Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking

Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking | Lemosho Route

• 8 Days | 7 Nights
• Kilimanjaro National Park

Lemosho is the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, with panoramic vistas of the mountain. It’s a newer route, ideal for climbers who want low crowds, beautiful scenery, and high success rates. Most of our clients choose this route and recommend it. The climb starts at Londorossi Gate, at 2360m, to the west of the mountain. It circles around Kilimanjaro southwards, through rainforests where unique wildlife can be seen, and continues to the third summit at Shira Ridge. Climb Kilimanjaro via Lemosho for a memorable, less crowded, and successful experience.

Itinerary Plan

Day 0: Arrival – Pre-trek Briefing
If you have chosen to use our airport transfer service, we will collect you from Kilimanjaro Airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Your guide will meet you at the hotel for a pre-trek briefing, which is scheduled for the day after your arrival. We recommend that you arrive at least one day before the trek begins. During the briefing, we will discuss the trek and review your equipment. If you require any additional equipment, we can arrange for it to be rented from our store.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, you will be transferred from Moshi/Arusha to Londorossi Gate (2,360m / 7,743ft) for registration and briefing. After completing park formalities, you will begin your trek through the lush rainforest zone. The trail is rich with greenery and wildlife, offering a peaceful start to your Kilimanjaro adventure. After approximately 3–4 hours of hiking covering 6km (4 miles), you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,895m / 9,498ft) for dinner and overnight.
Zone: Rain Forest
Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Today you leave the rainforest behind and begin ascending into the heath and moorland zone. The landscape gradually opens up, offering wide views and a cooler climate. The trail is steady and scenic as you continue toward the Shira Plateau. After about 5–6 hours of trekking and covering 8km (5 miles), you will reach Shira 1 Camp (3,505m / 11,499ft) for dinner and overnight.
Zone: Heath & Moorland
Hiking Time: 5–6 hrs
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
After breakfast, you will trek across the beautiful Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic areas on Mount Kilimanjaro. The terrain is relatively gentle with spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscapes. After approximately 5–7 hours of hiking over 11km (7 miles), you will arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,804m / 12,480ft) for dinner and overnight.
Zone: Heath & Moorland
Hiking Time: 5–7 hrs
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
This is an important acclimatization day where you will hike up to Lava Tower (4,630m / 15,190ft). The trek passes through the alpine desert zone and provides excellent opportunities for “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization. After spending time at Lava Tower, you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m / 12,959ft), located beneath the famous Barranco Wall. The hike takes approximately 4–5 hours ascending and 2–3 hours descending, covering 7km (4.2 miles).
Zone: Alpine Desert
Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs / 2–3 hrs
Distance: 7 km / 4.2 miles

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
After breakfast, you begin with the exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, a thrilling but manageable scramble offering breathtaking views. Once at the top, you will continue trekking through valleys and ridges before reaching Karanga Camp (4,033m / 13,231ft). Today’s hike is shorter but includes some steep sections and takes about 4–5 hours, covering 5km (3 miles).
Zone: Alpine Desert
Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles

Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Today you will continue your ascent to Barafu Camp (4,556m / 14,948ft), the final camp before summit night. The environment becomes more rugged and dry as you move deeper into the alpine desert zone. Upon arrival, you will rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. The trek takes approximately 4–5 hours and covers 4km (2 miles).
Zone: Alpine Desert
Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
Distance: 4 km / 2 miles

Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
This is the summit day and the most challenging part of the climb. You will begin your ascent around midnight, trekking to Stella Point and onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft), the highest point in Africa. After enjoying your achievement and taking photos, you will descend back to Barafu Camp for a short break and then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,171ft) for dinner and overnight. This is a long day but very rewarding.
Zone: Ice Camp / Rain Forest
Hiking Time: 7–8 hrs up / 4–6 hrs down
Distance: 12 km / 7 miles

Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
After breakfast, you will make your final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m / 5,381ft). The trail is scenic but can be slippery due to wet conditions. At the gate, you will sign out and receive your summit certificate before being transferred back to Moshi/Arusha. Today’s hike takes approximately 3–4 hours and covers 10km (6 miles).
Zone: Rain Forest
Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles

 

 

Inclusions and Exclusions