Group Joining Lemosho Itinerary
Walking times, distances and elevations are approximate. Weather, trail conditions, group pace, park procedures and guide safety decisions can change the timing of each day.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Lemosho Trailhead and Forest Camp
We drive from Moshi toward Londorossi Gate for park entry formalities, then continue toward the Lemosho trailhead. After the crew is organized, the trek begins through montane forest to the first campsite. Rain and mud are possible in this zone, so waterproof layers should be accessible.
- Forest Camp altitude: about 9,500 ft / 2,900 m
- Approximate trekking distance: 6 km
- Approximate walking time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Montane rainforest
- Overnight: Forest Camp
Day 2: Forest Camp via Shira 1 to Shira 2
The trail leaves the forest and climbs through heath and moorland toward the Shira Ridge and plateau. This six-day schedule continues beyond Shira 1 to Shira 2 on the same day, making Day 2 one of the longer progression days of the itinerary.
- Shira 2 altitude: about 12,500 ft / 3,810 m
- Approximate trekking distance: 18 km
- Approximate walking time: 8–10 hours
- Habitat: Heath and moorland
- Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Day 3: Shira 2 to Lava Tower, then Barranco Camp
From Shira 2, the group climbs toward the Lava Tower area before descending toward Barranco. The day brings you to a higher daytime point and then a lower sleeping camp, which can support acclimatization, but it does not remove the risk of altitude illness.
- Barranco altitude: about 13,000 ft / 3,960 m
- Approximate trekking distance: 10 km
- Approximate walking time: 6–8 hours
- Habitat: High-altitude moorland and alpine desert
- Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp via Karanga to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, the route tackles the Barranco Wall. It is steep and requires careful hands-and-feet movement in places, but it is normally treated as a trekking obstacle rather than technical rock climbing. After crossing the Karanga area, the group continues to Barafu Camp.
At Barafu, the priority is food, hydration, warm clothing, equipment checks and rest before the summit attempt begins late at night.
- Barafu altitude: about 15,300 ft / 4,660 m
- Approximate trekking distance: 9 km
- Approximate walking time: 8–10 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Overnight: Barafu Camp
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then Descend to Mweka Camp
The summit attempt normally begins around midnight. The group climbs toward Stella Point on the crater rim and, if your health, weather and your guide's safety assessment allow, continues toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Reaching the summit is the objective, but it is not guaranteed.
After the summit attempt, you descend back toward Barafu and continue to Mweka Camp for the final night on the mountain. This is the longest and most demanding day of the itinerary.
- Uhuru Peak: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
- Approximate ascent distance: 5 km
- Approximate descent distance: 12 km
- Approximate walking time: 7–8 hours up plus 4–6 hours down
- Overnight: Mweka Camp, about 10,000 ft / 3,050 m
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, then Return to Moshi
After breakfast, the group descends through the forest to Mweka Gate. Lower sections can be wet and muddy, so keep rain protection available. Park exit formalities are completed at the gate, and certificates are issued according to the point reached.
A vehicle then transfers the group from the Mweka area to the agreed Moshi drop-off point.
- Approximate trekking distance: about 10 km
- Approximate walking time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Montane rainforest
- Transfer: Mweka area to agreed Moshi drop-off