There are two factors that will determine the elevation gains on your Kilimanjaro trip: what route you choose to take and how many days you will do it in. After helping over 2,500 people in the summit of Kilimanjaro, we really only use the Lemosho route over 8 days on the mountain as this route gives us a 95% success rate. Our itinerary will give you the best chance of reaching your goal of the Roof of Africa, while also allowing you to enjoy the journey.
We will showcase the elevation gains on the Lemosho Route up Kilimanjaro. However, if you chose less days, you are going to see far higher jumps in altitude. This will make a big difference in your acclimatization and safety. Why not join one of our upcoming trips and climb with Kilimanjaro’s Number 1 Guide. We will make sure you have the tools to make a safe and successful attempt on Kilimanjaro.
Daily Elevation Gains on the Lemosho Route
Day 1). Arusha – The gateway to safari and Kilimanjaro
You will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and we will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. We use the Karama Lodge or similar in Arusha. You might not think it but you already started your acclimatization on your flight. The cabin pressure on your flight would normally be set around 2,000m/ 6,561 feet. Then, you will continue your acclimatization in Arusha as it sits at 1,400m/ 4,593 feet. At this elevation, there is 12% less oxygen than at sea level.
Remember, you can always come in early, recover from jet lag, time zone changes and gain extra acclimatization for the climb. Depending on where in the world you live, you may need more time than just one night in Arusha. We have people joining our climbs from around the world. It is important so make sure you are rested and well hydrated before you start the climb, in order to start off on the right foot.
Day 2). 3 hour drive to the Londrossi Gate and 3 hours hiking
You will be up early for breakfast as the goal is to leave by 8 am for the three and a half hour drive to the Londrossi Gate. The Gate sits at 2,250m/ 7,381 feet. On our climbs you will have a full 3 course meal for lunch at the gate before you get back into the vehicle for 25 minute drive to the start of the trail. The start of the trail is at 2,300m/ 7,545 feet. After trekking for 3 hours you will then reach Big Tree Camp at 2,800m/ 9,186 feet. You are now at high altitude, therefore, it is important to take your time with everything you do. You will hiking up 500m/ 1,640 feet and covering 3.9 miles/ 6.2km on this day. Watch video from Day 1 on the Lemosho route.
Day 3). The Journey up to the Shira Plateau
Breakfast will be served at 7 am. Your bags will need to be packed and ready, so tents can be dismantled and moved to the next camp, Shira Camp 1, at 3,500m/ 11,500 feet. At 8 am you will be moving, hiking through the rain forest. Once you hit 3,000m/ 9,842 feet, you will exit the rain forest, and the route up to the Shira Plateau reveals itself. Today, you cover 700m/ 2,296 feet over 5.7 miles/ 9.1km. Watch video from Day 2 on the Lemosho route.
Day 4). Moving Across the Shira Plateau
Today is an easier hike, but you are still at high altitude and therefore you still need to be drinking 4 to 5 liters of water. The route today leads across the Shira plateau to Shira Camp 2 at 3,850m/ 12,631 feet. Once you arrive at Shira Camp 2 you will have lunch and then continue up to 4,000m/ 13,123 feet for additional acclimatization. After this acclimatization hike, then you will return for the evening in Shira Camp 2. Today, you will cover 500m/ 1,640 feet for ascent and 150m/ 492 feet of descent, over a distance of 3.8 miles/ 6.1km. Watch video from Day 3 on the Lemosho route.
Day 5). The Critical Acclimatization Day
Today is one of the big acclimatization days. You will need to leave camp at 8am for the 4 hour hike up to the Lava Tower at 4,600m/ 15,091 feet. Our team will have the mess tent erected at the lava tower for you to rest in the shade and be served a three course meal. After lunch, then you will descend all the way down to Baranco Camp, at 3,900m/ 12,795 feet. This is a long day where you hike up 750m/ 2,460 feet and also down 700m/ 2,296 feet and cover 6.7 miles/ 10.8km. Watch video from Day 4 on the Lemosho route.
Day 6). The Barranco Wall to the Karanga Camp
After a good nights rest, then you will be right back at it! For many trekkers, today is a favorite day, as you climb up and over the Baranco Wall. We think that the Baranco Valley is the most beautiful valley on Kilimanjaro. This is an easier day and the Baranco Wall should not scare you. Most people are ready to do it again after they complete it as they have so much fun scrambling through the rock in the amazing and unique place.
The elevation gain on the Baranco Wall is 250m/ 820 feet. Once on top of the wall, you make a series of ups and downs before dropping 140m/ 460 feet, into the Karanga Valley. From there, you will continue moving back up the trail another 120m/ 400 feet, before arriving at the Karanga Camp at 4,050m/ 13,287 feet. The total amount of elevation gain today is 450m/ 1,476 feet. Also, the descent is a total of 220m/ 721 feet. Therefore, you will cover a distance of 3.5 miles/ 5.6km today. Watch video from Day 5 on the Lemosho route.
Day 7). High Camp and Launching Pad for the Summit
Today the team will move up to one of two points: Barafu High Camp at 4,650m/ 15,255 feet or Kosovo Camp 4,800m/ 15,748 feet. The goal is always to get to the Kosovo Camp, however this is weather dependent. This is putting you in to the best position for the early morning hours for your summit attempt. The goal is to get to high camp early to aid in the acclimatization process.
Once you reach high camp, then you will be served a full three course meal. Then you will have time to get your clothing ready for the summit attempt before trying to get as much rest and sleep as possible. You will be up again at 10/11pm, preparing for the push to the summit. There is no down hill today, therefore, you will just go uphill 650m/ 2,132 feet or 800m/ 2,625 feet if we go up to Kosovo Camp. Aiming to arrive into high camp around mid day. You will cover 2.2 miles/ 3.5km today, getting into high camp. Watch video from Day 6 on the Lemosho route.
Day 8). One of the Biggest Trekking Days of your Life
This is it, all that you have been preparing for over the past year or more! Today is your summit night , with a full day of hiking up and down the mountain. Summit day is approximately a fourteen hour journey. You will travel up to the summit 1,245m/ 4,084 feet or 1,095m/ 3,592 feet if we leave from Kosovo Camp, and then drop down 2,795m/ 9,170 feet. This is a VERY tough day, even for the most seasoned trekker! Therefore, you MUST be prepared!
After reaching the summit and heading back down to the camp, then you will get a one or two hour break. There, you will have time for a full lunch, some rest and time to pack up your bags. Then, you will be moving down to Mweka Camp, at 3,100m/ 10,170 feet. On this very long day, you will cover a distance of 11.2 miles/ 18.1km. Watch video from Day 7 on the Lemosho route.
Day 9). The Rewarding Walk Down Kilimanjaro
After an amazing nights sleep at lower altitude, then you will begin your final day on the mountain. Today, you will drop from Mweka Camp at 3,100m/ 10,170 feet, down to the Mweka Gate at 1,900m/ 6,233 feet. This is a beautiful walk, down hill through the rain forest. However, your legs will be tired from the day before! You will drop down 1,200m/ 3,937 feet today and will cover a total distance of 5.8 miles/ 9.3km. Watch video from Day 8 on the Lemosho route.
If you want more information or to start planning your trip up Kilimanjaro, then GET IN TOUCH today! We have the expert information you need to make your trip a success. Likewise, we have the team in place to give you the best experience in reaching Africa’s Highest Point!