Understanding the elevation gains are a critical factor in planning a successful Kilimanjaro climb. There are two key aspects that determine the elevation gains on your Kilimanjaro trek, and understanding them is crucial for a safe and successful ascent. Ian Taylor Trekking have helped over 3,000 people to the summit of Kilimanjaro mostly on our 8 day Lemosho route itinerary using Kosovo Camp as High Camp. Check it out here and then check out our upcoming trips.
Personally Speaking
I have personal led over 40 successful Kilimanjaro climbs. I’ve witnessed a range of incidents and challenges related to altitude on every single I have been on, mostly with other groups with less acclimatization. That’s why we exclusively offer 8 and 9-day itineraries, meticulously designed for optimal acclimatization, safety, and summit success.
Our service on Kilimanjaro is second to none. We have the best guide, best tents, best food, more staff and we take care of them throughout the year. Most of our staff have worked with us for over 15 years. Why not read some reviews from our trips.
Our team are available 5 days a week to help you gather all the information you need. You can start reviewing all our important pages here. We will also send you a 40 page dossier if you are signed up for one of our treks.
I hope this page about the elevation gains on Kilimanjaro is useful as you build your training plan for your journey up Mount Kilimanjaro. Make sure to take a step by step approach to your training for Kilimanjaro.
Our Lemosho Route Itinerary
After helping over 3,000 people to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, we understand the risks, training, challenges, pace that needs to be implemented for a safe ascent and descent. Our itinerary on the Lemosho route using Kosovo Camp as our High Camp offer you 95% success rate if you come with the correct training. Our itinerary will give you the best chance of reaching your goal of the roof of Africa, get back down safely, while also allowing you to enjoy the journey.
Daily Elevation Gains on the Lemosho Route
We will showcase the elevation gains on our Lemosho Route itinerary 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.
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 Sheraton hotel 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 by climbing Mount Meru with us. We have an option to join a coffee tour and hike to a waterfall at 1,829m/ 6,000 feet. It is best to prebook this tour before arrival.
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 Lemosho 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 Lemosho Gate. The Gate sits at 2,300 meters (7,546 feet). On all our Kilimanjaro tours you will have a full 3 course meal for lunch at the gate before we start hiking towards our first campsite.
After lunch, you’ll embark on a 3-hour trek to Big Tree Camp, situated at an elevation of 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). As you enter high altitude, it’s crucial to pace yourself and proceed slowly to acclimate properly. On this day, you’ll ascend 500 meters (1,640 feet) and cover a distance of 3.9 miles (6.2 kilometers). This portion of your Kilimanjaro trek is an essential acclimatization phase, helping to ensure a safe and successful journey to the summit.
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’ll begin your trek through the lush rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro. As you ascend to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), you’ll transition from the rainforest to the Heather or Moorland zone. The trail includes some ups and downs before reaching a scenic lunch spot perched on a ridge. From this vantage point, you’ll get a glimpse of the steeper route leading up to the Shira Plateau.
On this day, you’ll ascend 700 meters (2,296 feet) and cover a distance of 5.7 miles (9.1 kilometers). The trek typically takes around 7 hours, including time for lunch and breaks. This day offers diverse landscapes and crucial acclimatization opportunities as you continue your Kilimanjaro journey.
Watch video from Day 2 on the Lemosho route.
Day 4). Moving Across the Shira Plateau
Today’s hike on Mount Kilimanjaro is relatively easy. This hike is one of the most critical acclimatization days on early part of the trip. This added acclimatization day at this stage of the trip is extremely important. Also, remember that you’re still at high altitude. It’s crucial to stay hydrated by drinking 4 liters of water.
The route takes you across the scenic Shira Plateau, leading to Shira Camp 2 at an elevation of 3,900 meters (12,795 feet). Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy lunch and then embark on an additional acclimatization hike up to 4,000 meters (13,123 feet).
