Day 1:  Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your preferred lodge in Arusha. Budget travelers may enjoy the relaxed ambiance of Outpost Lodge, midrange guests can settle in at Arusha Planet Lodge, and luxury climbers may unwind at the exquisite Arusha Coffee Lodge. The drive from the airport typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic, offering your first glimpse of Mount Meru and the vibrant landscapes surrounding Arusha. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing, exploring the local markets, or preparing for the adventure ahead. Dinner and overnight stay are included at your chosen accommodation.

Optional extra activities: Coffee plantation tour, Arusha city exploration, Cultural Heritage Centre visit, or a relaxed afternoon at Lake Duluti.

Day 2:  Arusha to Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, the journey begins with a scenic drive of about 3 to 4 hours covering approximately 110 km from Arusha to Londorossi Gate at an altitude of 2,250 meters. Upon arrival, registration formalities and equipment checks are completed before entering the Lemosho start point. The trek begins through dense tropical rainforest where the air is cool and humid, and the sounds of exotic birds and colobus monkeys fill the forest canopy. This first stretch covers around 7 km and usually takes 3 to 4 hours, offering a gentle ascent through thick vegetation, giant ferns, and moss covered trees. You will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,750 meters in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by lush forest terrain.

Optional extra activities: Evening nature walk around the camp, wildlife spotting for monkeys and forest birds.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After a nourishing breakfast, the trail leads you out of the rainforest into the moorland zone, offering a dramatic shift in landscape and vegetation. The day’s trek covers approximately 8 km and typically requires around 5 to 6 hours of hiking. The ascent takes you across narrow ridges and open clearings before widening into vast moorlands rich in heathers, wildflowers, and volcanic formations. Gradually, the path climbs toward the Shira Plateau, one of the world’s highest volcanic plateaus. Upon arrival at Shira 1 Camp at 3,505 meters, you will settle in for dinner and rest beneath star filled skies.

Optional extra activities: Sunset photography from the plateau, short acclimatization walks around camp.

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today’s journey is a moderate trek across expansive sections of the Shira Plateau, covering about 7 km in 4 to 5 hours. The trail provides spectacular views of Kibo Peak to the east and the rugged Shira Ridge to the west. The terrain consists of rocky paths, open plains, and gentle inclines surrounded by sweeping vistas and unique high altitude vegetation. You will gradually ascend to Shira 2 Camp at 3,840 meters, where the views become even more impressive as the cloud cover shifts below you. Dinner and overnight stay are provided at the camp.

Optional extra activities: Scenic exploration walks, acclimatization hikes toward Shira Cathedral.

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

This significant acclimatization day begins with a steady ascent from Shira 2 Camp to the iconic Lava Tower standing at 4,630 meters. The trek covers approximately 10 km and takes about 6 to 7 hours. The path leads through high alpine deserts, showcasing rugged volcanic rock formations and sparse vegetation. After reaching Lava Tower, climbers enjoy lunch and acclimatization time before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters. The descent into Barranco Valley reveals dramatic views of the Great Barranco Wall and lush surroundings fed by glacial streams. Dinner and overnight stay at Barranco Camp.

Optional extra activities: Exploration around Barranco Valley, photography of towering glacier faces.

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Begin the day with the thrilling ascent of the Barranco Wall, an adventurous scramble that provides excellent views of the surrounding landscapes. This section is not technical but requires careful footing as you traverse narrow ledges and rocky inclines. The route covers around 5 km over 4 to 5 hours, winding through high altitude valleys, alpine plateaus, and scenic ridges. After reaching the top of the wall, the trail continues with gentle ascents and descents until arriving at Karanga Camp at 4,035 meters. Dinner and overnight stay follow at camp.

Optional extra activities: Short acclimatization hikes surrounding Karanga Valley.

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Today’s trek is a steady ascent toward Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt. Covering approximately 4 km in 3 to 4 hours, the path traverses rocky volcanic terrain and increasingly barren slopes as you move deeper into the arctic zone. The altitude becomes more noticeable, and the landscape offers wide open views of the southeastern valleys and Mawenzi Peak. Barafu Camp sits at 4,640 meters, perched on a narrow ridge. Dinner is served early as climbers prepare for the midnight summit push.

Optional extra activities: Rest and acclimatization walks to explore surrounding ridges.

Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

The summit attempt begins around midnight, ascending steep switchbacks in cold, dark, and thin air. The distance to the summit is approximately 5 km, but the climb takes 6 to 8 hours due to altitude and steepness. You will first reach Stella Point on the crater rim before continuing for about an hour to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. As dawn breaks, the sunrise illuminates the glaciers and surrounding plains, offering one of the most breathtaking sights on Earth. After celebrating and capturing photos, descend to Barafu and continue down to Mweka Camp, covering an additional 12 km in 4 to 6 hours. Dinner and overnight stay follow at Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

After breakfast, complete the final descent of the expedition. The trail drops through lush rainforests rich in birdlife, wildflowers, and occasional monkeys. This 10 km descent typically takes 3 to 4 hours, ending at Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters. After signing out and receiving your summit certificates, you will be transferred back to Arusha for a relaxing evening at your preferred accommodation. Dinner is included.

Day 10: Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro adventure with Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions.