Finish 2027 with a mountain expedition on this 7-day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro trek, planned for a summit attempt on December 31. Begin in the western rainforest, cross the Shira Plateau, explore the southern mountain landscapes, and climb toward Uhuru Peak before descending through Mweka.
The trek starts on December 26, 2027, with the summit attempt scheduled for the morning of December 31. Spend New Year’s Eve at Mweka Camp after descending, then complete the trek on January 1, 2028.
This itinerary includes Mti Mkubwa, Shira 2, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu, and Mweka camps. To complete the route in seven days, it combines the journey through Shira 1 with the onward walk to Shira 2 on Day 2. That creates a long day and a substantial gain in sleeping elevation.
Plan your expedition with Eddy Tours & Safaris, with the itinerary, crew support, equipment, transfers, and accommodation confirmed for your party.
7-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Trek Overview
| Detail | Proposed arrangement |
|---|---|
| Destination | Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania |
| Ascent route | Lemosho |
| Summit approach | Barafu through Stella Point |
| Descent route | Mweka |
| Mountain duration | 7 days / 6 nights |
| Trek start | December 26, 2027 |
| Planned summit attempt | December 31, 2027 |
| Trek finish | January 1, 2028 |
| Highest point | Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m |
| Accommodation | Mountain camping |
| Arrival base | Moshi |
| Expedition format | Private climb; group availability by enquiry |
| Price | Tailored quotation |
The seven days refer to time on the mountain. Arrival, briefing, and post-climb recovery require additional time in Tanzania.
The December 31 summit is a target, not a guarantee. Health, weather, and mountain conditions determine whether continuing is appropriate.
Why Choose Lemosho for an End-of-Year Trek?
Lemosho offers varied scenery across the expedition.
The opening trail passes through rainforest before reaching the broad Shira Plateau. Higher up, the landscape changes to sparse alpine terrain around Lava Tower, then descends into Barranco Valley.
The route continues over the Barranco Wall, through Karanga, and toward Barafu before the summit attempt.
This variety makes the journey rewarding beyond the highest point. Clear weather may reveal distant landscapes, while mist and cloud create a different atmosphere around the forest and valleys.
The seven-day version is demanding. Travelers with more time should also consider an eight-day itinerary, which can separate the Shira stages and reduce the workload of Day 2.
Seven-Day New Year Itinerary
Elevations and walking times are approximate. Weather, trail conditions, individual pace, and camp positioning affect the schedule.
| Day | Date | Trekking stage | Overnight elevation | Approximate walking time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec. 26, 2027 | Lemosho trailhead to Mti Mkubwa | 2,650 m | 3–4 hours |
| 2 | Dec. 27, 2027 | Mti Mkubwa through Shira 1 to Shira 2 | 3,850 m | 8–10 hours |
| 3 | Dec. 28, 2027 | Shira 2 via Lava Tower to Barranco | 3,950 m | 6–8 hours |
| 4 | Dec. 29, 2027 | Barranco Wall to Karanga | 4,000 m | 4–6 hours |
| 5 | Dec. 30, 2027 | Karanga to Barafu | 4,670 m | 3–5 hours |
| 6 | Dec. 31, 2027 | Barafu to Uhuru Peak, then Mweka | 3,100 m | About 11–15 hours in total |
| 7 | Jan. 1, 2028 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate | About 1,640 m at the gate | 3–4 hours |
This itinerary uses the Barafu summit approach. It does not include a Western Breach ascent or a separate overnight at Shira 1.
Before the Trek: Arrival in Moshi
Arrive in Moshi by December 25, preferably earlier if your international travel schedule allows.
Meet the team for a briefing and equipment check. Review the daily route, meal arrangements, luggage allowance, mountain routines, and summit preparation.
Tell the guides about previous altitude experience, relevant health concerns, and dietary requirements.
Use this time to resolve missing equipment and confirm any rentals. Boots should already be broken in, and essential warm layers should be ready before departure.
Hotel nights and airport transfers can be included in the complete quotation.
