8 Days Lemosho Route
Lemosho Route **** (RECOMMENDED) The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The route begins in the west and rather than simply intersecting Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira Camp. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although eight days is ideal. Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. It is our favorite route because it offers a great balance of low traffic, scenic views and a high summit success rate. Thus, Lemosho comes highly recommended. Most of our clients use Lemosho.
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi Arrival and preparation for the climb.
- Arrival: Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to your hotel in Moshi.
- Briefing: Meet with the guide for a detailed briefing and gear check.
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (bed and breakfast).
Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,250 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m)
- Distance: 6 km
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane forest
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, followed by a drive to the trailhead. Trek through dense rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
- Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa (2,820 m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m)
- Distance: 8 km
- Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Trek through heather and moorland zones, crossing ridges with stunning views. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp on the Shira Plateau.
- Overnight: Shira 1 Camp.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
- Distance: 7 km
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
A short, gentle trek across the Shira Plateau, with panoramic views of Kibo Peak. Enjoy the changing scenery and acclimatization time.
- Overnight: Shira 2 Camp.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) to Barranco Camp (3,950 m) via Lava Tower (4,630 m)
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Climb to Lava Tower for acclimatization, followed by a descent to Barranco Camp. This day follows the “climb high, sleep low” strategy to help acclimatization.
- Overnight: Barranco Camp.
Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,950 m) to Karanga Camp (3,995 m)
- Distance: 5 km
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Ascend the Barranco Wall, a non-technical but challenging climb. Enjoy views of the southern glacier before reaching Karanga Camp.
- Overnight: Karanga Camp.
Day 7: Karanga Camp (3,995 m) to Barafu Camp (4,673 m)
- Distance: 4 km
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
A short but steep ascent to Barafu Camp, the final stop before the summit attempt. Rest and prepare for the midnight summit climb.
- Overnight: Barafu Camp.
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
- Distance: 17 km (up and down)
- Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic
Start the summit climb around midnight, reaching Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak for sunrise. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu for a brief rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.
- Overnight: Mweka Camp.
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), Transfer to Moshi
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane forest
Descend through the forest to Mweka Gate to receive summit certificates. Transfer to Moshi for rest and celebration.
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi.
Day 10: Departure
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or continue with an optional safari or Zanzibar holiday.
Whats Included
- Hotel accommodation in Moshi (2 nights)
- Full-board meals during the trek
- Airport transfers
- Transfers to/from Marangu Gate
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Hut accommodation
- Experienced mountain guide(s)
- Porters and cook
- Portable toilet
- Dining tent and camping equipment
- Safety equipment (first aid kit, oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter)
- Summit certificate
Whats Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, hiking boots, clothing)
- Tips for the crew (guides, porters, cooks)
- Snacks and beverages
- Laundry services
- Optional add-ons (extra nights, safaris, Zanzibar trips)
- Medical services and evacuation costs beyond park fees
6 Days Marangu Route
8 Days Lemosho Route