After reaching this higher elevation, you’ll return to Shira Camp 2 for the afternoon and evening. On this day, you’ll experience an ascent of 500 meters (1,640 feet) and a descent of 100 meters (328 feet), covering a distance of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). The trek to Shira Camp 2 typically takes no more than 4 hours, providing ample time for rest and acclimatization.
Watch video from Day 3 on the Lemosho route.
Day 5). The Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
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 4,620m/ 15,157 feet. Our guides will approach this day like the summit day, walking for 1 hour, stopping for a few minutes and then continuing.
It is important to maintain this for 4 hours to reach Lava Tower. Our guides do this to make sure everyone can maintain the correct pace and you understand how we move on the summit night.
We will be taking this same approach on the summit night so important for the guides to be able to see that everyone can maintain this pace.
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 Barranco Camp, at 3,900m/ 12,795 feet.
This is a long day where you hike up 740 meters (2,428 feet) and also descend 740 meters (2,428 feet) and cover 6.7 miles/ 10.8km. This should take 7 hours including breaks and lunch.
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 scramble up and over the Barranco Wall. We think that the Barranco valley is the most beautiful valley on Kilimanjaro. The Barranco wall is 95% steep walking. There are a few sections of scrambling mostly at the bottom and one section at the top.
Our guides will lead the way, protect you and explain how to move on the Barranco wall. It is important to follow the guides instructions at all times. 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 Barranco Wall is 300m/ 984 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 steep 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 500m/ 1,640 feet. Also, the descent is a total of 220m/ 721 feet. Therefore, you will cover a distance of 3.5 miles/ 5.6km today. This should take 4 hours from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp. Watch video from Day 5 on the Lemosho route.
Day 7). High Camp and Launching Pad for the Summit
Today, the team will ascend to either Barafu High Camp at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet) or the more advanced Kosovo Camp at 4,900 meters (16,076 feet), depending on weather conditions. The preferred goal is to reach Kosovo Camp, as it offers the best position for your early morning summit attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Departing from Karanga Camp at 8 am, the aim is to arrive at high camp by midday. Reaching high camp early is crucial for aiding the acclimatization process. You will also need to rehydrate and rest before the summit attempt.
Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a full three-course meal—a blend of lunch and dinner—around 2 pm. Afterward, you’ll have time to prepare your gear for the summit push and get as much rest as possible.
At midnight, you’ll wake up to begin the final ascent to the summit. Today’s trek involves a steady uphill climb, with an elevation gain of 900 meters (2,953 feet) from Karanga Camp to Kosovo Camp. The distance covered is 3 miles (4.8 kilometers), making this a critical day for acclimatization and preparation.
Watch video from Day 6 on the Lemosho route.
Day 8). One of the Biggest Trekking Days of your Life
This is it, all the acclimatization is over. All the hard training and preparation is over! Today is your summit night, and not forgetting the day part of this which can be the most challenging. Learn more about training for the downhill.
You will have 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 995m/ 3,264 feet from Kosovo Camp to the Uhuru Peak.
After an amazing experience on the summit of Kilimanjaro you have to focus on a serious decent. Initially you will have 2 hours 30 minutes to steep descent back to Kosovo Camp. You will have a two hour break at Kosovo Camp, where you will have time for brunch, some rest and time to pack up your bags.
After this break we will continue the descent to Mweka Camp which is an additional 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) The total descent today will be 2,795 meters (9,170 feet).
This is a VERY tough day, even for the most seasoned trekker! Therefore, you MUST be prepared! Please follow our training advice for the ascent and descent.
On this very long day, you will cover a distance of 11.2 miles/ 18.1km. This hike up and down can take anywhere from 13 to 14 hours including breaks.
Watch video from Day 7 on the Lemosho route.
Day 9). The Rewarding Walk Down Kilimanjaro
After an amazing nights sleep at lower altitude, 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 1,676m/ 5,500 feet.
This is a beautiful steep hike, down hill through the rain forest. However, your legs will be tired from the day before!
You will descend down 1,424m/ 4,671 feet today and will cover a total distance of 5.8 miles/ 9.3km. This should take 4 hours descending sometimes of slippery terrain. You need to make sure you have excellent leg strength for the downhill.
