Embark on an unforgettable 10-day, 9-night adventure with Zayla Tours as you conquer Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route. This journey is not just a trek; it's a passage through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, culminating in the breathtaking Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). The Lemosho Route is renowned for its stunning scenery, and with an excellent acclimatization profile, it offers a higher success rate compared to other routes—up to 90% for those who prepare properly. This itinerary is designed for both seasoned hikers and enthusiastic beginners, providing ample time for acclimatization and maximizing your chances of a successful summit. The Lemosho Route is also less crowded, giving you a more intimate connection with Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty. The best time to climb is during the dry seasons, from June to October and from January to March, when the weather is more stable, and the views are clearer. This meticulously planned itinerary ensures that every step of your journey is guided by our experienced team, who are dedicated to your safety, comfort, and success. From the moment you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport to your triumphant return, you’ll be supported by top-notch services, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable experiences that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Zayla Tours who will transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. This vibrant city is the gateway to many of Tanzania's natural wonders and offers a relaxing atmosphere to prepare for your upcoming adventure. You’ll have the rest of the day to unwind, adjust to the altitude, and perhaps explore some of Arusha’s cultural highlights or markets. We recommend a leisurely evening to ensure you are well-rested for the climb ahead.

Accommodation Suggestions:

• • Budget: Meru House Inn
  • Midrange: Mount Meru Hotel
  • Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge

Meal Plan: Dinner at the accommodation.

Extra Activities: Visit a local Maasai market, Arusha city tour, or coffee plantation tour.

Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

• Altitude: 2,100m (6,890ft) to 2,650m (8,692ft)
• Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Your journey begins with a drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate, where you will complete the necessary formalities before starting your trek. The trail begins in the lush rainforest, where you may spot Colobus monkeys and other wildlife. The hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp is relatively short, allowing you to ease into the rhythm of the climb while taking in the vibrant surroundings. The rainforest's dense canopy provides shade, and the trail is rich with the sounds of nature, making for a pleasant start to your ascent.

Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Camping)

Meal Plan: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch en route, Dinner at Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Extra Activities: Guided nature walk around the camp, evening briefing on the next day’s hike.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

• Altitude: 2,650m (8,692ft) to 3,610m (11,841ft)
• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

The trail gradually ascends out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone, where the landscape opens up, offering expansive views of the Shira Plateau. This day’s trek is more challenging, as you gain significant altitude, but it is also one of the most rewarding as you approach the western edge of the plateau. The Shira Ridge offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding wilderness, and if the weather is clear, you’ll get your first glimpse of Kibo Peak, Kilimanjaro’s summit.

Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (Camping)

Meal Plan: Breakfast at Mti Mkubwa Camp, Lunch en route, Dinner at Shira 1 Camp.

Extra Activities: Sunset photography at the Shira Ridge, stargazing at night.

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• Altitude: 3,610m (11,841ft) to 3,850m (12,631ft)
• Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Today’s hike is shorter but crucial for acclimatization. You’ll traverse the Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic areas on the mountain, with its unique vegetation and dramatic rock formations. The terrain is gentle, and you’ll have plenty of time to take in the beauty of the plateau. As you approach Shira 2 Camp, the landscape becomes more barren, highlighting the stark beauty of the moorland. This is also an excellent day to assess how your body is adjusting to the altitude.

Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (Camping)

Meal Plan: Breakfast at Shira 1 Camp, Lunch en route, Dinner at Shira 2 Camp.

Extra Activities: Acclimatization hike in the afternoon, nature photography.

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

• Altitude: 3,850m (12,631ft) to 3,900m (12,795ft) via 4,600m (15,091ft) at Lava Tower
• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert

This is a crucial acclimatization day as you hike up to the Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation at 4,600 meters (15,091 feet), before descending to Barranco Camp. The climb to Lava Tower is challenging, but the views are spectacular, and reaching this altitude helps your body adapt. After spending some time at the Lava Tower, you’ll descend into the Barranco Valley, known for its giant Senecio and Lobelia plants. The descent helps alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness, making the night at Barranco Camp more comfortable.

Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Camping)

Meal Plan: Breakfast at Shira 2 Camp, Lunch at Lava Tower, Dinner at Barranco Camp.