Day 1: December 26 — Lemosho Trailhead to Mti Mkubwa
Begin in the Western Rainforest
After breakfast, travel toward the western registration and trailhead area, subject to confirmed access arrangements.
Complete the park procedures before beginning the trek.
The opening trail passes through rainforest, where roots, mud, and uneven ground require attention. Keep your waterproof layer accessible, even if conditions are dry at departure.
Walk steadily and settle into the team’s pace. Your guide arranges breaks and introduces practical routines for the coming days.
Arrive at Mti Mkubwa, also known as Big Tree Camp. Settle into your tent, enjoy dinner, and organise your daypack for the longer stage ahead.
Trailhead elevation: Approximately 2,100–2,300 m
Sleeping elevation: Approximately 2,650 m
Walking time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: December 27 — Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2
Cross the Shira Plateau
Leave early after breakfast.
Climb out of the forest as the vegetation opens into heath and moorland. Continue toward Shira 1 before walking onward across the plateau to Shira 2.
This is a long day, with approximately 1,200 metres of gain in sleeping elevation. It should be understood clearly when choosing the seven-day package.
Maintain a sustainable pace and take regular breaks. Carry the clothing and essentials you need during the walk rather than relying on access to your main luggage.
Weather permitting, the plateau provides wider views toward Kibo and the surrounding country.
Reach Shira 2, eat, and rest. Report how you feel after the day’s climb so the guides can assess the next stage appropriately.
Starting elevation: Approximately 2,650 m
Sleeping elevation: Approximately 3,850 m
Walking time: Approximately 8–10 hours
Habitat: Heath and moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: December 28 — Shira 2 to Barranco via Lava Tower
Gain Height Before Descending to Camp
After breakfast, continue toward Lava Tower, approximately 4,630 metres.
The vegetation becomes sparse and the altitude makes effort more noticeable. Walk slowly and remain attentive to how you feel.
This stage gains height before descending to a lower overnight camp. That profile provides time at a higher elevation, but it does not guarantee successful acclimatisation.
The guide may adjust the route if symptoms or conditions make the higher section unsuitable.
Descend toward Barranco Valley, where the landscape changes again. Giant groundsels and the surrounding slopes give the approach a distinctive character.
Arrive at Barranco Camp beneath the wall you will cross the following day.
Starting elevation: Approximately 3,850 m
High point: Lava Tower, approximately 4,630 m
Sleeping elevation: Approximately 3,950 m
Walking time: Approximately 6–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: December 29 — Barranco to Karanga
Climb the Barranco Wall
After breakfast, approach the Barranco Wall.
The ascent involves scrambling, with sections where you use your hands for balance. It is not normally a technical climbing stage, but it requires concentration and can feel exposed.
Follow your guide’s instructions, maintain space, and allow mountain crews to pass where appropriate.
From the top, continue across ridges and valleys toward Karanga. Although the sleeping elevation changes relatively little, the day includes both climbing and descending.
Reach camp with time to eat and rest. A short additional walk may be suggested if appropriate.
Starting elevation: Approximately 3,950 m
Sleeping elevation: Approximately 4,000 m
Walking time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland and increasingly sparse alpine terrain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: December 30 — Karanga to Barafu
Prepare for the Summit Attempt
Climb toward Barafu after breakfast.
The landscape becomes rocky and exposed. Keep your pace slow and conserve energy.
Arrive at summit base camp, eat, and rest. Familiarise yourself with the camp layout before darkness falls.
Your guide reviews the ascent plan, clothing, equipment, departure timing, and turnaround decisions.
Prepare your headlamp, spare batteries, warm layers, gloves, snacks, and water arrangements before trying to sleep.
Departure usually takes place late on December 30 or around midnight. The exact time depends on conditions and the team.
Starting elevation: Approximately 4,000 m
Camp elevation: Approximately 4,670 m
Walking time: Approximately 3–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: December 31 — Uhuru Peak Attempt and Descent to Mweka
Climb on New Year’s Eve
Begin the summit ascent in darkness.
The steep trail above Barafu demands sustained effort. Cold, altitude, and fatigue make this the hardest stage of the expedition.
Move slowly toward Stella Point on the crater rim. If your condition, weather, and timing allow, continue to Uhuru Peak.