Watch video from Day 8 on the Lemosho route.
Kilimanjaro is a Serious Challenge!
So now you have the lowdown on what we believe from our experience is the best route up the mountain – The Lemosho Route using Kosovo Camp as High Camp.
Kilimanjaro even on this extended route is a challenging ascent and descent. You need to be approaching the mountain with specific training in and preparation in mind. If you need further advice feel free to contact us at any stage.
The Best Route on Kilimanjaro
The elevation profile for Lemosho Route is quite advantageous as it offers a slow and steady climb up the mountain, allowing for adequate time to acclimatize along the way. It also provides a less crowded experience on the mountain due to its longer duration.
By extending your time on the trail, you can fully appreciate Kilimanjaro’s stunning views. Thus, making it arguably one of the most rewarding hikes in Africa.
But let’s further explore Mount Kilimanjaro and its elevation in more detail and look at some other routes, how this African peak compares to others worldwide, some interesting facts about the mountain, and more.
Kilimanjaro Height
Mount Kilimanjaro stands proudly as the highest peak in Africa. Standing tall at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, it is also the world’s highest free-standing mountain. Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest summit, is the main destination for most climbers.
Kilimanjaro’s summit is just one of a trio of distinct volcanoes, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo crater stands in the middle and is the highest peak. Mawenzi stands 5,149 meters (16,893 feet) high to the east and Shira 4,005 meters (13,140 feet) high to the west.
Geographical Location
Mount Kilimanjaro is a stratovolcano (a conical volcano) located in the Kiliman located in Northeastern Tanzania, East Africa, near the Kenya border. It’s part of the Kilimanjaro National Park and is a protected area.
Comparison with Other Famous Mountains
Have you heard of the Seven Summits? The Seven Summits are the seven highest mountains on each continent. They consist of Mount Everest in Asia, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Elbrus in Europe, Denali in North America, Aconcagua in South America, Vinson Massif in Antarctica and Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania/Australia.
Mount Kilimanjaro ranks fourth in height of the Seven Summits, coming in between Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters or 18,510 feet) and Denali (6,194 meters or 20,322 feet). Despite being lower than some of the world’s most notorious peaks, Kilimanjaro still stands as one of Earth’s most iconic mountains.
| Summit | Height (meters) | Height (feet) | Country | Continent |
| Mount Everest | 8,848 | 29,029 | Nepal/China | Asia |
| Aconcagua | 6,962 | 22,841 | Argentina | South America |
| Denali (Mount McKinley) | 6,190 | 20,310 | United States | North America |
| Kilimanjaro | 5,895 | 19,341 | Tanzania | Africa |
| Elbrus | 5,642 | 18,510 | Russia | Europe |
| Vinson Massif | 4,892 | 16,050 | Antarctica | Antarctica |
| Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid) | 4,884 | 16,024 | Indonesia | Oceania |
Different Climbing Routes On Kilimanjaro And Their Elevation
We’ve pretty much covered the Lemosho route in-depth, and we’ve discussed why we believe it’s the best route for most climbers. However, several other Kilimanjaro routes can be taken, with elevations varying from route to route.
Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, or the “Coca-Cola” route, is so called because of the refreshments offered at the huts on this route. Dubbed the easiest way up the mountain, it is often the route of choice for more inexperienced climbers.
But with its high elevation gains each day and lack of acclimatization time, it is not necessarily the best. This is reflected by the low success rate due to altitude sickness. The trailhead starting at Marangu Gate is 1,843 meters (6,047 feet), and the elevation gain is 4,052 meters (13,384 feet).
Machame Route
The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes and offers spectacular views, but it tends to be more crowded than the Lemosho Route. It is also known as the “Whiskey” route because of the difficulty involved. The trailhead starts at Machame Gate, 1,640 meters (5,380 feet), and reaches an elevation gain of 4,255 meters (14,051 feet).
The Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is known for its steep elevation gains, which makes it one of the most challenging routes up Kilimanjaro, despite being one of the shortest paths. However, it’s important to note that this route provides very little opportunity for acclimatization, so we don’t recommend it for inexperienced hikers or those who are new to high-altitude climbing. Starting at Umbwe Gate, 1,800 meters (5,906 feet), the elevation gain is 4,095 meters (13,435 feet).
Rongai Route
There are several other routes, but the last one we will discuss is the Rongai Route. Like Lemosho and Machame, this route emphasizes acclimatization by having more gradual elevation gains spread out over a longer time.
However, as you tackle this route from the north side, you’ll miss out on some of the most spectacular views of the mountain. The trailhead starts at Rongai Gate, 1,950 meters (6,398 feet), and reaches an elevation gain of 3,945 meters (13,033 feet).
Northern Route
The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering an extended trek with superior acclimatization opportunities, which is crucial for a successful ascent. This 9-day itinerary not only provides more time to adjust to the altitude but also allows trekkers to experience the best of the Lemosho route.
The Northern Circuit takes you off the beaten path, traversing one of the less visited and quieter routes on Kilimanjaro. This unique trail offers a rare opportunity to explore the scenic and peaceful northern side of the mountain, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more secluded and immersive trekking experience.
Altitude Sickness And Its Impact On Elevation Gain
Climbing Kilimanjaro isn’t something that should be taken lightly, and though, as we mentioned earlier, we have a 95% success rate for summiting, altitude sickness is something to factor in.
Altitude sickness (also known as Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS) can be a serious condition that’s caused by climbing too high too quickly and not allowing your body enough time to acclimatize.
Fortunately, you are in good hands when you climb Kilimanjaro with Ian Taylor Trekking, as we are old hands at what we do with years of experience in high-altitude climbing.
We take the necessary precautions to ensure that you don’t succumb to altitude sickness, such as taking regular rest and going slow enough that your body has time to acclimatize.
We check oxygen saturation and heart rates morning and evening for each climber and ensure that our climbers never make more than 700 meters jumps in altitude in one day.
Generally speaking, the longer routes, such as the Lemosho route, offer more gradual ascents, allowing more time for acclimatization. With patience and proper preparation, you should have no trouble achieving success on Kilimanjaro.
Tips For Successful Elevation Gain On Kilimanjaro
To climb Mount Kilimanjaro is no easy feat and requires physical preparation beforehand to ensure a successful summit. Check out our TOP 50 TIPS.
Below are some tips for making sure that your ascent to the roof of Africa is as successful as possible:
- Make sure you’re physically fit and good physical condition before attempting any of Kilimanjaro’s routes.
- Start training early and focus on building up endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
- Prepare mentally by visualizing yourself reaching the summit and making it through any challenging moments that may arise during your climb.
- Pack the right gear and supplies.
- Stay hydrated throughout the trek.
What’s the Difference Between Elevation and Ascent?
When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you’ll look at two measurements: elevation and ascent. The elevation is how high the peak of the mountain is in relation to sea level, while the ascent measures how far up the mountain one has climbed.
And you’ll also soon notice that the ascent isn’t all gain; you’ll be ascending, descending, and ascending again – sometimes it will seem like two steps forward, one step back!
Interesting Mount Kilimanjaro Facts
Standing on the roof of Africa is an amazing and unforgettable experience, but let’s finish off by looking at some interesting facts about Kilimanjaro:
- The name Kilimanjaro likely comes from the Swahili phrase “Kilima Njaro,” which means “Mount of Greatness.”
- The first recorded successful ascent to the summit was made in 1889 by German geographer Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller, an Austrian mountaineer.
- Mount Kilimanjaro was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
At the ripe age of 89, Anne Lorimor made history as the oldest individual to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro.
Elevation Gains on Your Kilimanjaro Climb
We hope this post about elevations gains on Kilimanjaro was helpful. If you want more information or to start planning your trip up Kilimanjaro, then GET IN TOUCH today!
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