Extra Activities: Briefing on the Barranco Wall, acclimatization exercises.

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Altitude: 3,900m (12,795ft) to 4,035m (13,238ft)
• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Today’s trek begins with the challenging Barranco Wall, a steep climb that requires some scrambling but is very rewarding. Once you conquer the Wall, the trail becomes easier as you traverse the ridges and valleys that make up the high-altitude desert landscape. Karanga Camp, your next stop, offers stunning views of the mountain and is a great place to relax and acclimatize further. The shorter distance and moderate pace of the day are designed to ensure you are well-prepared for the final ascent.

Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Camping)

Meal Plan: Breakfast at Barranco Camp, Lunch en route, Dinner at Karanga Camp.

Extra Activities: Afternoon acclimatization hike, evening briefing on the summit night.

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Altitude: 4,035m (13,238ft) to 4,640m (15,223ft)
• Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

The trail to Barafu Camp is steep but relatively short, giving you plenty of time to rest and prepare for the summit attempt. As you ascend, the landscape becomes even more barren, with sparse vegetation and rocky terrain. Barafu Camp, perched on a ridge, is the last stop before the final push to Uhuru Peak. You’ll have an early dinner and retire to your tent to get some rest before the midnight summit attempt. The atmosphere at the camp is electric, with climbers from all over the world sharing the anticipation of the upcoming challenge.

Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Camping)

Meal Plan: Breakfast at Karanga Camp, Lunch en route, Dinner at Barafu Camp.

Extra Activities: Final briefing on the summit night, equipment check, rest.

Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Mweka Camp

• Altitude: 4,640m (15,223ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) then down to 3,080m (10,105ft)
• Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles) total
• Hiking Time: 10-14 hours (6-8 hours to the summit, 4-6 hours to Mweka Camp)
• Habitat: Arctic summit to moorland

You’ll start the summit attempt just after midnight, trekking through the darkness towards Stella Point. This is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the climb, with cold temperatures and thin air making progress slow. However, as dawn approaches and you reach Stella Point, the first light of day will energize you for the final push to Uhuru Peak. Standing at the Roof of Africa, you’ll experience a sense of accomplishment like no other. After taking in the panoramic views and capturing the moment, you’ll begin the descent to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, followed by a continued descent to Mweka Camp. The descent is hard on the knees, but it’s exhilarating to know that you’ve conquered Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Camping)

Meal Plan: Light snack before the summit, Breakfast at Barafu Camp, Lunch en route, Dinner at Mweka Camp.

Extra Activities: Celebratory photos at Uhuru Peak, farewell briefing with the guides.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Transfer to Arusha

• Altitude: 3,080m (10,105ft) to 1,640m (5,380ft)
• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

On your final day of trekking, you’ll descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. This last stretch is a chance to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve completed. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and say goodbye to your mountain crew. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha, where you can relax and celebrate your achievement. The evening is yours to enjoy—perhaps a well-

deserved dinner in town or simply resting at your accommodation.

Accommodation Suggestions:

• Budget: Meru House Inn
• Midrange: Mount Meru Hotel
• Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast at Mweka Camp, Lunch en route, Dinner at the accommodation.

Extra Activities: Massage or spa treatment in Arusha, shopping for souvenirs.

Day 10: Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport

After breakfast, you’ll have some free time in Arusha before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Reflect on your incredible adventure, from the base of Kilimanjaro to its peak, as you head home with memories to last a lifetime. If your flight schedule allows, you may wish to explore more of Arusha or simply relax before your journey back.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast at the accommodation.

Our pricing structure is generally calculated on a per-person sharing basis, unless otherwise indicated. Please note that the listed prices are approximate and may be subject to adjustment:

All rates depend on availability and may change without prior notice. If you prefer single accommodations, additional fees may apply. We encourage you to reach out for a customized quote or connect with our Tanzania Safari Experts to receive the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information

Inclusions:

• Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook
• All park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
• Meals as specified in the itinerary
• Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
• Transfers from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Drinking water throughout the trek
• Summit certificate

Exclusions:

• International flights
• Tanzania visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal trekking gear (boots, jackets, etc.)
• Tips for guides, porters, and cook
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)