At 5,895 metres, Uhuru Peak marks Kilimanjaro’s highest point. The target is a visit on the morning of December 31, though sunrise arrival cannot be guaranteed.
Pause briefly for photographs before descending. Your guide may turn you around earlier if continuing is unsuitable.
Return to Barafu for food and a rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.
The descent remains demanding after the summit attempt. Walk carefully and keep communicating with your guide.
Spend New Year’s Eve at Mweka. Dinner and sleep may be the most welcome way to close the year after such a long day.
Highest point: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
Overnight elevation: Approximately 3,100 m
Walking time: Approximately 11–15 hours in total, sometimes longer
Meals: Pre-ascent refreshments or breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7: January 1 — Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Finish on New Year’s Day
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest.
The lower air becomes warmer, but muddy sections and tired legs still require careful footing.
Reach Mweka Gate, complete the exit procedures, and receive any qualifying certificate according to the highest point reached.
Meet your transfer vehicle and return to Moshi.
A post-climb hotel night allows time for a shower, a comfortable meal, and recovery before onward travel.
Starting elevation: Approximately 3,100 m
Gate elevation: Approximately 1,640 m
Walking time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast and lunch, according to the confirmed arrangement
Seven Days or Eight Days?
The seven-day itinerary combines the forest-to-Shira stages into one long second day.
An eight-day version can add a separate Shira 1 overnight, spreading that section across two days. For travelers wanting more time, it is worth comparing the actual schedules before choosing.
No route duration guarantees a summit. Physical fitness helps with effort, but does not protect against altitude illness.
The December 31 target should never override a decision to stop or descend.
Camping and Equipment
This expedition uses tents at designated camps.
Confirm tent occupancy, sleeping mats, dining facilities, and toilet arrangements in the quotation. Sleeping bags, private toilet tents, and rentals should be specified clearly.
Bring broken-in boots, waterproof clothing, insulating layers, a warm jacket, gloves, a hat, trekking poles, and a reliable headlamp.
December conditions can include rain, wind, snow, and slippery terrain. Pack for changing mountain weather rather than expecting clear skies throughout.
Package Inclusions and Price
Request a quotation covering:
- Applicable park, camping, and compulsory charges.
- Mountain guides, cooks, and porters.
- Six nights of mountain camping.
- Meals during the trek.
- Drinking-water treatment arrangements.
- Transfers to the trailhead and from Mweka Gate.
- Group camping equipment.
- The stated communication and emergency equipment.
Confirm whether hotel nights, airport transfers, rentals, and additional facilities are included.
Flights, visa costs, personal equipment, gratuities, and suitable travel insurance are generally separate unless stated otherwise.
The price depends on group size, dates, equipment, and service arrangements. Review the complete proposal and booking terms before paying.
Crew Welfare and Preparation
Ask how crew pay, workloads, meals, shelter, and equipment are managed.
Confirm your personal luggage allowance and tipping arrangements before departure.
Prepare with regular hill walking and longer days using your boots and daypack. Discuss personal health questions with a qualified clinician and review the CDC’s high-altitude travel guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I arrive?
Arrive by December 25, 2027, preferably earlier.
Will we be at the summit at midnight?
No. The itinerary targets the morning of December 31. Midnight is spent at Mweka after descent.
Does the trek finish in 2027?
No. The summit attempt is in 2027, and the trek finishes on January 1, 2028.
Is there a separate Shira 1 overnight?
No. This version continues through Shira 1 to Shira 2 on Day 2.
Is the departure confirmed?
No. Availability and official route access must be confirmed before booking.
Can we add a safari or Zanzibar?
Yes. Allow recovery time and plan onward travel around the trek finish.
Plan Your New Year’s Eve Lemosho Expedition
Contact Eddy Tours & Safaris with your group size, trekking experience, and available travel days.
Request confirmation of route access alongside the complete itinerary, price, equipment, and support arrangements.
For official mountain updates, visit Tanzania National Parks.
Website: eddytours-safaris.com
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Alternative email: eddytoursandsafaris@gmail.com
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