11 Days – Western Approach Route – West Kilimanjaro
Route Style: Western Approach (Lemosho Route via
Southern Circuit)
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
Route Highlights: Gradual ascent, rich biodiversity, high
success rate, scenic Western Kilimanjaro start
Kilimanjaro Climb
Lemosho Route – 11 Days / 10 Nights
Route Style: Western Approach via Southern Circuit
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
Route Highlights: Gentle acclimatization, remote western start, diverse landscapes, excellent success rate, fewer crowds in early days.
Difficulty Level: ★★★☆☆ (Challenging – long trek, but gradual ascent improves acclimatization)
Style: Camping route with high biodiversity and spectacular scenery
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
• Activity: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Transfer to: Planet Lodge, Arusha
• Elevation: ~1,400 m / 4,600 ft
• Accommodation: Planet Lodge
• Notes: Briefing, equipment check, and rest.
Day 2: Acclimatization Day (West Kilimanjaro)
• Transfer to: Ndarakwai Ranch
• Elevation: ~1,800 m / 5,906 ft
• Activity: Gentle acclimatization hike and cultural/wildlife walk
• Accommodation: Ndarakwai Ranch
• Notes: Prepares body for higher elevation days ahead.
Day 3: Trek Begins – Lemosho Gate to Forest Camp (Big Tree Camp)
• Start: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m / 6,890 ft)
• End: Forest Camp (Big Tree Camp)
• Elevation: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
• Hiking Time: ~3–4 hours
• Terrain: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Forest Camp
• Notes: Lush jungle trail, slow pace to allow acclimatization
Day 4: Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp
• Start: Forest Camp (2,800 m)
• End: Shira 1 Camp
• Elevation: 3,500 m / 11,483 ft• Hiking Time: ~5–6 hours
• Terrain: Moorland
• Notes: Emergence from forest onto Shira Plateau with panoramic views.
Day 5: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Camp
• Start: Shira 1 (3,500 m)
• End: Moir Camp
• Elevation: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
• Hiking Time: ~6–7 hours
• Terrain: High alpine desert
• Notes: Remote camp; great spot for acclimatization and short hikes
Day 6: Moir Camp to Barranco Camp
• Start: Moir Camp (4,200 m)
• High Point: Lava Tower – 4,630 m / 15,190 ft (acclimatization climb)
• End: Barranco Camp
• Elevation: 3,950 m / 12,960 ft
• Hiking Time: ~6–8 hours
• Terrain: Alpine desert, then descending into lush valley
• Notes: "Climb high, sleep low" strategy helps acclimatization.
Day 7: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Start: Barranco Camp (3,950 m)
• End: Karanga Camp
• Elevation: 3,995 m / 13,107 ft
• Hiking Time: ~4–5 hours
• Terrain: Steep rock face (Barranco Wall), then gentle ascent
• Notes: Short but steep day; exciting climb over Barranco Wall.
Day 8: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Start: Karanga Camp (3,995 m)
• End: Barafu Camp
• Elevation: 4,673 m / 15,331 ft
• Hiking Time: ~3–4 hours
• Terrain: Alpine desert
• Notes: Early dinner and rest; summit push begins at midnight
Day 9: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Return to Barafu
• Start (Midnight): Barafu Camp (4,673 m)
• Uhuru Peak: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
• Return: Barafu Camp
• Total Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
• Terrain: Volcanic scree, ice cap near summit
• Notes: Most challenging day; rewarding sunrise at Africa’s highest point.
Day 10: Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp
• Start: Barafu Camp (4,673 m)
• End: Mweka Camp
• Elevation: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
• Hiking Time: ~4–6 hours
• Terrain: Alpine desert into rainforest
• Notes: Long descent; trekking poles recommended to save knees.
Day 11: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha / Departure
• Start: Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
• End: Mweka Gate
• Elevation: 1,640 m / 5,380 ft
• Hiking Time: ~3–4 hours
• Transfer to: Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport
• Notes: Receive summit certificates, final team goodbyes.
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